Finally, a Sustainable and Stylish Alternative to Wooden Floors

Billions of trees are cut down yearly to be made into – amongst other things – wooden floors and wall panels. It’s impossible to replace the trees we cut down because they take up to 100 years to mature for harvest.

Even so, it’s hard to deny: wood looks good. Natural materials like wood are especially coveted in homes and buildings in the concrete jungle, as it brings nature closer and makes for a stylish interior.

Enter a natural material that comes from trees, yet doesn’t harm them: cork. Cork comes from the bark (the outer layer) of cork oak tree trunks. The trees are not cut down or damaged during the harvesting of the bark which regenerates every 9 years. So, a single cork oak tree can produce large amounts of cork material in its lifetime!

Besides being so much more sustainable, Wicanders cork flooring and walls are a better alternative to wood. Here’s why:

Cork oak trees are planted for their barks, but never cut down for harvest, so they help reduce global warming. Sustainability is also upheld during the production of cork goods as surplus material is granulated and incorporated into new products, reducing carbon footprint.

Furthermore, cork flooring and walls do not pollute the air (or your lungs!) with harmful phthalates as with vinyl flooring and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as with laminated timber. In fact, Wicanders cork products are certified by environmental bodies like Greenguard and TÜV-PROFiCERT for their extremely low levels of chemical emission.

The classic cork design makes for a stylish, natural material for your floors and even feature walls. If you’re not a fan of the classic cork look, then opt for variants that mimic cement, graphite, oak, and walnut wood.

With so many design options, cork flooring and walls are suitable for use in bedrooms, common areas, offices, and even dry kitchens.

Boasting suberin and ceroid compounds in its cell walls, cork is practically impermeable to liquids and gases. Unlike wood, it will not be damaged by moisture and humidity. Also unlike wood, cork does not attract termites which are known to destroy wooden architecture and furniture.

While wooden floors whistle in the wind, creak when you walk, and create echoes, cork absorbs sound efficiently, making it a good acoustic insulator.

Wicanders floors reduce noise within a room from walking and media. This is especially useful for apartment living or commercial spaces; allowing you have video calls, listen to music, play your guitar, and even indulge in a little karaoke without having your neighbours complain.

Cork is an elastic material with a honeycomb structure, comprising millions of cells filled with air. This makes Wicanders flooring a good shock absorber, preventing damage to falling mobile phones, plunging plates, and even tumbling toddlers.The impact absorbing quality of Wicanders cork flooring has even been tested and proven to be better than that of carpet, linoleum, laminate, and more.

Due to that honeycomb structure, cork is also very comfortable to walk on, which is why it’s used in footwear of brands known for their support and comfort.

While hardwood floors are just that – hard, cork flooring is non-abrasive and gentle on the joints.

Wicanders flooring and walls are a great option for your home, office, and even retail space. It’s a durable material that comes with warranties of up to 25 years. Contact BDC today for more information!