Applications of Cork

Recent uses of cork in the home

A brief contemplation on the most economic uses of cork reveals that we may have been misappropriating this resource for centuries. Its use in stopping wine, champagne, and beer has been quite effectively dismissed as nostalgic for nearly a decade now, and corkboards are a thing of the past thanks to magnetic dry-erase boards and other more-effective surfaces.

So why is it that only recently have we seen cork used as an attractive, economical, and comfortable flooring option with impressive longevity? It's tough to say, but it is sufficient to go back and consider the obstinate nostalgia of the wine cork. At just over an eighth of an inch in thickness, cork floors seem to be remarkably logical uses of this renewable resource.

Underlayment Cork may seem too soft for use as an exterior floor or wall surface, which is why cork underlayment has been popular for so long. Most of the benefits of cork are present here; sound and heat insulation, anti-microbial resistance, moisture-resistant, hypoallergenic, and shock-absorbent. But this use does ignore the capacity of cork for impressive interior style.

Floor and wall tiles Regardless of your level of creativity, you will be surprised at what a stunning aesthetic difference cork tiles will make on surfaces in your home. More ambitious designers can easily cut the tiles to fit a pattern they designed, however, simple arrangements still provide an impressive parquet look without much effort.

Floating floors Of course, of all applications of cork, floating floors will likely prove to be them most popular. Using familiar tongue-and-groove links, a floating cork floor can be installed on nearly any flat surface save carpet. The joints are tight and less visible than with wood floors, even when installed by a professional. And since there is no need for glue or nails, there is less mess and chance for injury. Cork's natural resistance to swelling also eliminates the need to leave space for seasonal changes in moisture.