Why cork
A material that starts in the montado.
Underfoot
Softer because of how cork is built.
Cork is made from millions of tiny air filled cells. Granorte describes around 30 to 40 million cells in each cubic centimetre. They compress gently under pressure and return to shape, which is why cork feels less hard underfoot than tile, stone, laminate or LVT.
It is not added cushioning. It is the material itself.
Warmth
A floor that does not feel cold first.
Cork is a natural insulator. The same cellular structure that softens impact also helps slow heat transfer, so the surface feels warmer to bare feet than harder floor finishes. Underfloor heating compatibility must be checked by range and installed exactly to Granorte's guidance.
Warmth is one of the quiet advantages of cork.
Sound
Footsteps feel softer. They sound softer too.
Cork helps reduce impact sound, but the number depends on the product. Naturals floating is rated up to 19dB, Designtrend 17dB and Naturals Fix 14dB. Montado shows the exact figure on each product page so the claim stays clear.
Use the product page when the number matters.
Origin
Cork is harvested from bark, not felled trees.
Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak. In Portugal, those landscapes are called montado. The bark is removed by skilled harvesters, then left to grow back while the tree continues living. That harvest cycle is the reason cork has such a different material story from timber, laminate or PVC based flooring.
The finished product still has product specific layers, finishes and adhesives. The harvest story belongs to the cork itself.
The details that matter.
How the materials compare.
The right floor depends on the room, the installation and the product data. This table keeps the comparison broad rather than turning it into a claim about every product on the market.
| Property | Cork | Laminate | LVT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort underfoot | Softer feel from cork's cellular structure. | Harder surface, usually dependent on underlay for comfort. | Firm surface. Comfort depends on product construction and subfloor. |
| Sound | Product specific impact sound reduction, up to 19dB on Naturals floating. | Can sound louder without suitable underlay. | Usually quieter than laminate, but product construction varies. |
| Sustainability | Cork bark is harvested without felling the cork oak. Finished product content varies by range. | Varies by manufacturer. Check product specific data. | Varies by manufacturer. Check product specific data. |
| Moisture | Water resistant with prompt spill removal. Not a wet-room surface. | Usually moisture sensitive. Check manufacturer guidance. | Often selected for wet areas, but product construction varies. |
| Warranty | Shown by product range. | Varies by manufacturer and product. | Varies by manufacturer and product. |
Feel it for yourself.
A sample tells you more than a website ever can.