I think cork has quite a few positive attributes, but at the same time it can be the biggest pain! So what exactly is cork? Cork is harvested from the second layer of trees, under the bark, but before you make it to the hard interior rings. We most likely first interact with cork in a classroom on a regular cork board. Maybe your mom had one mounted on the wall of your kitchen for bills and shopping lists? Nowadays cork is used for flooring as well as tackable surfaces.

Cork flooring is considered a “rapidly renewable” flooring choice because it has a growth/harvest cycle less than 10 years. It is important to keep in mind that over 90% of the world’s cork supply is harvested in Portugal. So while one of the biggest positives of choosing cork is the fast growth, it also has to travel long distances, so the embodied energy of the end product is higher. That is why it is always important to keep in mind that a first choice that reads “super sustainable” from the outside products (like bamboo and cork) can actually have negative impacts as well.

Cork flooring is laid as either as roll goods (normally 6 feet wide) or as 12×12 tiles. The first generation of cork tile was prefinished, meaning each individual tile was finished with sealer before laid on the floor. This caused problems because there was not a final seal to lock out moisture. A few years back, the manufacturers changed their tune and now tiles get one set of sealer after it is stained (cork can be stained a rainbow of colors) before its laid, and then it gets a final seal when laid and in place. It is possible to replace individual tiles but it does not look as smooth.

Another positive attribute of cork is its ability to absorb sound. It is substantially quieter than standard wood flooring but still harder (and louder) than carpet. Just keep in mind that it is a natural material, therefore it is porous and soft. I learned the hard way that providing plenty of surface area on the feet of furniture is important. Otherwise, you can end up with a dimpled floor. There is a lot of opportunity to create intricate patterns and depth with cork – it is soft, so it is easy to cut and install. Just be sure to ask for a no VOC (volatile organic compound) adhesive and sealant!

So cork has many attributes, so good, some not so good. But it is always important to do your own research for your particular application. Good luck getting “corky”.

For more information you can check out www.flooringroup.com