Cork tree bark
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
Introduction
Cork, in all its many states and uses, actually is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree. The bark of the cork tree is quite unique and can be stripped off of the cork tree itself, allowing new bark to grow without damaging or cutting down the tree. The bark takes time to grow, approximately nine to ten years, and cork forests are constantly growing and expanding due to the practice of removing old trees and planting two in its place.
Where Do Cork Trees Grow?
Most cork trees (and their amazing bark) are found in Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, and northern Africa. The climate of this particular region is what makes the cork tree flourish and these areas serve as the primary source of raw material for the entire cork industry. Portugal alone exports half of the world’s cork supply, and while cork is manufactured elsewhere in the world it primarily comes from western Europe and northern Africa. What is odd is that, when cork is transplanted into other areas of the world, its bark turns woody and is unsuitable for use in wine stoppers and flooring.
Harvesting Cork
Cork stripping is the process of actually removing the bark off of the cork tree. It is a long and dedicated, not to mention delicate process; the process of removing the bark involves taking a machete to slice the bark into large sections, which are in turn wedged off the tree by a large metal wedge. There is a small membrane between the cork bark and the tree itself; if this membrane were damaged, it could possibly kill the tree, because it is this membrane that provides the nourishment for the tree itself. Cork is actually cut from the same tree again and again, every nine to ten years, and a tree in its prime can produce over 400 pounds of cork.
Properties Of Cork
Cork is used mainly for flooring and wine stoppers, and it is because of its many characteristics that it is such highly sought after. It is light and will float, which makes it ideal for fishing rod handles, level gauges and floatation devices. It is also quite elastic, which allows cork to be fitted against a wall or inside a bottle under pressure; when the pressure is released the cork bounces back to its original form, which makes it ideal for many different uses.
Cork does not rot. It is completely impermeable to gases and liquids, which also makes it ideal as a stopper or as a flooring substance because it will not rot if it gets wet. In addition, cork is not conductive to heat, sound or vibrations, which makes it a great flooring substance by providing natural vibration resistance and insulation. It is also highly resistant to wear and tear, making it highly durable. This is due mainly to its honeycomb-like structure. It is also naturally fire resistant, making it a great flooring substance.
