Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber for the botanists out there). Cork oak trees grow in the Mediterranean and the vast majority of cork used in flooring comes from Portugal where it is a protected species. The bark from these trees is harvested in approximately 9 year cycles (the first harvest occurring after approximately 25 years) with the bark becoming more supple after each harvest. This harvesting is done by hand with experienced personnel. About 50 percent of the bark is removed during each harvest.
After harvesting, the bark is processed for bottle corks. The premium bark has bottle corks punched out by hand, the lesser material is done by mechanical means. The remaining material goes through a process which agglomerates the bark into granules. This material is mixed with a binder and then baked to form large blocks of cork. These blocks are then sliced into the appropriate thickness for cork flooring. Some products are homogeneous (this potentially allows them to be sanded and refinished while on the floor, a valuable attribute in a heavy traffic, commercial installation), other products have an attractive veneer applied to the top allowing for a multitude of design possibilities! Products that are homogeneous can be baked for longer periods causing carbonization of the cork. Carbonized cork is darkened to a shade directly relevant to the length of time spent in the oven.
One of the most appealing elements of cork flooring (besides its natural beauty) is that it is almost entirely recycled industrial waste. Cork can help in achieving numerous LEED credits and has a lengthy life span. There are cork installations in use today that were installed one hundred or more years ago!
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