Normally, when the word “cork” is spoken, it is in reference to wine corks, or even bulletin boards. Each is an excellent example of its own use for the extraordinary material. Wine bottle corks utilize the moisture resistance inherent in cork, while the latter for the impact absorption it provides. Both qualities are also highly sought after in another industry as well, though, perhaps even more so: flooring. The same features present in wine bottle corks and on the thumb-tack pin cushions transfer into cork flooring, coming together to make a perfect choice for those who are either concerned about spills, or are on their feet for long periods of time; the moisture resistance makes dampness less of an issue, and the remarkable 40 percent compression figure encourages relief on feet, legs, and even stature.

A plethora of other qualities mark cork as a preferred choice for your flooring needs, such as its natural aversion to fire. Even before harvesting, the Cork Oak Trees in the Mediterranean are often left the least-damaged in brutal forest fires. The bark on these trees – known scientifically as Quercus Suber – resists the heat of the flames, and this characteristic is certainly present later on, when the material is processed into tiles. Of a similar note, this helps to make the material a fine insulator, whether it is as flooring, or underlayment.

The list of features grows further as you learn about Suberin, a waxy substance produced by the tree that repels insects, and also influences the Cork Oak’s Latin name. If you’ve ever held a cork from a wine bottle, the slight feel of it being waxy is contributed by this substance. Suberin also helps to prevent rot when the cork is exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. Additionally, this miracle brew helps to prevent mold.

The actual harvesting process of the trees is as different from other woods as its qualities are. The Cork Oak is not cut down when obtaining cork. Instead, the bark is carefully peeled away from the trunk, leaving a thin, membranous layer that transfers nutrients to the tree, sustaining it without its protective “skin.” The intricacy of this process ensures that the tree survives the experience. The bark then re-grows, and is ready to be harvested again in just under a decade – normally around nine years. Portugal produces most of the cork for the world, and has accommodated this industry by placing important preservation laws to conserve the trees, and refine the method of harvesting so that virtually no trees are lost. Furthermore, almost none of the product is lost in the refining process, making Cork one of the leading choices in green housing. Cork Oaks live over two centuries, during which time they will be harvested over twenty times, and at the end of their long life, will be replaced by two saplings.

The wide variety of cork products almost necessitates an equally vast variety in flooring choices. Colors range from tan and brown to green to chocolate and black. Each color can be placed into almost any atmosphere and blend with the feel that is trying to be produced.

Popularity: 74% [?]

In contemporary flooring styles, there are many options to choose from. Virtually hundreds of different styles and types of wood are available, but few stand out so much as the ever-popular Tigerwood Flooring. Produced from the species branch Astronium it has gained a large preference where both interior flooring and decking are concerned. Tigerwood boasts a light background wood, enriched with stripe-like veins resembling brushstrokes that accentuate the overall exotic look. The backgrounds range in color, depending on what portion of tree is used. Sapwood is generally lighter, ranging from a pale tan to middle tones of brown, while heartwood is darker, making the contrast between striping and background more subtle. The aging quality that comes from exposure to sunlight darkens the lighter colors to more rustic reds.

Tigerwood is an excellent choice for the environment as well. With certification from the FSC – the Forest Stewardship Council – Tigerwood has a record of being less strenuous on the Brazilian neotropical forests it is harvested from. This moderation, of course, means preservation of the Earth’s natural resources.

As appealing to the eye as Tigerwood may be, in truth it may be the durability that leads the customer to decorate their home with this remarkable wood. Tigerwood is incredibly durable, with a Janka rating ranging between 1700 and 1900. It also boasts a natural resistance to both decay and insects, making it preferable for outdoor use. Even before preservation methods, the lifespan extends well past twenty years. This only reinforces the sense that this is a perfect choice for long-lasting beauty, inside and out.

Popularity: 100% [?]

While the classic beauty of hardwood floors can hardly be disputed, many consumers today are choosing laminate floors due to their growing reputation as the durable and practical flooring alternative. Regardless of your budget, design tastes, or lifestyle, there is a style of laminate flooring that will undoubtedly meet your needs. If a great price tag isn’t enough to help you make up your mind about a flooring solution, check out our top 5 reasons to make laminate flooring the choice for your home and family.

1. Range of Style: So, you thought that hardwood floors were the only way to ensure a high-end look in your home, right? Wrong! Laminates today come in a huge variety of colors and styles that will give your home that rich and beautiful look of wood, but at a much more reasonable price for homeowners who want to save a little green. In fact, there is probably no product which offers a greater range of flexibility in styles, colors, and designs when considering interior décor for the environment. You won’t have to sacrifice your taste for elegance by choosing h for your home or office.

2. Your Health: While carpeting in your home may seem warm and cozy, it can also offer a warm and cozy environment for many allergens which can plague a family with an array of health issues and costly visits to the doctor. One of the most notable benefits to choosing laminate flooring is your ability ensure a clean and healthy flooring surface for your family. The surface of a laminate floor is hard and smooth, offering very little room for dust particles, molds, and fungus to get trapped. If clean and healthy living is a concern in your family, then laminate flooring is an excellent choice for you.

3. Easy Installation: Whether you are a home improvement novice, or seasoned weekend warrior, installing laminate flooring should be a perfectly manageable DIY project, particularly if you are using the latest glueless, click & lock systems which easily snap into place. Also, laminate flooring can be installed over many existing floor types, which will help you accomplish the goal of beautiful new floors in your home in no time.

4. Durability: We’ve all walked across hardwood floors that are peppered with scratches, stains, and other imperfections, another reason why many people today are opting for the strength of laminates. People with pets or children will be especially interested in this topic, as laminate flooring features a very hard and durable finish on its top layer, making it dent, stain, and even moisture resistant. What’s more, many laminate flooring manufacturers today offer a 25-year warranty on their products, making laminate flooring a long-lasting investment.

5. Cost Effective: Let’s face it, this is probably the strongest reason for choosing laminate flooring in your home, as it usually offers the best value when considered over the long-term, especially when compared to other flooring materials. Hardwood flooring will require finishing treatments in the future, while the ease of installation and care required for laminate flooring is truly unmatched.

While the choice in a flooring solution for your home and family is ultimately a matter of personal preference and finance, laminate flooring certainly offers a great alternative for homeowners who hope not only to have beautiful floors, but also to add value to their home. Whether you decide on laminate flooring, hardwood, or even tile or vinyl, you can find an extensive selection of styles from the most respected manufacturers at FloorMall.com.

Popularity: 98% [?]