Cork Flooring Gaining Popularity as Sustainable Flooring for Eco-friendly Homes

This is the third part of our Green Home Remodeling series in honor of Earth Day next week. Today let's take a look at one sustainable flooring option: cork.

Over the past couple of years the options for flooring were only hardwoods, vinyl or ceramic tiles. There are several newer eco-friendly options on the market that are becoming more competitively priced and more widely available.

What makes a floor green? If you're buying new flooring, one way is to confirm that the flooring you buy comes from a rapidly renewable source. Other considerations to make include making sure that the flooring is long lasting and gives off zero or low emissions.

One of the best eco-friendly choices is cork flooring. Cork is harvested from the outer bark of the cork oak trees. The tree regenerates its bark and can be reharvested every nine years. The conditions that favor commercial is in Western Europe and Northern Africa along the Mediterranean coast.

Photo credit: Natural Cork

Like bamboo, cork is gaining popularity among homeowners looking for an alternative to hardwood floors. If you haven't checked out cork flooring you may be pleasantly surprised that it is available in dozens of very rich colors. Its cost is comparable to hardwood flooring.

Cork flooring comes in a wide range of patterns and, with either simple tongue and groove panels or 12" x 12" tiles. It is durable; stands up well to high traffic and resists scuffs and stains. It's provides warmth and cushioning. As a natural insulator it also reduces noise.

Some of the major cork flooring manufacturers include:
American Cork Products
Duro Design
Globus Cork
Natural Cork
Qu-Cork
WE Cork

When looking for alternatives to traditional wood flooring, cork offer many benefits. For eco-savvy homeowners looking for ways to tread lightly on the planet, going green at home is a great place to start.

Questions? Or just want to chat about an upcoming project that you're considering? Email owner Chris Matey.
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