Cork Is Making A Comeback

Although you may think of your grandparents’ floors when you think about the use of cork in home design, it may be time to think again.  Why?  Because these days, cork has gone mainstream.  It no longer has to be the industrial, dated look we think of.  In fact, there are many options, for example, of engineered cork planks that can come in various colors, textures, and even wood-like finishes.

The best part is that cork is a highly sustainable and eco-friendly building material.  In recent years, more and more people seek to build more environmentally conscious homes.  In fact, more than 50% of real estate professionals report that their buyer clients are interested in sustainability.  Let’s take a look at the op reasons that cork is making a comeback.

1. Renewable Resource: Cork is a renewable resource that can be harvested from cork oak trees without causing harm to the tree. The bark of the cork oak tree can be harvested every 9 to 12 years, and the tree can continue to grow for up to 200 years. This means that cork is a highly sustainable material that can be harvested without depleting natural resources.
2. Energy-Efficient: Cork is an excellent insulator, which means that it can help to keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This can help to reduce energy consumption and lower heating and cooling costs. In addition, cork has a low embodied energy, which means that it takes less energy to produce than other building materials like concrete or steel.
3. Soundproofing: Cork is an excellent sound insulator, which means that it can help to reduce noise pollution in homes. This can be especially beneficial for homes that are located in noisy areas, such as near highways or airports.
4. Healthy Indoor Air Quality: Cork is a natural material that does not contain harmful chemicals or VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma, as it can help to improve indoor air quality.
5. Durability: Cork is a highly durable material that can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. It is resistant to moisture, rot, and pests, which means that it is less likely to need to be replaced or repaired over time. This can help to reduce waste and extend the lifespan of homes.

So yeah, it may sound like a blast from the past, but when you look at the overall benefits and consider how far the manufacturing and design has come, you may want to rethink your old opinions of cork.  Essentially it is less expensive, less toxic, more environmentally friendly, AND is basically waterproof, childproof, and pet proof.  Sounds like one hell of a comeback to me.  Still skeptical?  Check out this article.