DuroDesign: a green cork flooring supplier

Katrina Berg — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:29:57 +0000

In a previous gwg article, we discussed the 10 must knows regarding cork flooring. Now to find suppliers near our readers. Within a week of emailing DuroDesign, I received cork samples and information. In fact, they sent me samples in each of their six collections and 54 colors.

When the samples were opened, my husband and I poured over the options and were immediately impressed with DuroDesign’s cork line. Recently, we’ve decided to use cork throughout our future home, except the great room, (unless I convince him to use an area rug). We found it difficult to choose a favorite, so it appears we will have a few different schemes going throughout our home.

One of the reasons we would choose DuroDesign is because their cork tiles and uniclick panels are pre-finished with water-based polyurethane sealants. Just because it is a cork floor, doesn’t mean it is necessarily green. DuroDesign’s water-based finish assures that the cork floor is still green. When you order their product, the price includes enough water-base polyurethane for 4 additional coats (the stain lasts approximately 4 years), as well as a special lambs wool applicator & instructions for stain re-application, and stain for touch-ups.

Another reason I would choose DuroDesign, is that despite the collection or color I choose, the price remains constant. The only variable is how many square feet are needed. For example, on the price list effective August 2008:

Under 50 square feet = $10/sf
51-200 sf = $8.50/sq
Over 200 sf = $6.50/sf

When remodeling DIY style or even when hiring a contractor or sub, it is crucial to know how much you’re spending on each material. DuroDesign makes this a reality and even helps you calculate how many boxes you’ll need and how much each will weigh.

When it comes to style, price, and green flooring, DuroDesign is a solid choice for homeowners. To learn more about their warranty and maintenance-free products, click here. Take a minute and glance through their online portfolio of previously installed projects. I was impressed with the various projects, some with which I am familiar, and others designed by architects I admire. But don’t just take my word for it, request your own samples and brochures here. Enjoy learning more about DuroDesign, a choice supplier when it comes to green cork flooring.

10 things you must know about CORK FLOORING & informative cork sites

Katrina Berg — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:15:36 +0000

If you’re looking to buy or install cork flooring, this article is a comprehensive guide to the top ten must knows of cork flooring, and it will also provide you with 20 informative sites on cork.

10 things you must know about cork flooring:

1. Cork flooring is made from the Bark that is harvested from the Cork Tree (Quercus Suber), the only tree able to regenerate after the harvest. The bark can be re-harvested every 9-10 years without damaging the tree. Regulated forests within the Mediterranean, mainly in Spain & Portugal, are the producers for the cork industry.

2. Whether you use cork as your subfloor or main floor covering, if properly sealed/finished, the flooring will not rot, mold or mildew, for in its natural state, it is impermeable to liquid and gases. Water-based seal/finishing such as urethane are recommended. Because it does not release toxic gases on combustion, it is fire resistant.

3. Cork is a wonderful insulator. It is resistant to temperatures, so go ahead, take off your shoes and walk barefoot. You won’t find the same cold experience as with most tile flooring.

4. Just as the wine stoppers made from cork are light, your cork flooring will have this same amazing property.

5. Cork has ‘give’. It will bounce back as you move across the floor. Cork is a wonderful alternative to ceramic tile if you have bad knees, joints, back, etc.

6. Similarly, cork has ‘memory,’ and will return to its previous form if a heavy object asserts pressure.

7. Cork is extremely durable. It will not collect dust, and in its natural state, it is fire resistant. (Read up on your sealants/finishing making sure you are satisfied).

8. Thanks to the absorbent value in cork you will find the sound in your home amazingly contained.

9. Though it’s always a good idea to have a professional install flooring, cork floors are known to be simple to install and the perfect project for the DIY (do it yourself) crowd.

10. The easy maintenance is another benefit of cork flooring. It will not collect dust, and is therefore, hypo-allergenic. It is an insect repellant, and anti-microbial, making it a great choice for your kitchen, bathrooms, and children’s play areas.

20 sites that are cork informative:

Jelinek Cork Group - A great history of cork and its uses, as well as a large list of cork products in addition to cork flooring.

Simply Cork /flooring - The one stop source for articles about buying & installing cork flooring.

CorkDirect – Has an About Cork section that offers a visual guide to the cork manufacturing process.

About.com – Tutorial on cork, its benefits, background, and construction information.

BuildDirect – Site that offers quality building materials for less and publishes articles helping you make your decisions regarding cork flooring.

AmCork – A great site for sample cork colors, patterns, and a wonderful photo gallery that offers many cork design ideas.

WECork – Company with a long list of cork flooring installations, even high traffic areas.

iFLOOR- Purchasing information for DIY installers.

floorbiz – Information on the different choices in cork floor style (plank, laminate), as well as a good site for background cork information.

Natural Cork – Floating floor systems, as well as laminate cork flooring.

CorkStore – Buy cork rolls & sheets, wall coverings, fabric, closures, etc.

Green Building Center – Learn why they supply Expanko and Vida Cork.

Expanko – Glueless and floating cork floor systems.

Environmental Home Center – Learn how to install your own cork floor planks/tiles.

Sustainable Industries – Article exposing cork myths and giving more detailed information on cork flooring.

Global Sources – Suppliers and manufacturing resource list.

Flooring Area – News Articles on cork flooring.

Flooring – Online Guide to flooring, including cork floors, articles and tips.

Apartment Therapy – Article on protecting your cork flooring.

Wood Floor Guide – Cork flooring reviews.

Team Wicanders - this blog includes all kinds of innovative uses for cork besides flooring. Some of the uses include furniture, home decor, purses, cottages (made of cork), and prefab building blocks for homes.

(The photo was taken at Balance Massage & Wellness Center, located just outside of Park City, UT. The Owner Marty, made ‘green’ choices when renovating the old home. Balance is a wonderful example of green remodeling.)

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DuroDesign: a green cork flooring supplier

10 things you must know about CORK FLOORING & informative cork sites