Home Improvement Blog

Yes, Cork Oak, the same material used for stopping up your bottle of Dom Perignon, can also be used for flooring.  If you are planning to replace the flooring in your home, we strongly recommend considering cork.  It is an eco-conscious choice for home improvement.

The deciduous Cork Oak tree grows around the Mediterranean, in the countries of Spain, Italy, France, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and most of the cultivation is done in Portugal.  These trees grow a thick bark, which protects the tree against forest fires.  Without harming or cutting the tree down, only the bark is harvested once every decade to produce the cork material.  Much care is taken during the harvest, which is done by hand and a small axe.  The bark regrows, therefore making it an excellent renewable resource.  These trees live and produce cork up to 250 years.  Some have lived to 500 years! 

Cork Oak bark evolved over thousands of years as a thermal insulator to resist fires and it is for this reason that the material is an excellent safety choice for use in homes.  Your heating bills will be greatly reduced (sigh for New England residents!).  Going barefoot is great because cork is soft and warm against your feet.

The bark consists of honeycomb-like bubbles that contain gas and air.  It can be compressed up to 40% and still return to its original state without damage.  This creates an excellent cushioning effect and is much more comfortable to walk on than ceramic tile or hardwood floors.  It will be a welcome relief if you are on your feet all day.  Cork flooring is durable and impact resistant even from heavy furniture or high heels.  Imagine how cork is used as a stopper in wine bottles.  It can be compressed for many years, yet as soon as it’s opened the cork will go back to it original size.  However, we do recommend putting pads underneath furniture legs, just as you would with a hardwood floor.  It is being installed more frequently in places with constant foot traffic, such as offices, public buildings, banks, libraries and kitchens.

A substance inside the honeycomb structure of cork, called Suberin, repels moisture, pests, termites, fungus and rot.  These are common issues for homeowners here in Massachusetts due to the many older homes and humid climate during the summer months.  MA residents who suffer from allergies should think about materials like cork when home remodeling because of its anti-allergenic properties.

Cork is used in recording studios and under heavy machinery because it is a natural acoustical insulator and reduces vibration.  Sound from footsteps or accidently dropping things will be greatly reduced. 

Cork flooring comes in hundreds of colors and shapes, just like ceramic tiles.  Organic pigments are used for color.  You can decide whether you want it varnished or the raw material for your home improvement.  Alone, it has a natural beauty and does not need paint or chemicals. 

As Junk Removal Specialists, here at Final Pick, we always think about recycling.  Oak Cork is easily recyclable.