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Posts tagged floor options

Going Green with Flooring

Jul19
2008
5 Comments Written by Allegra

Bamboo FlooringWhile sustainable living does seem to be the trendy thing to do today, it really goes beyond the fad. With the global climate crisis weighing down on us, it’s smart to consider your options, especially when it comes to your home.

Sustainable flooring is one option. If you’re looking to redo the flooring in your home, think about using cork or bamboo flooring instead of the traditional options of hardwood, laminate or carpet.

Bamboo Flooring

  • Some Quick Facts
    Bamboo flooring resembles traditional hardwood, but it is generally less expensive. It’s also harder, and therefore more durable, than traditional hardwood flooring.
  • Where Does It Come From?
    Bamboo is actually a grass that is harvested, split-flattened and then laminated. Once made into flooring it comes in planks, tiles or hand-scraped versions. Bamboo flooring comes in many colors, both natural and stained, to suit any room in your home.
  • What Makes It Green?
    Bamboo is environmentally friendly because it matures every 5-7 years, and once it’s harvested the root continues to grow. That produces more stock.
  • How Do You Maintain Bamboo?
    Maintenance of bamboo flooring is simple. Just sweep vacuum like any other floor to keep away dust and dirt.

Cork Flooring

  • Some Quick Facts
    Cork flooring is made from cork oak bark. It takes 25 years for the plant to mature, and when it’s harvested, the tree is not harmed. It stays alive while the bark redevelops.
  • How Is It Sold?
    Cork flooring comes in tiles that are glued down or in planks that are floated. (Floating floors are floors that are not adhered to the subfloor.) Cork flooring comes in a variety of natural and stained colors, but it can only be stained if the surface is unfinished.
  • Some Perks about Cork
    Cork flooring is known for its softness. Cork’s cell structure is made of millions of air pockets, meaning you don’t get sore standing on it for long periods of time. It’s not spongy, though; it retains a solid feeling.
  • Cork flooring makes a natural noise reducer. The air pockets also absorb vibrations, so cork floors are especially great for rooms like a recording studio, a child’s playroom or an area for entertaining.
  • Cork is also anti-allergenic because it produces a waxy substance known as Suberin that repels bugs, mold, mites and termites. If you suffer from allergies but don’t want to suffer from a cold, unwelcoming floor, this is your answer!
  • How Do You Maintain Cork?
    Cork floor maintenance is simple. Like most other flooring, just sweep, mop and vacuum regularly.

Both bamboo and cork flooring can be used in any room throughout your house. They look sleek and stylish, with the added bonus of being green!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged building a home, eco-friendly decisions, Green Living, home improvements, remodeling
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Types of Flooring (con.)

Apr13
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Becky

Whether you’re designing a new home or planning a remodel, it pays to be informed about your options. Flooring affects every room, from the kitchen to the living areas, so it’s worth considering.

In “Types of Flooring,” we presented the facts about a few options: hardwood, laminate, stone, and carpet. Now let’s take a look at tile:

Ceramic tile

If installed and maintained properly, ceramic tile flooring should last for a very long time. Its versatility makes ceramic tile particularly appealing, as it is appropriate for every room in your home. Glazed ceramic tile is resistant to scratching and to water, so you won’t have to worry about any damage from spills. Easy to maintain, it comes in a wide variety of textures and colors that will enhance the beauty in any room.

Negatives: Because of its hard surface, ceramic tile may crack or chip. It is also difficult to install yourself, so professional installation is recommended.

Alternatives: Stronger and denser than ceramic tile, porcelain tile is also highly resistant to scratches, staining, and fading.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring boasts the biggest variety of colors and patterns, so you can get the look of wood, stone, or ceramic tile without the cost. Available in sheets or tiles, vinyl flooring is easy to maintain and is a great value for your money. It is also water-resistant, so you can use it in any room in your home.

Negatives: Although vinyl is a great value, it won’t actually increase the home’s value, and it also won’t last as long as ceramic tile, hardwood, or linoleum.

Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is very cost-effective because it lasts for a long time. On top of being extremely durable and easy to maintain, it is also one of the most environmentally friendly types of flooring. Maintaining it is as easy as cleaning it with a damp mop. Linoleum is also appealing because it doesn’t scratch or burn, and, like several other kinds of flooring, it is available in many different colors and patterns.

Negatives: Linoleum costs more than vinyl and is tricky to install, so you should probably get a professional to do it.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a home, designing a home, flooring, home improvements, home remodeling, selling a home
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