Cork

aga — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:44:55 +0000

The best thing about cork is that it is natural! Used in various industries from fashion (shoes, accessories) through beverage (cork stops, place mats, coasters) to residential applications like cork message boards, flooring, wall and ceiling tiles, insulation, furniture and more. As an interior designer, I have always been interested in cork’s various home applications for its numerous benefits, unique look and environmental aspects. Below is my personal product evaluation which includes cork’s green story, pros and cons, and links to interesting website. GREEN STORY:

Cork is a natural resource; it comes from the bark of the cork oak, which is mainly grown in Portugal, Spain and Italy. Only 20-year-old cork trees or older are used for cork processing and it takes another 8-10 years before the same tree can be stripped of its bark again. The first layer of cork is too rough to be used in wine cork production, but is used for other products. Only at the third harvest, when the tree is close to 45 years old, the quality of bark is good enough for wine cork production.

ADVANTAGES:

100% reusable and recyclable
light weight
noise insulator
heat conductor
rot resistant, if sealed properly
impermeability to liquids and gas, if sealed properly
hypoallergenic properties
provides give/softness under foot
helps enhance indoor air quality (IAQ)
durability
longevity
unique beauty and character

DISADVANTAGES:

porous material/must be sealed
may stain without proper sealant
may fade without proper sealant
easily damaged by strong solvents
easily gouged/dented under pressure (heavy furniture, heels)
not recommended for basement/front entrance application for its porous nature

LINKS:

VIDEO

Interested in seeing samples of cork flooring, and where to get it locally?

CORK from Aga Artka on Vimeo.

Aga Artka Interior Design LLC » reusable

Cork