I haven’t explored cork flooring yet because it reminds me too much of the 70’s. I still have nightmares about cork walls (my friend did his entire room in brown cork) and cork wedge heels. Hold on…I just had another memory! Does anyone remember Azuma on W. 8th Street? They had lots of cork.
Maybe here’s where I need to say “Cork has come a long way.” Actually, it was around long before the 70’s. It’s a sustainable, resilient material now being used in homes of people with taste (unlike the 70’s when nobody had taste).
Pros
- Cork is from the bark of the tree. If harvested correctly, the tree is unharmed and the bark will regenerate.
- Easy DIY. Cork often comes in 12″ squares for easy installation.
- Absorbs sound.
- Thermal insulation.
- Comfy in bare feet.
- It comes in colors! Not just brown.
Cons
- Don’t expect it to last longer than 10 years.
- It scratches.
- Tends to yellow and fade in the sun.
- It does need to be sealed.
Green Living
Cork Floor
Duro Design
posted @ 6:34 am Comments (9)
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LOVED Azuma as a kid! Man, the name along brings back so many memories.
I’d be interested in hearing second wave experience with cork. It took a while to hear the downside of bamboo flooring, stainless steel appliances, etc., so I am wondering about the reality behind the hype for cork.
Comment by jude — November 14, 2007 @ 8:32 am
What a difference one missing word or two can make. I meant to write, “I’d be interested in hearing MORE about ….” The way it came out, it looks like I was dismissing the Pros/Cons you listed. Sorry!
Comment by jude — November 14, 2007 @ 8:36 am
Jude, you may not hear 2nd wave because it doesn’t last long enough. Listed under “cons” as lasting only 10 years. That makes it disposable sustainable. Hmm.
Comment by Carrie White — November 14, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Did you go to Azuma when you went to “The Village” to shop at Reminiscence, Capezio and Unique? What about Conrans on Astor Place? Am I blowing your mind? Funny how I remember things from 30 years ago, but I don’t recall what I did 20 minutes ago.
Comment by RH — November 14, 2007 @ 11:39 am
Unique? I still have a button from there in my jewelry box. I miss my big old tweed old man’s winter coat that I bought there when I was 14…
Comment by iloveupstate — November 14, 2007 @ 7:15 pm
Remember Zoot? I had friends who worked there. They sold my jewelry. (Yeah, I’ve worn many career hats)
Comment by RH — November 14, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
Thanks for the informative post! I just found you through NaBloPoMo. What a great site!
Comment by Mischa — November 15, 2007 @ 1:25 am
Thanks, Mischa! What a great site you have there yourself! Maybe you should be giving some tips to AT (see NYC Stuff comments).
Comment by RH — November 15, 2007 @ 9:17 am
[…] in November I did an article on cork flooring. I listed the pros and cons, but my own hesitation with cork is that it reminds me too much of the […]
Pingback by reclaimedhome.com » I’m Starting to Groove to Cork — December 11, 2007 @ 6:44 am