When dealing with cork tiles it is important to have an understanding of the characteristics which they possess. The cork which is used in the production of such tiles/floor boards is harvested from Cork oak trees. These trees are grown until they are roughly twenty-five years of age and then they are allowed to enter into the harvest process. Once they reach their adolescent stage they are then ready to be stripped of their bark. The bark of these trees is gently peeled away from the trunk and branches and is then shipped to a factory where the bark was processed into wine-stoppers.
Once this process is completed, the by-product waste of this process is gathered and then compressed into sheets which are in turn made into cork tiles and floor boards. While most of these boards are used for flooring, it is not uncommon to have some of these boards used to tile walls and ceilings. These boards are useful because they are functional. Due to a natural waxy substance known as Suberin which cork produces, it has the ability to repel rotting caused by moisture, mildew, mold, or insect infestation.
Cork also possesses the ability to insulate areas where an echo might occur. As opposed to dry-wall or any type of alloy/metal, cork is able to contain sound much more effectively. In the home this can be useful in many ways. No more competing to hear the television over the commotion in the next room. While these cork tiles are not going to sound-proof your home they will definitely assist in maintaining reasonable volume levels.
Another quality cork possesses is the ability to tack things to it without causing damage to the cork itself. This is especially useful in both home and office environments, basically anywhere pin-ups are wanted. Cork tiles are not only functional, they can also add to the aesthetics of any room or hallway. With the various styles of cork tile there are some different directions in which you can head.
There are a few options to consider pertaining to the tone/shading of cork tiles when installing. One option is to stain the cork wall covering. Through the use of water-based stains, the cork is allowed to maintain its natural patterns while matching even the subtlest of color schemes surrounding the given room. Another option is covering the surface of the cork tiles with wax. With the wax finish, the cork’s textures, patterns, and tones are highlighted. Also, this wax helps to protect the cork from dirt and other irritants.
Another option when dealing with cork tile is simply to leave it in its natural state. This entails adding no surface treatment whatsoever. The plain cork look adds a well-dressed appearance to any room. One of the final options is to just paint the tiles. If a cork is waxed then it cannot be painted. Cork is rarely painted due to the fact that it hides its natural beauty. If the intention was solely for functionality – insulation – the cork could be painted if desired.
Overall it’s not hard to see exactly why cork tiling is a smart investment. While adding to the aesthetics to any room, cork also possesses a wide variety of functional qualities.
