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Cork

Cork comes from the thick outer bark of cork oaks that are native to the Mediterranean region. After harvesters strip the cork, the oaks regrow their bark and can be harvested again in about 10 years. Most of the cork used for flooring is actually scrap from the bottle cork industry.

Cork is naturally fire and moisture resistant as well as sound absorbent. Rolls of cork are sold as underlayment for hard-surfaced flooring to reduce noise transfer to the room below. Cork intended for use as flooring is typically adhered to a wood fiber-based backing material. For easy installation, most manufacturers make tongue-and-groove products that don't need to be glued or nailed in place.

Choose factory-sealed cork flooring that doesn't have a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) backing or wear layer. If unsealed cork flooring is installed, use a low-VOC natural wax or low-VOC polyurethane sealer. Although cork is resilient and durable, it may dent or scratch, particularly in high traffic areas, and some products may fade if exposed to direct sunlight. Cork may not be advisable in areas with high moisture content such as bathrooms and kitchens; check with your flooring supplier. Proper maintenance is required: vacuum or sweep the floor weekly; damp mop monthly with manufacturer-approved products and minimal water.


There are many cork flooring products on the market in an ever-growing array of styles and colors. The Green Product Directory features a selection of cork flooring brands that have low-VOC emissions and aren't made with PVC. Some of these products also have FSC certification, giving you assurance that the cork and its backing material come from sustainably managed sources.

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FEATURED PRODUCTS
BRAND PRODUCT NAME
AmCorkParquet Cork Floor Tiles
AmCork’s natural cork flooring products are available in a floating cork floor plank and a cork floor tile. For do-it-yourselfers, installing cork flooring is made easier for using the floating floor planks, as they are designed to float over most uneven substrates. AmCork's cork tiles are offered in several patterns. LEARN MORE ►

Amorim Flooring North America, Inc.Wicanders Corkcomfort Floors
Combining traditional and modern features, Wicanders' Corkcomfort floors are made of a multilayer structure. The top finishing layer of wear protection prevents scratches and abrasions due to normal use. The different cork patterns are made with a layer of extremely thin sheets of veneer. Underneath lies a core layer of pressed cork which provides stability, warmth and comfort under your feet. LEARN MORE ►

Anorim FlooringIpocork
Ipocork floors are made with natural materials and are therefore an environmentally friendly alternative to other flooring options. Mindful of the increasing need to protect the environment, cork floors are a sensible and ecological choice. The surface finish on Ipocork floors prevents trapped dirt, dust, germs and mold, actively contributing to a healthy and hygienic environment. Cork´s natural thermal insulation properties make Ipocork floors pleasantly warm. They provide a warm and cozy f... LEARN MORE ►

Capri Cork FlooringMediterra Cork Tiles and Planks
Mediterra Cork products are available in gluedown planks and tiles and are FloorScore certified for low VOC emissions. They are offered in many patterns and stained colors. Mediterra Cork is manufactured in Luogosanto, Italy. The cork bark is harvested from local trees in the Luogosanto area. Capri Cork aslo makes Eco-Clicks, an easy to install tongue-and-groove floating floor that installs without glue. All Mediterra Cork colors and patterns are available in the Eco-Clicks configuration. LEARN MORE ►

DuroDesignDuroDesign Cork
DuroDesign offers cork flooring in 54 colors and six patterns, as either glue-down cork tiles or click-together floating floor planks. DuroDesign floating cork floors may be installed directly over an existing floor, concrete slabs or construction-grade plywood. DuroDesign cork floors are finished with a polyurethane finishing system formulated for durability, abrasion resistance, clarity and resilience. DuroDesign cork floors are covered by a 25-year structural and 5-year renewable finish warra... LEARN MORE ►

Globus Cork Inc.Globus Cork Tiles and Floating Floor
Globus Cork offers a wide array of patterns and sizes in gluedown cork tiles and floating-floor planks. The result is nearly endless design choices. All pigments, varnishes and adhesives that Globus Cork uses in producing its tiles are water-based, solvent-free and have no VOCs. Since 2007, the company has used renewable wind energy for its manufacturing energy needs. LEARN MORE ►

Home Legend LLCUrban Collection Cork Floating Floor
Home Legend’s Urban Collection is a naturally home friendly flooring option with anti-allergenic and mold resistant properties. It's available as an easy to install, glueless floating floor in various plank widths and lengths. Three coats of water-based polyurethane provide added durability against wear and tear. LEARN MORE ►

Nova Distinctive FloorsNova Cork Floating Floors and Gluedown Tiles
Nova offers a wide selection of patterns in glueless floating floor and gluedown tile configurations. All Nova Cork Floorings are covered by a 20-year residential wear warranty. Their cork floating floor products have a water-based polyurethane finish, while their cork tiles are finished with a hard-wax oil. Both products are formaldehyde-free. LEARN MORE ►

Sustainable FlooringCeramiCork
Sustainable Flooring's CeramiCork is coated with a proprietary ceramic finish that adds durability to cork without sacrificing the beneficial properties of the natural material. Mounted on click-lock engineered boards with moisture sealed seams, CeramiCork is fast and simple to install over your preexisting floor or concrete slab. CeramiCork is perfect for people who want joint impact reduction and warmth underfoot without sacrificing durability or sustainability. LEARN MORE ►

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