Cork flooring, natural cork is nothing but the outer bark of the cork oak tree which is used in the flooring after manufacturing it in the form of tiles and carpets like linoleum flooring, also provides a warm, noiseless, non-slippery and resilient flooring, and possesses good heat insulation qualities. The cork flooring is generally used to obtain a noiseless floor as in case of libraries, churches, radio-broadcasting studios, theatres, hospitals, art galleries, schools, etc., This type of flooring should not be used in basements or such other floors which are constantly subjected to dampness.

Regarding cork flooring, the following salient features should be noted:

• Cork tiles are manufactured from high grade cork bar and are available in standard sizes (from 10 cm x 10 cm to 30 cm x 90 cm) with varying shades in different thicknesses (from 5 mm to 15 mm).
• Cork tiles are usually made in two qualities, ordinary and heavy density. The heavy density tiles are used when heavy wear is expected, like floors of theatres, schools, art galleries, etc., Tile joints are either tongue and groove type or butt types.
  
• Cork carpet is prepared by heating granules of cork with linseed oil, etc., and then compressing it by rolling on canvass. The cork carpet, being more absorbent, is difficult to maintain it clean.

Merits of Cork Flooring:

• It provides an attractive, resilient, durable and cheap surface.
• Being moderately warm with cushioning effect, it gives comfortable living and working conditions.
• It offers adequate insulation against noise and heat.

Demerits:

• It is subjected to rotting when kept wet for sufficient time and its use is not recommended for basements.
• Cork Flooring does not offer resistance against fire, being combustible in nature.
• This covering when applied over wooden base may get torn, under excessive sub-floor movements.