color_cork_flooring.jpgQ: In our new kitchen we want to put down something very inexpensive and environmentally smart but also colorful. We used cork in our last apartment but want something other than the natural colors we're finding. Anyone have any leads for either brightly colored cork or inexpensive colorful flooring?

Sent by Lauren

Editor: Here are a few options we know of:


  • Globus Cork apparently pioneered the development of colorful cork, and they have a pretty varied selection.

  • Duro-Design: claims to offer "more colors of cork than anyone else." They do offer 58 colors, most with a slight earth undertone, which we like.

  • Cortica: at the upper end of the price spectrum, retailing on the West Coast for $11-$12 a square foot. But it's got a multi-layer, deep finish that has to be seen to be appreciated. And you can get metallics: these would be a stunning foil with understated, flush front, low-gloss oiled natural wood cabinetry.

  • Solida also makes colored cork in both solids and metallics and should be a mid-range option.

These and other less colorful cork suppliers can be found at our Where To Buy Cork. Readers, do you know of any other options for Lauren?

Image: Globus Cork