Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, being the species name Quercus Suber L. The cork oak tree is native to the Western Mediterranean Basin, where it finds the ideal growing conditions: soil, weather, temperature and altitude.

There are many reasons for which the use of cork contributes to a more sustainable world. In the Montado area, cork oak trees help regulate the water cycle and with it fight desertification and they retain from the atmosphere high quantities of carbon dioxide, strongly combating climate change. These forests of cork oak trees have high rates of biodiversity, turning them in one of the 36 worldwide biodiversity hotspots.

Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, and it is harvested in an ancient and manual process without cutting or hurting the tree. Cork is first harvested when the tree is 25 years old and the trunk perimeter reaches 70cm. The bark regrows and subsequent harvestings take place every nine years, between the months of May and July. These trees have an average lifespan of 200 years, meaning that the same tree can be harvested 15 to 18 times during its life.

Cork floors have as its core a natural product – cork. They are environmental friendly and produced from a renewable resource (bark of the cork oak tree). In addition, this technology will provide you comfort and wellbeing. The products are silent and with natural thermal insulation, they provide walking comfort and are impact resistant. Adding to very high resistance and durability, no other flooring material combines all these benefits.

Cork is subject to the phenomenon of expansion and shrinking in response to climactic changes. Extreme environmental conditions, meaning exposure to extreme heat, moisture or dryness (more than 65%, less than 35% R.H) can cause cork to shrink and make joints more visible. When humidity levels are higher, cork flooring can expand. In the case of cork in particular, any expansion or shrinkage is dispersed in all directions. With proper acclimation, installation, and maintenance, this can be overcome.

Cork’s inherent resilience perfectly balanced with the mechanically strong multilayer structure, make Amorim WISE products more comfortable to stand or walk on than many other types of floors.

Amorim WISE floors have very good acoustic results. All tested in official and independent labs, the results on walking and impact sound reduction are available for all products.

All Amorim WISE range products are tested following international standards. The fire resistance is defined based on energy (flame) and smoke. In what concerns energy contribution it ranges from A to F (being A the best), and smoke from 1 to 2 (being 1 the best). This information can be found on the product’s Technical Data Sheet.

The symbols follow the European standard (EN685) that identify the levels of use: ● House – product suitable only for residential areas ● Building – product suitable for residential and commercial area The number of human symbols stands for the traffic that it endures: ● 1 person – Light traffic ● 2 people – Moderate traffic ● 3 people – High traffic

Yes, they do. Amorim WISE products are designed to meet the rigorous criteria required to classify for points. Based on the LEED framework, Amorim WISE products contribute towards achieving the following credits: materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

Yes, they do. Amorim WISE accomplish the criteria requirements to classify our products for points. Based on BREEAM guidelines, Amorim WISE products contribute towards the following credits: health and wellbeing and Materials.  

All the brochures can be found on the Data Center of the website.

Yes, they do promote it. All Amorim WISE products are subject to the highest standards in indoor air quality certificates. Certificates such as Greenguard, TÜV or the French regulation for VOCs (in which we have A+ classification) are part of the requisites of the products.

Amorim WISE products are intended for indoor use only.

Amorim WISE has available a wide variety of floating flooring that offer an easy installation. Just simply connect it together and do not use any adhesive. The glue down floors need more attention regarding the subfloor preparation and tools.

Yes, you can. Amorim WISE has products suitable for commercial areas with heavy traffic like department stores, lobbies, schools and open plan offices. You just need to find the perfect fit for your needs, through all Amorim WISE offer.

All installation instructions can be found on the Download Center of the website.

The Amorim WISE floors are available in two different types of installation: planks or tiles, floating or glue down. We can use the installation in "brick", "half-brick" or random. There is not a specific design you should follow during the installatio. If you decide to install floating products, you should use a PE film against moisture and turn it against the walls.

Yes you can, if the ceramic tiles are firmly attached, stable and without cracks. The subfloor must be even, flat, dry and variations should not exceed 3mm in 2m (0.12” in 6.6 feet).

Yes, Amorim WISE products can be used over radiant floor heating systems. Due to the insulation properties of cork, the floor will heat up more slowly than conventional laminates or wood floors, but it will provide a slower release of heat over time. The surface temperature of the subfloor must not exceed 28°C (82°F). Remember that rugs or mats placed on top of the floor may function as heat accumulators and will increase the floor surface temperature more than the maximum surface temperature recommended (must not exceed 20 – 22ºC).

It depends on the complexity of the layout and the skills of the installer. Measure the length and width of each individual room and then multiply it to know the total square meters/footage. Do the same for each room. Waste and cuts depend on your skill level and the layout of the area. Diagonal layouts or floors with curved walls may require more careful calculation of the quantity required. As a rule, add an additional 5-10% of the total square meters/footage to cover the waste factor.

Amorim WISE floors are easy to clean. Simply vacuum, broom or sweep it to remove all loose dirt and then use a damp but not soaking wet mop to clean. You can also use a broom handle with a cloth at the end. Its anti-static characteristics will clean and prevent dust from settling on the floor. Harsh abrasives or ammonia-based cleaning products should be avoided. Use simple floor cleaning products or approved products.

We will give you some tips on how to maintain your floors: ●        Use walk-off mats to collect any dirt, moisture or other abrasive substances. Do not use latex or rubber backed mats as they can permanently stain the floor. ●        Use felt pads floor protectors on chairs and furniture legs. ●        Cork is a natural material; it may tend to age when exposed to direct sunlight. Use blinds, curtains or other sun screening system to keep direct sunlight off the floor.