Why Cork | Cork Ideas

WHY CORK?

Cork is the outer bark of the cork oak tree, which grows mainly in the Mediterranean region.

This tree has a life span of about 200 years. Each cork tree must be 20 to 25 years old before it can provide its first harvest of cork.

After extracting the cork a new layer starts generating and nine years have to pass until a new harvest can take place. The cork harvesting is made in a sustainable manner and does not harm the tree which is never cut down or removed.

With the increasing concern towards the environment, cork oak remains the only tree whose bark can regenerate itself after harvest leaving the tree unharmed. Furthermore, the cork oak tree has the remarkable capacity to retain carbon and a harvested cork tree fixates almost five times more carbon.

These exceptional characteristics make cork a naturally sustainable product and its use contributes to the preservation of a unique habitat in the world.

It is an evergreen which grows in commercial stands only in areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Of the important cork producing countries, Portugal supplies approximately 50%, Spain 25%, with the balance being divided between Algeria, France, Morocco, Italy and Tunisia.

As early as 2,500 BC cork was being used for ﬁshing ﬂoats in ancient Egypt.

Amazing design possibilities

Cork is also amazingly versatile, and designers can explore the material in a surprisingly creative fashion. By altering color and the way it is laid up, it becomes possible to create a whole range of textures and visual effects, without upsetting performance and maintaining cork's natural properties.

natural and sustainable

Cork flooring, Cork wall panels and furniture products are produced from natural cork obtained directly from the bark of the cork oak tree. The cork harvesting is made every nine years with minimal impact on the environment and no trees are cut down to bring you this product. Cork is the perfect environment-friendly, renewable and sustainable material.

Safe and Hygienic

Cork wall coverings and floors do not absorb dust and is resistant to bacteria and fungus. They do not cause allergies nor pose a risk to asthma sufferers. The finished product is dust, dirt, and grease repellent. Adhesives and finishing products used in the manufacturing of cork coverings do not use heavy metals compounds, are formaldehyde-free and volatile organic compounds emissions are not detectable.

Comfortable

Cork, as a natural product, warms and enriches any interior. With over 40 million natural “cushion cells” per cubic centimeter, cork is a natural sound and thermal insulator. Cork wall coverings and floors are beautifully quiet and comfortable, warm and pleasant to the touch.

Durable and Waterproof

The natural characteristics of cork, together with a series of specific treatments in the manufacturing process, make cork wall coverings and floors amazingly wear resistant. If is also water and stain resistant, being easy to clean with just a damp cloth.

innovative texture

Cork floors and wall coverings are available in a unique assortment of textures and colors that stimulate design. They are surprisingly versatile, allowing designers to choose a surface that gives a special touch to interior decoration, creating unique appealing spaces.