If most people had to make a list of products made from cork it would generally stop at wine stoppers and pin boards, however cork is also a wonderful flooring material. Reasons for buying cork flooring is numerous and include, great insulation properties, eco friendly and is even good for those with allergies.

1# Insulation

If reducing you energy bills is something that is important to you then cork floors will certainly help with this. Cork's insulation properties mean that your home will be kept warm in winter and cool in the summer

Also because cork is a soft material it prevents noise being carried by people walking over it. This is especially useful if you live in an apartment and don't want your neighbours to hear you walking about at 3am!

2# Environmentally Friendly

Cork comes from the outer bark of the cork oak tree which grows in the Mediterranean. The bark is mainly used for wine stoppers however because so many wine producers are opting for plastic corks or even screw-tops, this has caused economic and environmental problems in the cork producing areas. Cork oak forests are a superb habitat for many species of animals and birds including Barbary deer, Iberian lynx, black vulture and the imperial Iberian eagle. Also, because only the outer layer of bark is used, the tree does not have to be felled. So if people stopped buying cork products what would happen to the cork oak forests? It is estimated that three quarters of forest could be lost within the next 10 years which is why wildlife charities are currently campaigning for a reversal of this trend. If cork growers aren't making money from their trees then they may be uprooted or burnt.

3# Durable

Although cork is a soft material you'd be wrong to think that it won't be able to withstand everyday life. When buying a cork floor look to see what protective coating the manufacturers give. If it has been treated with several acrylic, urethane or wax then it should be guaranteed to last for 15 years. Some experts say that urethane is the best option.

4# Health Benefits

With many allergy sufferers these days, you may be looking for a floor covering which is hypoallergenic. Cork does not absorb dust, does not shed microfibres or contain polyvinyl chlorides so is the ideal material.

5# Choice

If you like a wide choice when making a purchase then you will certainly be spoilt for choice when selecting your cork floor. They come in a variety of colors and patterns - some of the patterns are as spectacular as any marble!

You also need to ask the supplier what the density is because this affects how much abuse it can withstand. Look for cork floors with a density of at least 30 pounds per cubic foot. The thickness should also be at least 3/16 inch.

When shopping for a cork floor you will see it in the form of tiles or laminate "floating floors". Tiles are good if you have a smooth flat surface to lay them on however if your floor it rough and uneven then the "floating floor" is the best choice.

Installation

Installation of both cork tiles and floating floor click systems are very easy to install for the average DIYer. Before you have your cork floor installed make sure that you unwrap the plastic and leave it to get used to the temperature of the room for 3 days. This might sound strange but cork can expand and contract with the heat and cold.