Cork Tiles
Cork Tiles The Beauty And The Benefits
The last 10 years has seen an increase in demand for cork tiles in our lives. While this can be put down to the stylish advances that have been made in the production of cork accessories and products (out with the old brown colors and in with the new modern color wheel), it is also due to the fact that there is no denying the many benefits that this wonderful, natural material offers.
Millions of homes all over the world have experienced cork in the form of the cork board, but now more and more homes and offices are introducing cork in the form of furniture, cork wall tiles and cork floor tiles.
The benefits of cork tiles have been known about for centuries and our ancestors used cork to great effect. But it just seemed to go out of fashion.
Where Do Cork Board Tiles Come From?
I think it is fair to say that practically everyone knows the answer to this question, but just a quick re-cap. Cork board tiles come from the cork tree. Did you know that cork is harvested manually, no machines are used in the process so the tree itself is treated with great respect and unharmed. If you would like a more technical explanation then check this out
Cork has been harvested like this since the beginning of time, it is a highly protected material, and the regulations surrounding its manufacture are stringent. After harvesting, the cork is then ground down and baked in an oven known as a kiln and formed into sheets. It is from these sheets that your cork board tiles will eventually be cut.
Why Are Cork Tiles The Latest In Designer Home Chic?
It is very on trend these days to try and source sustainable, environmentally friendly materials for use in our lives and homes.
Our children are being taught all about the damage we have been doing to their planet and as such we are all so much more aware of respecting the earth’s natural resources. But aside from this there are some very practical, down to earth reasons for using cork.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Cork Tiles?
- Insulation Properties: Because of its structure cork is a great insulator against sound. It is often laid under other flooring, or used in the form of cork wall tiles for this reason. So if you live in an apartment building it is perfect for making your every day noises from your neighbors and theirs from you. You can even lay it under wood flooring (wood carries noise so in many cases you really do need an extra layer to compensate for this). It can either be used in a room where there is a lot of noise or a room where you require more peace and quiet, cork wall tiles will keep the noise out or in respectively. For the same reasons, cork provides protection from the elements, so in winter your cork tiles can help keep out the cold and in summer, the heat will be kept at bay.
- Water Resistance: Cork is resistant to water and liquid in general. Water will sit on top of your cork tiles but will not get down into them. This does not mean that it is water proof though, nor does it mean that it will not stain, so you are still always advised to mop up any liquid spillage with a damp cloth or mop. It is unlikely that pure water would do this, but other liquids may contain harsh colorants in them which could potentially alter the natural color.
- Feel Good Factor: Did you know that cork is over 50% air? Yes the air is trapped in the molecular structure. This is what gives the lovely soft, spongy feel to the tile. They are more comfortable to stand on for longer periods as a result of this, so cork board tiles make great shop flooring, and if you are on your feet in the kitchen for extended periods then they work well here too. On the bare foot they feel nice too.
- Hygiene Factor: Cork tiles contain a substance called suberin which occurs naturally in them, it is suberin that prevents the development of bacteria, mold and mildew. This is also why cork is great to have in areas where people are prone to allergies.