2022 is well underway, and with spring just around the corner, Edmontonians are getting ready to transition from winter to the most exciting season of all: renovation season! If you’ve been cooped up at home for the past few years and are tired of looking at the same old floors that went out of style years ago, it’s time to finally take the leap and explore your options for a refresh.
As Edmonton’s top choice for flooring solutions, Ashley Fine Floors is here to help you find the perfect fit for your space. Below, we’ll talk about one of the best, yet lesser-known options for outfitting your home: cork flooring. Read on to learn more about this fantastic solution!
What is Cork Flooring?
Cork flooring is created using materials extracted from the bark of the cork oak tree. Unlike most traditional wood flooring, which requires the entire tree/source to be harvested, cork is unique in that it can be harvested from living trees without requiring them to be cut down. This makes cork eco-friendly and helps reduce the carbon footprint it causes in the production process.
Cork flooring offers many benefits to homeowners, including:
Highly Durable
We all know that, aside from budget, one of the biggest considerations you need to have in mind when selecting your new flooring is durability. No one wants to replace their floors over and over, so finding a solution that can stand the test time is vital. Cork is extremely durable, can withstand the unique demands of the Canadian climate (winter, anyone) and is moisture as well as scratch-resistant.
Whether you have kids, pets, or have a home that deals with heavy foot traffic, cork flooring is a fantastic option for almost every home!
Breathe Easy
Have you ever thought about how your flooring contributes to clean air and allergies in your home? If not, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are shocked to learn how big of a role your floors have in reducing the introduction of mould and allergens into the air, and with Alberta’s climate presenting endless opportunities to bring dirt and grime into your house, having the right floors is important!
As a naturally anti-bacterial option, cork inhibits the growth of spores and can help prevent the spread of allergens, meaning you and the whole family can breathe easy and know that you’ve got the best option underfoot.
Insulating
Cold Alberta winters can be a drain on the wallet during the colder months as we try to keep our homes nice and cozy inside when the weather is truly frightful. Thankfully, cork retains heat very well, meaning it’s warmer than other options like hardwood or vinyl. Best of all, it can also be installed over radiant heating, giving you cozy results all year long!
Sound Absorbing
Fancy yourself a burgeoning musician or facing sleepless nights as a parent? If you’re looking to keep your home nice and quiet, you might be surprised to learn that cork is an amazing solution. Much like cork’s insulation qualities, the build of the material easily helps absorb extra vibrations throughout your home, helping to create a quieter environment for everyone. This makes cork perfect for nurseries, music rooms, home offices, theatre rooms and much, much more!
Aesthetically Awesome
Finally, cork is available in a wide variety of patterns, making it easy to integrate into any space! From sleek and refined to quirky and outspoken, you’ll have no problem putting your style personality on full display!
Learn more about the benefits of cork by contacting our team today!