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Cork Flooring: In the craze over hardwood and laminate flooring finishes, there are many great alternatives that have been lost in the hubbub. One of the reasons for this must be the advertising campaigns of the companies that sell hardwood and laminates, as they are continuously dubbed as the most durable and easy to maintain flooring methods of them all. Somewhere in the noise, people seem to have forgotten that there are several alternatives out there which can give your home the beautiful floor appearance you want while actually fulfilling several other areas that you may not think about when you are just focused on appearance. One of the ideal flooring materials may surprise you- cork flooring is rarely talked about, but is actually probably at the top of the list when it comes to flooring materials. This article will compare cork flooring to two of the most popular flooring types on the market today- hardwood flooring and laminates.
Most people are aware that both hardwoods and laminates, aside from their appearance, are marketed mainly on the strengths of being high durability and low maintenance. While it is true that these types of flooring are able to last for a very long time, the label is somewhat misleading- both types of flooring are highly susceptible to scratching and denting damage. Both are also very easily damaged by spills of liquids and even overly wet mops when you use to clean. Cork flooring, however, is highly resilient and this quality means that it is actually very resistant to scratches and dents. Its water resistant qualities means that it is not nearly as likely to be water damaged. In fact, cork is more likely to repel moisture without harm than either of its leading competitors, which will tend to buckle and warp when wet. As for upkeep, every type of flooring will require a certain amount of upkeep, and cork will need to be swept a little less often than the smoother laminates and hardwoods as dirt is not as visible. The absorbing qualities of cork means that it also surpasses hardwoods and laminates in tow categories that you may not think of when you are out shopping for floors. Cork is much more effective in absorbing sound than wither of the other tow materials, which means that it is much quieter when being walked upon. Cork also has a great deal more give to it than hardwood or laminate, and thus dishes and heads are less likely to be damaged when they come into contact with the floor. Cork flooring is also much more environmentally friendly than hardwoods. Given its resistant and absorption qualities, as well as its lower cost and environmental friendliness, it may be that cork flooring is the greatest secret in home design. Cork flooring is suitable for any room in the house, and is a great alternative to the more popular styles.
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Garage Flooring