Cork floors provide many benefits over traditional flooring materials. Some key things to know about cork floors:

• Natural and sustainable.
Cork floors are made from the bark of cork oak trees. Cork oak trees are not harmed during harvesting and will continue to produce new bark indefinitely.It is a renewable and sustainable resource.
• Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.
Cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria, and other microbes. It is also non-porous so it does not absorb or retain moisture or odors. This makes it ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers or high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
• Warm underfoot.
Cork provides excellent insulation and temperature regulation. It keeps feet warm in winter and cool in summer for a cozy atmosphere. The thick material also dampens sound for quiet comfort.
• Resilient and durable.
High-quality cork floors are durable and impact-resistant. While they dent more noticeably than hardwoods, they absorb shocks and will not crack or chip. Proper maintenance also helps prevent premature wear.
• Peel-and-stick or floating.
They can be installed using either “peel-and-stick” adhesive backing or a loose-lay interlocking system. Adhesive-backed provides the most stability while floating floors offer ease of movement and reconfigure. It depends on specific needs and subfloor compatibility.
• Naturally beautiful.
Cork floors have an earthy, rustic beauty with variations in color and texture across boards. Each floor is unique due to the genuine nature of the material. Stain or polish can provide more uniformity if desired.
• Initial cost.
Although cost-effective in the long run, cork floors tend to have a higher upfront cost than materials like wood, vinyl or laminate. The natural material and production process result in a premium product that lasts longer but has a bigger budget impact initially. Costs have decreased in recent years though.