Natural Cork Flooring in Houston
At Jack's Carpet, we carry Natural Cork from US Floors. Natural Cork is a great flooring option that has become more and more popular over the last several years. This eco-friendly material is unique in that it is taken from the bark of a tree instead of the actual trunk. So only the outside covering of the tree is used, allowing for more of this material to grow year after year. Other benefits of cork include: a resilient cushiony surface, natural fire inhibiting properties and resistance to insects. With many different design applications, this sustainable material can add style and value to your home in an environmentally friendly way.
Most natural cork is harvested by hand, leaving minimal impact upon the surrounding habitat. June to August is the most active growing season, when much of the harvesting takes place. This process involves stripping the bark off the tree and leaving it out in the sun to dry before it is taken to the factory. Traditional methods like these are still widely practiced today in various countries throughout.
Flooring Comparison
There are many factors that make natural cork one of the best environmentally friendly options on the market. In fact, no other flooring can compare. See for yourself:
Natural Cork Comparison Chart
| Natural Cork | Carpet | Hardwood | Ceramic Tile | Vinyl/VCT | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warm | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Comfort Underfoot | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Durable | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Easy to Clean | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| All Natural | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Resilient | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Mold/Mildew Resistant | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Acoustic Insulator | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Thermal Insulator | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Increases Home Value | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Resists Insects | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fire Inhibitor | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Easy to Install | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Easy to Repair | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Scratch Resistant | Yes | NA | No | No | No | Yes |
Product Options and Installation
The two main types of Cork we offer are: Natural Cork Parquet Tiles and Natural Cork Planks. The first option, parquet tiles, are available in a range of patterns, colors, sizes and finishes. These glue-down tiles are general installed over a wood or concrete surface with a water-based contact cement for best results. The plank option is designed to click into place for a glueless installation. Therefore, the process involves less time and mess. Planks are also easy to unclick for repair.
When choosing the natural cork that is right for you, there are several factors to consider. Density impacts the durability of cork. Higher densities are better for the top layer of flooring that experiences the most wear and tear. Lower densities may be used underneath for thermal, acoustical and mold resistance reasons. Thickness is another important feature for insulation. Standard thickness is 4 mm for parquet tiles and 3 mm with a 2-3 mm bottom layer for click in place planks. The finish of your flooring also plays a role in durability and care. Polyurethane is the most common finish choice, but paste wax, vinyl and “anti-scratch” are also available options for easy cleaning and maintenance.