CUSTOM CORK BOARD

Cork board has long been a useful addition to kitchens and offices. It provides an inexpensive method of displaying notes, reminders, photographs, and other important papers without damaging them, is reusable, and can be customized to create an individualized display suitable to every need. At KeenART Media, we sell pre-cut cork board in our online Art Supply store, and offer custom cork board sizes as well. Below, we discuss the various uses for cork as a display alternative to magnetic or adhesive bulletin boards.

SUMMARY WHAT IS CORK BOARD? DIFFERENT CORK BOARDS DECORATIVE BOARDS The bark of the cork oak tree Bark is peeled off and compressed. Thin sheets/rolls Thick tiles Die Cut Strips Custom framed Coasters Woven Fabric-wrapped

WHAT IS CORK BOARD?

Cork, the kind used for wine stoppers, comes from the cork oak tree, and most of the world's cork comes from Portugal. The cork bark can be stripped without killing the tree. Cork is a sustainable product - the bark simply regenerates once it has been removed from the tree. This short video on Harvesting Cork shows the process. Cork board is made from "compressed, granulated cork." The compressed cork sheets are adhered to plastic, wood, or other backing. The thickness of the cork itself can vary greatly, from 1/32" to 1" or more. Today, cork board is used for a wide range of things, from bulletin boards (also called noticeboards or pin boards), to flooring, to hot plates and kitchen counters. The latter applications are due to cork's fire resistance. Cork can be also be die-cut into many shapes, patterns and decorative displays.

The bark of the cork tree

CORK BOARD'S MANY FORMS

THIN SHEETS/ROLLS As mentioned above, cork sheets can be as thin as 1/8". In most cases, bulk cork of this thickness is sold in rolls. The purchaser can easily cut the cork into desired shapes and mount it onto various backings using glue or other adhesion techniques. MAGNETIC CORK BOARD One rigid substrate onto which cork board can be mounted is steel or aluminium sheeting. If the cork board is thin enough, magnets will hold through it, creating a magnetic board that looks like a cork board. Magnets that look like push pins have also become popular in recent years. While it is possible to use push pins as well, the thinness of the cork means they will not be very secure. FRAMELESS TILES 1/2" - 1" thick blocks of cork (either pure cork, or mounted and wrapped around foam board) can be purchased to display as frameless bulletin boards. Most often, decorators choose to hang multiple tiles together to create a multi-panel display of stacked or side-by-side tiles. DIE CUT Cork board can be die cut (using a sharp bladed "die" to cut shapes into flat material) into all kinds of simple or intricate shapes. Sometimes, the interior parts of the board that are visible are dyed a darker color for a two-tone design. Die cut cork board is used as decorative bulletin boards, and for kitchen tools such as trivets. CORK STRIPS Thick or thin sheets of cork can be cut into thin strips and attached to the wall, either within a metal frame or just with adhesive. This is a popular organization method in cubicles and small offices, where some kind of bulletin is required, but there is not space for a full board. CORK/DRY ERASE BOARDS A popular cork board style is that which combines a bulletin board with a white board. Generally, the two boards will be encased in a single frame, with half or more being cork, and the other half serving as a dry-erase message board (which may also be magnetic). This style allows for short and long term notes and reminders to be displayed.

Cork notice board in a wood frame A mounted cork pinboard style

CORK BOARD INSPIRATION

CUSTOM FRAMED Cork boards can get messy. You start out posting pictures of your friends' children, then begin tacking up Save the Dates, and eventually even take out menus. Give a cluttered note board a touch of class by adding a custom picture frame. The plus side is you don't have to worry about matching artwork - choose an ornate and gilded moulding, or opt for simple, modern elegance. Either way, your cork board will be a statement in its own right. WOVEN Once you've chosen a great custom frame, you can spruce up your cork board even more. Consider buying thin sheets and cutting them into strips. Then simply criss-cross the strips into a woven latticework. Place foamboard or another flat layer of cork behind to ensure push pins stay put. Your cork board will be perfectly practical, and stylish. PAINTED Cork still works when painted! Use tape and acrylic paint to create a checkerboard or striped pattern, or freehand a beautiful design. The paint will make the cork harder, so you will want to be more careful when sticking and removing pins - or maybe you won't even want to mar that beautiful new surface. FABRIC-WRAPPED Combine the practicality of cork with the soft beauty of pattered cloth. Simply wrap the cork board in your favorite fabric before placing it in your custom frame to create a colorful, decorative art piece that is practical, too. For more inspiration, check our our Cork Board Creativity Pinterest board.

Order a custom frame for your cork board

HOW TO ORDER A CUSTOM FRAMED CORK BOARD

If you are having a hard time finding a cork memo board that fits or suits your space, KeenART Media can help! We offer prepared, standard sizes of cork board, as well as custom sizes. Our cork board is made up of a thin layer of pure cork, with a thick, white foam board backing. To order a custom picture frame with your corkboard for a complete wall decoration in your favorite style, visit our Custom Picture Frame Mouldings page. Once you have selected your frame, choose "Cork Foam Board Backing" from the "Backing" drop down menu . You do not need to select a Plexi Glass Front. For a traditional cork notice board, choose a thin, natural wood frame. The color of the cork board will be similar to the color of the frame, creating a uniform display without distraction. Alternately, for a bold pop of color, consider a painted natural wood frame. The rusticity of the frame suits the cork, but the color can be selected to complement the room's existing decor. You may also want to choose a frame with a minimum 1/2" rabbet (the vertical space behind the lip). This is not required, but it will ensure your cork board lies flush with or lower than the back of the frame.

A natural wood-framed cork board

A cork board is a useful product for the kitchen, office, or your teenager's bedroom! Make it your own with our wide selections of frames and sizes. If you have any questions about this or our other products and services, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer answers, advice or suggestions.