Cork, a beautiful and sustainable approach to flooring, was popular in the late 19th century and has been used ever since. There are many reasons cork continues to be popular to this day. It is insulating and durable, if properly installed and cared for. Cork flooring provides cushioning while standing, is hypoallergenic, and has natural anti-mold and insecticide properties. It is also fire resistant and provides sound proofing.
Because the bark is harvested from the tree without killing it, cork is a very sustainable product. However, it takes about 20 years before it can be harvested for the first time and about 9 more years for the next harvest. In addition to being sustainable, most cork flooring is also a recycled product that is derived from the waste of the cork wine-stopper manufacturing process.
Since there are many colors and textures available, this floor works well in a traditional or contemporary setting. We used cork flooring in Powell Construction’s Design Studio so people can explore this flooring option for their own homes. We invite you to come and visit to see this flooring for yourself.