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VIRGIN CORK BARK

Yet, did you know that the fist two cork harvest periods result in a special bark? The bark obtained during these strippings is called virgin bark. The first harvest of a cork tree occurs approximately 20 years after planting. After the bark is stripped from the tree it is piled into bales of various sizes. The typical size of a Jelinek Cork bale weighs 110 lbs. The second stripping occurs nine years later. Once again, the resulting bark is of the virgin variety. After another nine year period, the tree is stripped a third time. This time, the tree produces a bark called "corkwood". Corkwood is used in the production of the majority of cork products such as wine stoppers. Every nine years thereafter the cork is stripped. In general, a cork tree will live to be 150 to 200 years old!

So what is virgin bark (the bark from the first two harvest periods) used for? Surprisingly, incredibly diverse industries utilize virgin bark. Among the more prominent users is horticulture industry. Virgin bark is used extensively to aid in the growing of orchids, vines, and climbing plants. Orchid growers in particular mount tens of thousands of new orchids to cork bark every month. Because of the rough texture of cork bark, the roots of the orchids tightly grip the bark.

Another large-scale user is the pet supply industry. Reptile owners utilize cork bark to imitate the natural look and feel of trees in the forest. The bark of course is all natural and therefore completely non-toxic so it is perfect for this purpose. Terrarium hobbyists also use virgin bark in their creations. Along the same lines, zoos around the world use cork bark to create a natural habitat while museums also use cork bark extensively in their exhibits.

More obscure uses of virgin cork bark are found everywhere. For example, model railway builders utilize chunks of cork bark for the inside surface of their track. Wet bar and wine cellar designers specify virgin bark to add a unique look to the surface of their constructions (in this case, virgin bark is available laminated to a hard backing and cut into wall tiles). Candle makers use bark "dishes" to hold candles. These same dishes in a larger size are used as flowerpots. The imagination is truly the only limitation.

Virgin bark is normally purchased by the pound and generally in full bales. A bale comes with both naturally rounded and curved pieces of bark in the shape of the tree contour (called "tubed bark") or with the bark pressed flat. The size of a strip of bark varies greatly, from 12-inch long tubes to 4-foot long strips. A bale typically contains an assortment of bark covering a gamut of sizes. The only selection to make when choosing to purchase cork bark is whether to purchase it after it has been pressed flat or to purchase it still in it's naturally curved form.

By the way, the curvature of tubed bark also varies greatly. Some smaller pieces may have a diameter as small as 6 inches while larger pieces may be a slice from an ancient cork tree with just a mild curvature. Thickness also varies but it is typically 1-3 inches. The one consistent factor is the variety. When purchasing virgin bark, you can be assured of a mixture of this natural material.

Some final notes: 1 pound of virgin bark is typically equal to approximately 1 square foot of bark. Virgin bark is not separated by quality, and therefore you may get some pieces with dried moss hanging from it and others with a perfectly clear disposition.

To order quantities of a bale or more, please contact us. If you'd like to order less than one bale, you can do so directly online at http://www.thecorkstore.com.