What are Cork Placemats?
Cork placemats are placemats made from cork, the unique outer bark of cork oaks. Cork has a number of interesting properties which make it highly suitable for use in placemats, in addition to being aesthetically interesting. Some home supply stores sell cork placemats, especially if they specialize in European items, and they can also be ordered directly from cork producers located in places like Spain and Portugal. This wood product is rather remarkable. Cork is highly compressible, capable of being significantly compressed, but it also has an excellent memory, springing back as soon as the pressure is relieved. Cork also resists liquids, and it is extremely durable, resisting heavy wear, rot, mold, and mildew. Cork’s antimicrobial properties and inability to absorb liquids make it hostile to bacteria, and it is also very heat tolerant, which is a useful trait in a placemat. Cork’s low heat conductivity also ensures that it will not transfer heat to underlying surfaces. Placemats are
