Wednesday, 23 September 2009 13:01

Cork is a natural wood product from the outer bark of the cork oak, a tree native to the Mediterranean region.  The bark is harvested without harm done to the tree.  About 1/3 of the trunk is stripped approximately every nine years.  The trees can live to be 150 years old.

The Quiet Wood

Cork is a natural insulator due to the cellular structure that absorbs sound. The bouncing of sound waves is much less than it is with solid wood, wood laminate, imitation wood floors, ceramic tile, etc. Sound transfer from adjacent upper levels of the building is also reduced, especially if a cork underlay is added to the cork flooring installation.

The Warm Winter Floor

The numerous, tiny air pockets retain more surface heat and is more effective for saving energy in the winter than it is with other types of hard surfaces such as ceramic, stone and vinyl.  With its low thermal conductivity, cork flooring is also desirable for providing thermal insulation when installed over slab.

The Comfortable Summer Floor

When airborne hunidity levels rise, cork flooring like all natural fibers or hard surface flooring is preferred over the sticky, unpleasant feeling of carpets made of man made fibers. This is because cork flooring does not trap humidity like the heavy pile surface of carpet.

A Long Life Span

Cork is an excellent flooring material because, although it feels hard when you touch it, it is slightly resilient.  The ability to bounce back after walking, furniture depressions, etc, increases the life span of the flooring. In residential settings, cork will last the same number of years as other hard surface floorings if cleaned and maintained properly.  Cork flooring comes in several unique patterns, textures and colors of nature.

Easy To Care For

Normal sweeping or vacuuming, wiping up spills and excess moisture immediately, and the use of door mats at entry doors is all that is needed for daily care along with using a spray cleaner designed for cork floors.  If the cork flooring starts to show wear, it can be refinished so that it looks just like the day you purchased it.

Tuesday, 22 September 2009 14:51

No other flooring offers the warmth, beauty, and value of wood.  Wood flooring enhances the decor of any room, and provides timeless beauty that will increase in value throughout the years.

Ease of Maintenance

Maintenance of today's wood floors is easy.  New technology in stains and finishes call for regular cleaning that takes little more than sweeping and/or vacuuming, with occasional use of a professional wood floor cleaning product.  You will want to use a cleaning product recommended by a wood flooring professional.  This will ensure that you use the proper cleaner for your type of flooring and finish.

Ecological

Wood floors are ecologically friendly.  Since it is a natural resource, wood is both renewable and recyclable.  Old wood recycled from wood ships, warehouses, barns, and other structures often find a second life in wood flooring.  And, because wood does not collect dust and other allergens, many leading health associations agree that wood floors are the perfect choice for a healthy home.

Affordable

Today's wood floors are affordable.  Over time, wood floors maintain their value.  When other flooring options are looking tired and worn out, wood floors will still look beautiful and timeless.

Variety

Wood floors have come a long way in the past few years.  Today, there are more styles, colors and species of wood flooring available than ever before.  Whether you are looking for traditional Oak, rustic Pine, exotic Wenge or trendy Bamboo, you're sure to find a color and style to fit your decor in our showroom.