More and more homes and business premises are turning to cork for their flooring, and it is fast becoming one of the preferred choices in the flooring industry. Why so?

Eco-Friendly
When the cork is stripped from the cork oak tree, it causes no harm to the tree, so it can continue producing material for many years, very sustainable. Cork flooring can also be made from cork granulate, for example from reusing old wine bottle corks. In addition, cork is naturally insulating, helping to reduce energy use in heating, at the same time keeping bills down. When it breaks down, cork releases no unpleasant chemicals into fragile ecosystems.

Healthy
Cork is naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, making it ideal for the bathroom or the kitchen where you are most likely to see a build-up of germs. It is a soft material, with plenty of “give”, so it is better for the joints, which is why it is suitable for areas that see heavy traffic. It’s also regularly installed in kids’ playgrounds, where it helps minimise injuries in falls.

Durable
Cork has a substance called Suberin inside it, which is a natural mould inhibitor, meaning it’s less likely to rot. It does need to be treated every few years though to maintain its waterproof qualities. It is also fire resistant.

Functionality
It’s not difficult to lay down, and in fact many flooring specialists are used to dealing with cork. It can be placed over linoleum or wood to save removing them, and can also go underneath ceramic, stone and wood flooring as an additional layer for soundproofing, comfort and warmth. Cork resists very well when placed under heavy furniture, and can go over uneven surfaces.

It’s not all good news with cork though. It can be quite costly, and it is also susceptible to staining unless you protect it well. Also remember that because it is quite soft, if you put or drop something sharp on it, like a knife in the kitchen, you’re likely to puncture it leaving an unsightly hole.

We’re all familiar by now with the most common measures we can take to make our homes more environmentally-friendly such as installing loft and wall insulation; fitting solar panels; installing low-energy bulbs and recycling as much as possible, but one aspect that is often overlooked is flooring.

There are in fact numerous flooring solutions that look good, don’t cost a fortune, and are very beneficial to the environment. Let’s discuss a few of them.

Cork
Cork is a fantastic material for flooring which is why it has been used for centuries. It’s very durable and comfortable, and it’s naturally resistant to mould and mildew, useful to know when you live in a mild climate such as ours. The cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees which are common in Spain and Portugal. So the tree doesn’t need to be cut down and can provide material for generations, and there is a fairly low carbon footprint for transportation too. One last plus – cork flooring results in very little waste. It’s one of the best green flooring options in our book.

Rubber
Similar to cork, the rubber tree doesn’t need to be destroyed during the harvesting process. Rubber is great because not only is it hugely functional – non-slip, easy to maintain and durable, but it is very sustainable – at the end of its lifespan rubber can be reused in many cases, or if not, in landfill there is little risk of harmful chemicals seeping into the ground. It’s also good when it comes to cleaning – just a bit of warm water will do the job in most cases, no need for harmful cleansing agents.

Recycled Carpet
If you’re wanting to install or replace a carpet then it’s worth asking your suppliers if they feature any ranges that incorporate recycled material. Many manufacturers have seen the appeal of “green flooring solutions” and have at least one range available. This type of flooring tends to cost a bit more, but it should last just as long.