Why Cork Is A Sustainable Natural Resource

By Author: Vikram Kumar
Total Articles: 9701
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Hardwood floors are obtained by cutting down trees. How many are destroyed in the building of one house? Help cut back on unnecessary destruction by adding cork to your home.

In the manufacturing of cork tiles only the bark of a cork oak tree is used. The original bark is sent to plants to first be made into wine cork stoppers. The leftover pieces are then ground down into small nodules. These nodules are mixed into larger batches and adhesives are added so that they can be pressed into sheets or tiles. Depending on the color and the style that the manufacturer wishes to achieve, the bark is either baked in ovens or dyed with paints and stains. These different processes result in a wide array of styles and designs that can be used to compliment any décor style you wish to achieve in your home.

The biggest producers of cork are Portugal and Spain where there are regulated forests for cork harvesting. Laws were passed in centuries past to keep these areas from over-harvesting the trees. Only a specially trained professional is allowed to strip the bark. And this process is completely hand done with specialized ...
... tools. No mass produced machines are permitted to touch the trees. In fact, in these areas, whole generations of families have staked their livelihoods on harvesting cork.

The trait that makes cork so special is that it is the only tree capable of shedding its bark. No cork oak tree at any time is cut down to provide wood for homebuilding. That’s simply not the way cork works. The cork oak tree has an estimated lifespan of 250+ years. After harvesting the bark, the tree regenerates and grows a new layer of bark. This bark can actually be stripped off every 10 years or so without causing any injury or damage to the tree. It hits the top of the list as a sustainable resource.

The structure of cork is comprised of millions of tiny chambers that are reminiscent of a honeycomb-like formation with fourteen-sided polyhedrons. Each of these cells contains gas which in turn gives cork flooring its insulating and shock absorbing properties. Even if there is a depression formed on a cork panel surface when heavy furniture is placed on it, it will quickly return to its original shape once the weight is removed.

But that’s not where cork’s use ends. This marvel of nature has so many benefits, you’d be hard pressed not to want it as a part of your home. It is a natural:

Fire retardant
Water repellent
Sound and shock absorbent
Thermal barrier
Bug, mold and mild resistant
Hypoallergenic

And, after all that it is a natural resource that is not only renewable but also recyclable. Cork can be reused for different purposes, because in the manufacturing of cork flooring or wall material, absolutely no harmful compounds are used. It is non-toxic.

These are the facts, not hype. Look into the truth and add a little cork to your home. We think that going ‘Green’ is a good thing when cork is in your corner.

To more about cork wall tile
And Cork Flooring visit iCork Flooring.