Discover the Unstoppable Advantages of Cork for the Home
Look beyond wine stoppers to see cork's ecofriendliness, durability, fire resistance and antimicrobial nature for all kinds of home products
Although it's associated mainly with wine stoppers and pinboards, cork is a natural material also known for its elasticity, buoyancy and near impermeability. Cork is also very light and ranks highly for its insulation properties, making it a great material to use around the home.
This completely natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable material has a raw and timeless appeal. Because cork comes from nature itself, no piece is the same, offering a multitude of grain, texture and color choices.
This completely natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable material has a raw and timeless appeal. Because cork comes from nature itself, no piece is the same, offering a multitude of grain, texture and color choices.
Environmental considerations. Cork is a 100 percent natural material that is obtained through an environmentally friendly harvesting process. Cork trees are not cut down to harvest the cork — instead, the bark is harvested by hand every nine years. Cork trees can live up to 300 years, which means they can be harvested about 33 times during their lifespan. The cork's processing is relatively straightforward — even waste scraps are collected for use.
Pros of cork. Cork's antistatic surface makes it resistant to dust and toxin absorption, making it a great choice for people with allergies. Its soft, cushioned surface makes it a great flooring choice for those with knee problems or anyone who wants a little extra support. Cork's naturally antimicrobial and water-resistant attributes also help combat mold and mildew.
More about cork flooring
More about cork flooring
Cons of cork. Although cork is water resistant, it's not waterproof, so take care to seal your cork properly. It might need to be resealed every few years or so. Without proper protection, cork can stain. Sharp objects can also cause significant damage to cork floors.
Approximately 6.6 million acres of Mediterranean cork forest covers Southern Europe and Northern Africa, which is where most of the world's cork supply originates. Some argue that the negative effects of shipping to North America from so far away outweighs the environmental advantages.
However, Nora Berrahmouni, Mediterranean forest unit director at the World Wildlife Federation has encouraged consumers to buy cork flooring. Since there's a decline in the global market for cork wine stoppers (many have been replaced with less ecofriendly screw-top and plastic stoppers), other cork products will help support this sustainable form of agroforestry.
Approximately 6.6 million acres of Mediterranean cork forest covers Southern Europe and Northern Africa, which is where most of the world's cork supply originates. Some argue that the negative effects of shipping to North America from so far away outweighs the environmental advantages.
However, Nora Berrahmouni, Mediterranean forest unit director at the World Wildlife Federation has encouraged consumers to buy cork flooring. Since there's a decline in the global market for cork wine stoppers (many have been replaced with less ecofriendly screw-top and plastic stoppers), other cork products will help support this sustainable form of agroforestry.
Uses in the Home
Acoustic backing. Cork's compressive strength and acoustic and thermal attributes make it a popular backing for many other materials in commercial buildings. It's even used to insulate some parts of space shuttles! These same qualities make it an ideal choice for exterior walls or walls in children's play areas, where it can help block noise and maintain temperature, and can also double as a pinboard.
Acoustic backing. Cork's compressive strength and acoustic and thermal attributes make it a popular backing for many other materials in commercial buildings. It's even used to insulate some parts of space shuttles! These same qualities make it an ideal choice for exterior walls or walls in children's play areas, where it can help block noise and maintain temperature, and can also double as a pinboard.
Wall coverings. Wall tiles made from cork were popular in the '60s and '70s and are now enjoying a resurgence due to their eco credentials. Cork wallpaper is now readily available too. This Phillip Jefferies wallpaper is made of natural cork with an underlay of silver metallic paper for a stunning result.
Backsplashes. Cork is one of the ecofriendliest options for wine stoppers. Rather than having wine corks recycled, consider making an upcycled and durable backsplash when you're done with your favorite reds and whites.
Cork's gorgeous natural grain can be tinted and stained by manufacturers to create patterned and colorful finishes. Rolls of cork can be cut and painted, as for the backsplash in this novel kitchen.
Soft furnishings. Cork can be ground, shaved and applied to soft furnishings. It contains a waxy, naturally fire-resistant substance called suberin, which protects cork trees from forest fires.
Note: Cork is generally considered fire resistant rather than fire retardant, so don't set it near an open flame. However, it does make a good choice for something like a lampshade.
Note: Cork is generally considered fire resistant rather than fire retardant, so don't set it near an open flame. However, it does make a good choice for something like a lampshade.
Many designers are also experimenting with cork furniture, since the materials is so lightweight, and furniture made from it is easy to move around. Cork is buoyant, which is why sailors often tie their keys to a cork ball — the keys won't sink.
More: Cork Flooring: Warm Up to a Natural Wonder | Photos of cork in design
More: Cork Flooring: Warm Up to a Natural Wonder | Photos of cork in design