One of the first and most enduring innovations in the world of modern floor coverings, cork flooring is composed from bark that is gathered from cork oak trees. Cork flooring is available as easy to install cork tiles, as well as longer sections that can be used to create beautiful cork floors. Cork flooring is usually pretreated with a variety of stains and colors, making the cork floor tiles and sheets a workable option for just about every room in the home.

One of the advantages of using cork flooring is that cork is a renewable resource. The bark that is harvested from the cork oak trees replenishes over time. This helps to make cork flooring an attractive option for people who lean toward using natural materials in the home, but are also conscious of the environment. Since it is possible to purchase cork flooring in natural unfinished sheets, the home owner can even make use of stains and other methods of coloring the material that are in keeping with his or her lifestyle.

Along with the natural unfinished sheets, cork flooring is also available with a few special treatments. Waxed cork flooring is ideal for maintaining a natural look, but is resistant to dirt. The waxed version is a good option for high traffic areas. Resin reinforced cork flooring has an extra layer of protection to the shine of the floor, allowing cork flooring to be an ideal choice for a more formal room. Vinyl impregnated cork flooring comes in a wide range of colors, and can be used in kitchens, dens, or bathrooms.

Like any type of flooring medium, cork flooring is often only as successful as the quality of the installation process. This means that it is important to begin with a level surface for the cork flooring, and to use the correct adhesive to secure the cork flooring to the flat surface. It is also crucial to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation before starting the job. While most cork flooring products will install under similar conditions, the manufacturer may have specific instructions that apply when the cork flooring is installed in certain climates, or applied to certain types of sub-floors.