Stephens Flooring Santa Cruz » Cork Flooring

Q. How do I keep my cork flooring clean?

bjenkins — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:51:38 +0000

Regular mopping with a damp mop will be sufficient in keeping your cork flooring tile clean. Avoid harsh cleaning agents, and do not over wet your floor. Try to clear obvious mess quickly. Spills can be absorbed with a sponge or paper towel to avoid the possibility of permanent stains.

Q. Over which surfaces can I install my cork flooring?

bjenkins — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:31:53 +0000

Cork flooring is very accommodating and installation over concrete, wooden subfloors and tile are commonplace. The surface upon which you install your cork flooring must be level, dry, and clean.

Q. What areas are the best places to install cork flooring?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:55:28 +0000

Generally speaking, the best places to install cork flooring are on-grade (the level of the surface exterior to the space) or above grade (the second floor of a building, for instance). Areas where a lot of dampness and moisture, such as basements with newly poured subfloors, should be avoided. Subfloors must be level, dry, and clean before installation is considered.

Q. What makes cork flooring naturally moisture resistant?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:37:55 +0000

A natural substance found in cork called suberin, a waxy material that is a key component in the makeup of the cells in found in cork, is responsible for the moisture-resistant nature of cork and cork flooring. Suberin is also insect-resistant as well as adding a level of fire resistance. Although cork flooring is resistant to moisture, it is still a good idea to mop up excessive wetness as soon as possible as such levels of wetness can have ill-effects in the long term.

Q. Why is cork flooring known to be a good insulator?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:12:58 +0000

The cellular nature of cork flooring allows warmth to be held in, making it a very warm flooring to walk on, even in winter months. Another aspect of the kind of insulation cork flooring provides is that of sound, which is naturally absorbed. This makes for almost silent footfalls and can have a significant quieting effect in areas which are normally associated with echoes and other distracting ambient sounds, such as in foyers and hallways.

Q. Is cork flooring a good option for pets?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:59:36 +0000

While no natural wood floor is entirely scratch-resistant, cork flooring is more adaptable to claws caused by dogs and cats than many other natural wood flooring options. This is due to the general resilient nature of cork flooring, which is naturally impact resistant.

Q. Will cork flooring be tough enough for my home or office installation?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:48:21 +0000

One of the characteristics of cork flooring is its resilience to pressure and impact. Because of its cellular nature that features millions of microscopic air pockets, cork flooring has “memory” that allows it to withstand foot traffic and the pressure of furniture legs (best if the legs have felt protectors), taking its original shape after impact.

Q. Why is cork known to be an environmentally sensitive choice?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:40:04 +0000

Harvesting the cork oak for its bark is strictly regulated, limiting such harvesting into nine-year cycles. The individual cork oaks must be at least 25 years old before they are harvested and when they are, the health of those cork oaks must be ensured. The cork oak is harvested by hand, and remains unaffected by the harvesting process. The bark of the cork oak grows back, leaving the cork oak as healthy as ever. As such, cork flooring is one of the most renewable sources for flooring there is.

Q. Where does cork flooring come from?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:30:52 +0000

Cork flooring is most popularly harvested, manufactured, and sourced in Southern Europe, with Portugal being one of the most prominent regions from which cork comes. This is an area where the cork oak species is plentiful and where hand-harvesting is most practical.

Q. What is cork flooring?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:12:48 +0000

Cork flooring is a product made from the bark of the cork oak tree, a material which is ground, processed into sheets and baked in a kiln to produce tiles that serve as flooring for offices, light commercial locations, and residences.