Floor Coverings

More and more, we see people looking for ways to enhance the home while incorporating individuality, which is where unique types of floor coverings come into play. For instance, two popular choices include bamboo and cork, which are actually strong and durable while creating a visually pleasing floor. In this article, we will talk specifically about those two unique types of floor covering, providing you with pros and cons of each.

For starters, bamboo is simply beautiful with a rich blonde color and distinct pattern. Made from thin layers of bamboo that have been laminated, this type of floor is highly durable and does not swell or shrink as with other types of wood flooring. Once of the biggest benefits of bamboo is that it is grown around the world, being harvested about every four years. On the other hand, oak and walnut, which are other popular types of floor covering, literally take decades to harvest.

Bamboo floor coverings are a wonderful choice regardless of the style of the home or décor of the room. With a rich, elegant look, it fits in perfectly anywhere. One of the most popular styles of bamboo flooring is the tongue and groove, which can be installed relatively easy. Best of all, bamboo is easy to care for and will last for many, many years. You can be sure installing this type of floor will increase the value of your home.

The other interesting material used for floor coverings is cork. Interestingly, a cork floor is made from ground up bark that comes from the cork tree. This material is very durable while producing a soft feel. Available in a wide range or earth tones, people have discovered how versatile this floor covering is. The difference between cork and bamboo is that cork is grown primarily in south Portugal where the trees must grow for about 25 years before the bark is stripped. However, cork trees can be harvested every nine years.

Once the bark is stripped from the tree, it is ground up, molded, and cut into slabs. Then, the slabs are sorted by color. Keep in mind that with cork floor coverings, no coloring, or dye is used so you get to enjoy natural beauty. Cork is very fascinating due to its soft nature. In fact, if you were to drop a plate on the floor, not only would it not break but it would also bounce slightly. If cared for properly, a cork floor can easily last 70 to 80 years!

Cork floor coverings were a huge hit in the 20th century although they were found primarily in businesses such as universities and banks. However, we now see many homeowners using this material for its unique properties and longevity. Remember, these unique floor coverings are just a few considerations.