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Beyond Style: Practical Benefits of Light Cork Walls

While coastal design may be the first appeal, cork wall tiles offer everyday functional benefits that make them a long-lasting choice. 

Sustainability That Lasts 

Cork is one of the world’s most sustainable wall materials. It’s harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without ever cutting them down, allowing the bark to regenerate naturally. By choosing cork walls, you’re supporting renewable forestry and bringing a biodegradable, recyclable material into your home. 

Built-In Soundproofing 

Cork’s cellular structure makes it naturally sound-absorbing. That means fewer echoes in kitchens, bedrooms, or open-plan living spaces. For families, home offices, or coastal rentals, cork walls create a quieter and more comfortable environment. 

Comfort Meets Durability 

Cork is flexible, resilient, and easy to maintain. It resists cracking and stands up to daily wear while keeping its soft, organic texture intact. With proper sealing and care, light cork wall tiles can look fresh and bright for years. 

Creating the Beach Look With Light Cork 

When people search for “beach cork walls” or “coastal cork design,” they’re looking for natural textures in airy, neutral tones. Light cork wall tiles are perfect for this: 

  • Use white cork tiles for an accent wall in bedrooms, bathrooms, or entryways. 

  • Pair light grey cork panels with soft blues and sandy beiges for a sea-and-sand palette. 

  • Choose brick or stacked-stone cork tiles for a rustic coastal cottage aesthetic. 

  • Mix with woven textures, rattan furniture, and linen fabrics to complete the relaxed, beach-house look. 

The result? Walls that feel modern yet timeless, echoing the relaxed elegance of a coastal retreat. 

Featured Products for a Coastal Home 

If you’re ready to bring this balance of style and comfort into your own space, here are two cork wall options that highlight the coastal aesthetic: 

  • Grey Cork Wall Tiles – Soft grey tones add dimension and a calming neutrality that works beautifully with coastal palettes. 

Light Cork Walls: A Timeless Choice 

Trends come and go, but the beach-inspired, off-white look has staying power. Light cork walls not only embody this timeless style but also add acoustic comfort, durability, and eco-friendly benefits. Whether you’re building a modern coastal retreat or refreshing your current home, light cork wall tiles create the perfect balance between design and livability.

Does Cork Really Work for Soundproofing? What Science Says

Why Cork is Good for Soundproofing and Noise Reduction 

Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, harvested without harming the tree itself. Its structure is what gives it acoustic power: each cubic centimeter of cork contains roughly 40 million cells filled with air. These cells compress and expand when hit with sound waves, turning energy into harmless heat. 

That means cork doesn’t just block sound; it absorbs and reduces it. It can cut down on mid-range frequencies like conversations, television noise, or footsteps. It also minimizes echoes in rooms with hard surfaces. Unlike foam, which is effective only at very high frequencies, cork provides a wider spectrum of acoustic absorption. And unlike heavy composites, cork is eco-friendly and visually appealing.

How Thick Does Cork Need to Be for Soundproofing? 

When considering cork for soundproofing, it is important to consider the materials thickness. A thin cork sheet or cork board will provide some noise reduction, but if you want real results, you need to think in terms of underlayment or acoustic panels. 

  • 1/4 inch cork  with underlayment is ideal for light flooring jobs or decorative wall panels where you want a modest reduction in impact noise. 

  • 1/2 inch cork with underlayment is more proficient in soundproofingdiminishing both impact and airborne sounds. It’s one of the most popular choices for homeowners. 

In general, the thicker the cork, the better the soundproofing effectiveness. Even a 6mm cork underlayment under hardwood or tile can reduce sound transfer by up to 20 decibels and 12mm cork underlayment performs even better.

Cork Flooring for Soundproofing and Comfort 

For flooring, cork underlayment is especially effective. When placed under hardwood, laminate, or tile, it absorbs impact noise like footsteps, dropped objects, or children running across the house. Unlike carpet, which only softens impact sounds, sound proof cork flooring also insulates against airborne noise while keeping rooms warmer. Many homeowners find cork flooring a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional carpet or foam padding. 

Cork Wall Panels and Tiles for Soundproofing 

On walls, cork tiles and panels add both function and style. A wall lined with cork sheets for soundproofing or cork wall panels can noticeably reduce conversations from neighboring rooms and eliminate harsh echoes. In open-plan homes or offices, this makes a significant difference in comfort. For larger projects, rolled cork can cover wide wall spaces quickly and affordably. 

Would a Cork Ceiling Sound Proof a Room? 

Even ceilings benefit from cork. While cork won’t make a room completely silent, cork ceiling soundproofing reduces the transfer of sound between floors. In apartments, duplexes, or multi-story homes, cork tiles or panels installed overhead help control noise coming from upstairs neighbors or heavy foot traffic. In many cases, a cork ceiling paired with insulation in the joists provides a very noticeable improvement. 

Everyday Benefits of Cork Soundproofing 

Beyond the major applications of floors, walls, and ceilings, cork’s versatility makes it useful in everyday life. It’s often used to reduce vibrations from appliances, line the walls of music practice rooms, or even quiet the inside of vans and RVs. 

Some of the key benefits include: 

  • Cork can absorb sound in echo-prone rooms. 

  • Cork can reduce noise from footsteps, voices, and electronics. 

  • Cork can provide echo reduction for cleaner sound in offices, studios, and living rooms. 

  • Cork can dampen vibrations under washing machines, treadmills, or speakers. 

  • Cork can serve as a soundproof barrier while remaining lightweight and easy to install. 

Cork Soundproofing for Long-Term Effectiveness 

One of cork’s advantages over foam or synthetic materials is that it doesn’t lose its acoustic properties over time. With proper installation, cork will continue to absorb sound and reduce echoes for decades. Under flooring, a cork underlayment for soundproofing also improves insulation, making spaces warmer and more energy-efficient. 

Thicker applications such as 1/2 inch cork underlayment or noise reduction cork panels are especially effective. In real-world use, cork underlayment has been shown to reduce noise transfer by double-digit decibels, making a noticeable difference in daily living. Combined with its resistance to mold and its naturally warm feel, cork offers both immediate and long-lasting comfort. 

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Cork for Soundproofing 

Unlike synthetic soundproofing materials, cork offers benefits beyond acoustics. It is eco-friendly cork soundproofing, harvested sustainably and fully biodegradable. It has a natural, attractive appearance that blends into modern design without the industrial look of fiberglass or foam. It is also easy to install. Most cork sound proofing tiles and cork acoustic panels can be glued directly to walls or ceilings using adhesives like Liquid Nails. 

For flooring projects, cork is a natural partner to hardwood and tile. When paired with the right underlayment, cork floors are quieter, warmer, and more comfortable underfoot than many other surfaces. And for DIY renovators, cork rolls and sheets are easy to cut and apply, making them one of the most accessible soundproofing solutions available. 

Is Cork Good for Soundproofing? The Bottom Line 

So, does cork really work for soundproofing? Absolutely. Cork won’t block out every sound completely, but it is one of the most effective natural materials for reducing noise, absorbing echoes, and creating calmer, quieter spaces. Whether you’re looking at cork flooring underlayment, cork wall tiles for soundproofing, or even cork ceiling soundproofing, the key is choosing the right thickness for your needs. 

For best results, start with at least a 6mm cork underlayment for floors or 1/2 inch cork panels for walls, and go thicker if you want maximum noise reduction. Paired with its eco-friendly, durable, and attractive qualities, cork is more than just a soundproofing material. It’s a smart, sustainable way to transform your living space.

Cork Flooring for Kitchens: Why It's a Great Option

When it comes to designing or renovating a kitchen, flooring is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make. Kitchens are high-traffic areas that need durable, practical, and also, stylish flooring options. While tile and hardwood are common choices, there’s one material that’s been gaining popularity for its unique benefits: cork. Here’s why cork flooring could be the perfect fit for your kitchen.

 

 1. Comfort Underfoot

One of the standout benefits of cork flooring is its natural cushioning effect. Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees and has a cellular structure filled with tiny air pockets. This makes it soft and comfortable to stand on, a huge bonus for anyone who spends hours cooking or entertaining in the kitchen. Unlike harder surfaces like tile or stone, cork flooring is gentle on your feet, back, and joints.

 2. Warmth and Insulation

Cork flooring is an excellent insulator. Its natural thermal properties help maintain a warm surface temperature, making it much cozier underfoot than cold tile, especially in the winter months. Cork also provides sound insulation, reducing noise from footsteps, dropped objects, or clattering dishes – a great feature for busy households.

 3. Durability and Resilience

Kitchens see their fair share of spills, heavy foot traffic, and dropped utensils. Fortunately, cork flooring is highly durable and resilient. Its natural elasticity allows it to recover from minor dents and impacts. Additionally, many cork floors come with a protective finish that makes them resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. With proper care, cork flooring can maintain its beauty for decades.

 4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

If sustainability is a priority for your home, cork flooring checks all the boxes. Cork is a renewable resource harvested without harming the tree. The bark naturally regenerates, allowing repeated harvesting over the tree's lifespan. Additionally, cork’s production process has a smaller environmental footprint compared to other flooring materials, making it an eco-conscious choice.

 5. Non-Slip Surface

Safety is a key concern in any kitchen, and cork’s slightly textured surface provides excellent traction. This makes it less slippery than polished tile or hardwood, even when wet. For families with children or elderly members, cork flooring adds an extra layer of safety. 

6. Easy Maintenance

Cork flooring is surprisingly easy to maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming will keep it free of dust and debris, and occasional damp mopping is all that’s needed to maintain its appearance. Thanks to its protective sealant, cork resists spills and stains, making it well-suited for the inevitable kitchen mishaps.

7. Aesthetic Versatility

Cork flooring comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing it to complement almost any kitchen style. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional, rustic vibe, cork’s natural patterns and finishes provide a unique and elegant aesthetic.

Final Thoughts:

Cork flooring offers a unique combination of comfort, durability, sustainability, and style, making it a fantastic choice for kitchen spaces. It’s not just a practical solution – it’s a statement of warmth and eco-conscious living. 

If you’re considering cork flooring for your kitchen, explore the premium options available at AmCork. With a wide selection of fine cork flooring and wall tiles, AmCork can help you transform your kitchen into a beautiful, functional, and sustainable space.

Give Your Space a COVID-Makeover

And we are here to help you create a more peaceful setting, whether it is for work, home, or school. Our cork products are the ideal solution to dampen household noise while on your 5th Zoom call of the day; they work wonderfully as a flooring option - especially when you don’t want your littles to hear you sneaking into the pantry for a midday snack; and they are a simple and cost effective way to transform that same old space you’ve been cooped up in since March.

2020 Decorating and Design Trends

Essentially we are seeing that people are willing to spend more for a quality product if it will last a long time and spark joy in their lives – thank you Marie Kondo. This is the perfect trend vehicle to keep cork products alive. Cork’s health and environmental benefits is insane! Hypoallergenic, these wall and flooring cork tiles will bring a cushion to your step, insulate your home or room, inevitably bringing the doctor AND electric bills down. Seems like a win-win to me.

7 Ways to Bring a Natural Element Into Your Home

1. Open your windows and let in the light! Trust me, I love a good, cozy day where I pretend the outside world is on pause, snuggle deep into my couch, and binge Netflix. But most days, I feel so good when I begin opening the blinds, shades, and curtains throughout my home. The natural light seems to bring instantaneous life into the environment. It allows the greenery of the trees and plants outside my window to become an extension of my indoor décor, kind of softening the edges of everything.

2. Bring in plants or fresh flowers. You can have a weekly delivery service set up for flowers, or just grab a bouquet next time you’re out getting groceries. I am a fan of the lovely designs by my local Fresh Market florist and find their price point to be very fair. I am sure you have a favorite in your area, too! If you don’t, try these online services: And for special occasions, I highly recommend Farm Girl Flowers; their designs are amazing! Don’t have a green thumb for plants? Try air plants or succulents. These resilient plants are hard to kill!

3. Include a water feature. Easy to install water fountains can be found at your local home & garden or home décor stores. This interior design accent not only brings your cat out of her hiding place, it brings a natural auditory feature to your indoor environment. The bubbly sound of running water has been down to reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to a better sense of peace.

4. Plant a small herb garden and grow it in your kitchen windowsill or just outside your door. Brushing the herbs as you pass by releases their fragrance, making the air a little more magical and beneficial. Our olfactory response is immediate. You mood changes into a positive mindset and your shoulders relax as tensions melt. Plus, they add an amazing flavor to your cooking! Win! Win!

5. Obviously we believe in incorporating cork into your indoor environment. We love our products and firmly believe in the benefits they bring to you and to the environment. The cork tree is never felled; it is a renewable resource that not only benefits you, but reduces carbon and adds to an ecosystem that supports endangered species in Europe. Benefits to you are extensive – this hypo-allergenic material will reduce allergens, fight mold, give cushion to your steps, insulate sound and temperature, and so much more. Add a cork feature wall to your space.

6. Natural furniture is another way to incorporate the outdoors into your inside environment. Look for beautifully curated wooden chairs and tables to add depth and an element of the world to your rooms. We do make a particular note to look for pieces that are sustainably harvested and created. It kind of defeats the purpose of bringing in a natural piece if it’s covered in chemicals or if its harvesting caused unbelievable pollution or loss to endangered eco-systems. Check out Vermont Wood Studios or this sustainably sourced selection from West Elm.

7. Lastly, incorporate some sort of stone or brick fixture in your space for a natural interior design accent. Where our cork material will add a literal sense of softness, stone is the perfect opposite for nature room décor. Ying meet yang. Rustic brick walls are always in style; or go low key with several stone planters throughout your room.

AmCork is Netflix Approved! (wink, wink, nod, nod)

 

Imagine our surprise when we recently saw our Grape Cork Wall Tiles used as a backdrop in the hit Netflix series, "Santa Clarita Diet". This "zom-com" starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant is a laughable comedy focused on your average suburban family, except in this family, mom is recently undead. 

Often times, we will get orders for production companies, but many times we do not know how our cork products will be used due to it being such a multi-faceted material. However, we were pleasantly surprised to see our Grape Cork Wall Tile in Season 2 and Season 3 of the aforementioned series when filming was done in the daughter Abby's bedroom.

AmCork’s Grape Cork Wall Tiles are ideal for children’s rooms, kitchens, mudrooms, or anywhere else you want to have a fun pop of color; also a great candidate for a commercial restaurant setting. This stylish and highly textural grape cork wall tiles for sale incorporates a stained wine shade of purple with natural cork colors in a variety of khaki and honey shades. Different cork wall tiles can be combined with the Grape cork wall tile to create unique wall pattern designs or simply allow this purple wall board selection to stand out on its own, attractively lending itself to any room.  

These AmCork wall tiles are perfect for making a decorative cork bulletin board, a colorful cork pin board, or a statement wall crafted from designer cork board sheets. Create a DIY headboard as done in the Netflix series, or install this unique Grape cork wall tile in a reading nook for a cork feature wall. The installation and interior décor options are limitless with this shade from our cork wall tile inventory. It is subtly refined just barely showing its wild side, a little like yourself...

 All of our cork board sheets are made from recycled cork materials and can also be used in cork wall coverings and cork ceiling tile applications for the purposes of sound absorption and thermal insulation. The product is self-healing from push pins just like a regular cork pin board. Cork board wall tiles add immense beauty to any room! Our Grape cork wall tiles are naturally anti-microbial and hypo-allergenic, making them perfect for residential and commercial applications. Make installation simple with TiteBond Tile Adhesive Tape.

All cork tile products are easy to install and are a highly durable and are easy to maintain. Our high quality cork wall tiles are low chemical emission products and are certified by GreenGuard, leading the standard of UL Environmental certifications in the United States. These cork wall tiles are easily installed on most smooth and level substrates. AmCork proudly offers only 100% Portuguese cork products. We work hand in hand with our factory to ensure our clients are getting the best Mediterranean cork materials on the market. 

Happy New Year! Upcoming Trends for 2019

It’s a new year! And that means a new you, too! We love a new year because of the fresh start it allows in so many areas of our lives; whether it’s our health, eating habits, productivity, new ambitions, or a fresh palette for decorating, we love it all! So, buckle in, and let’s explore the upcoming trends for 2019.

There are two bold colors to be on the lookout for this year. The 2019 Pantone Color of the Year is a refreshingly bright “Living Coral.” This beauty is great for adding a bold paint color to your walls or incorporating it into accessories throughout each room. It openly invites a more organic feel to each room. Draw on inspo from this color with small pops like these napkins for your table top from Anthropologie. Or go bold with this stunning Moroccan wool rug from ABC Carpet & Home.

The second color to be on the lookout for is another bold choice, Night Watch. This dramatic forest green is as dense as night, and yet, makes a lush statement in any room. We love this fun techy accessory from Anthro to bring a bit of it into the world with you while leaving the rest on your walls. Both of these choices can be paired with our natural cork materials. Our Sea Bark Cork Flooring is the perfect pairing to Night Watch for added flair. Or tone these colors down with a simpler selection like our Summer Cream Cork Flooring. Both will continue the look and feel of natural materials and colors, as well as bring you all the benefits of using cork in your interior environments.

        

Other trends for 2019 that continue to soldier on from last year are the use of mixed metals in your home and office décor. We love this Reese mirror and Targua Moroccan coffee table, both from Anthropologie. They are stylistic, but not too over the top that you will need to replace them as trends change in the coming years. Or merge the mixed metal theme with the Night Watch shade in this Paje coffee table.  

Other ways to refresh your interiors are updating your lighting, choosing cork wall coverings over the uncooperative and unnatural choice of wallpaper, and statement ceilings. Did you know that you can use our cork wall tiles for your ceiling as well? Yes! The options are unlimited, as are your possibilities of a fruitful 2019! Browse our online store for all your decorating needs or consult with one of our cork experts for a more personalized experience. We want you to live the best life possible this year.

        

Cork promotes more than just a trendy fad; cork brings health and balance into your life and to our environment. Just to name a few, cork can help decrease joint pain when used as a sustainable flooring material, decreases allergens, and increases thermal and acoustic insulation. And while all the interior design and home décor trend advisers are offering bold choices for 2019, don’t be afraid to go your own route… our newly restocked Sandcastle Collection is a nice colorful cork alternative for interior finishes in soothing shades reminiscent of the beach, offering you peace and mindfulness.
 

       

All I want for Christmas is...

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. I love completely redecorating my home with all the holiday decorations, putting up the tree, and covering the outside of the house with twinkling white lights. I enjoy loading up the back of the car with gifts, each uniquely wrapped with small touches like ornaments and special ribbons, sprigs of fir and rosemary, and hand printed gift tags addressed with love. The idea of spending the day baking cookies and dipping candies with family makes me smile more than it probably should.

But to be able to enjoy these special moments, there’s a heck of a lot of running around and burning the candle at both ends to be successful! You have to brave the stores to purchase the gifts that will be lovingly wrapped, race the aisles of the supermarket hoping to find those last packages of chocolate dipping bark hidden at the back of the store shelf, and create a jenga tower of Rubbermaid tubs to unpack all the decorations and lights from storage sheds. You have to actively make the time happen to create memories; otherwise it’s just a good idea that never comes to fruition.

The same is true for making time for yourself. You have to MAKE IT HAPPEN! It’s never going to happen on its own. There will always be something else that needs to happen and get done that takes precedence over you and your need for “quiet time.” Believe it or not, that’s one of the reasons I love our products! I love that I can reap the benefits of cork without having to do more than have it in my home. I love that I can place something practical in my home that has a definitive use – say sustainable flooring, but it also gives me intrinsic visual beauty. Furthermore, our cork products benefits the environment keeping carbon emissions lowered and providing an important environment to many endangered species in the region. Knowing this further invigorates my love for cork and the cycle continues to give, both to me and to my environment; it never ends.

Shop our wide variety of cork board square products and begin taking care of you and your surroundings. Start small with a single decorative DIY cork pin board for your office or family calendar station, or go wild with new flooring or wall covering throughout your home or office. Introduce this amazing material in your corporate décor and give the same benefits to your clients and employees that you give to yourself. A known allergen reducer, cork can help keep you healthy throughout cold season! I could go on and on with the many benefits of this product. Swing by our FAQ for more detailed information. Or contact one of our experienced staff to begin 2019 with (the pop of a) cork! Remember, you are important! Make yourself a priority this year with a cork board bulletin board full of your goals. Make yourself a priority this year with a cork board bulletin board full of your goals or brighten up the season with a holiday home improvement!