Pros & Considerations
Pros
Durability
A cubic inch of cork can withstand as great a pressure as 14,000 lbs. per square inch without breaking, and retains 90% of its original form after the pressure is released. Less or more normal pressure increase return to original form from 97% to 100%.
Because heavy pressure does not break down or destroy the tiny air cells, but compresses the air within the cells, the cork begins to spring back when the pressure is removed. A roll or sheet of composition cork can be compressed in one direction without losing its dimensions in the other direction. This is of great importance for many applications of composition cork.
Warranty
DuroDesign offers a 5 year renewable finish warranty for cork flooring for normal wear and tear if you follow the re-finishing maintenance schedule. Apply two coats of their MP765 water-base polyurethane:
Once per year for high traffic retail
Once every two to three years for low to medium commercial traffic
Once every five to seven years for residential cork flooring applications
Silence
Reduces the noise of footsteps by up to 20dB. Cork, with its 200 million air cells per cubic inch; of which 50% is air, essentially acts as an "air cushion", absorbing vibrations and direct impacts.
Comfort
The 2,7 mm cork layer provides an extraordinarily soft walk and stand feeling and protects back and joints. Always feels warm and pleasant by insulating from cold & heat. Next to a vacuum, a "dead" air space minutely divides one of the most efficient non-conductors of heat. The cell construction of cork provides this property for which cork is so famous.
Health
Does not entrap dirt and funguses - creates no allergy problems.
Easy Maintenance
Only vacuuming & damp mopping required.
Environmentally Friendly
A renewable resource - Cork bark is harvested from the Cork Oak every 9 years (an operation which is completely harmless to the tree).