You’ve probably wondered if we were ever going to get started on the KSW Green Living Home project – let me assure you the ball is rolling; albeit rather slowly. A string of illnesses to include: bronchitis, walking pneumonia, a sinus infection, and full blown pneumonia have slowed me down on many projects I was working on. Still, I’m happy to report a mere 7 weeks later and I’m ready to move forward in sickness or in health.
Enough about me, let’s get on with the eco-friendly flooring topic.
After much investigation, we’ve discovered eco-friendly flooring options can be narrowed down into a few short categories:
– Bamboo
- Cork
- Carpet
- Laminate
- Linoleum
- Stone
- Tile
In order to make the most educated decision about our Green Living Home, allow me to elaborate a bit about each one. To shorten this read, today we will discuss Bamboo and Cork. We’ll do a few follow up posts to cover the other options.
Bamboo:
Pros: A great substitute for hardwood flooring, bamboo is a rapid growing plant that can replenish itself and will regenerate even after harvesting. It is incredibly strong and durable (superior to many hardwood species) and easily matches hardwood flooring in natural beauty, being available in a range of earthy tones as well as caramelised colors.
Cons: It’s only drawback is that it is vulnerable to excessive moisture, which can cause warping, so it may be unsuitable for rooms like bathrooms and laundries. Deforestation techniques and the use of pesticides are also potential problems with bamboo. One final note, just as I would do to my hardwood – Pay close inspection upon delivery of your bamboo (check the sides and edges) to ensure the wood is not wet, warped, or cracked. This will ensure you get the most out of your bamboo flooring
Why We Love It: Commonly referred to as the “40 year floor”
Cost: (as shown) $2.39 to 3.09/sq. ft.; builddirect.com
Cork:
Pros: If you like walking barefoot in your home, you’ll love natural cork flooring. Why? Because cork flooring feels warm and soft to the feet. It’s quiet, clean surface is also very durable. Unlike cold hard tile, vinyl or laminates, cork is firm but not bouncy. If you drop a dish on it, the dish will not break, but will leave a small dent. Within a few hours the dent vanishes due to its incredible resiliancy. It’s great in kitchens and playrooms. Cork is also antimicrobial and is resistant to mold and mildew. If allergies are a problem, cork is the ideal alternative to carpet. Cork does not absorb dust and consequently does not cause allergies.
Cons: It’s expensive and cork purchased without the right finish can even start to flake after normal wear and tear. Most retailers will suggest an additional finishing after installation to ensure optimum results. To keep cork flooring at its best, it should be refinished every 5-10 years. Refinishing cork floors is a delicate job and may not be a DIY project. This additional maintenance should be figured into the cost before purchasing. The resilience of cork flooring can also be its weakness; padding should be placed under heavy items such as furniture and appliances.
Why We Love it: Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree which grows in the forests of Mediterranean countries. Cork trees are stripped of their bark every 9-14 years, the tree is never cut and the habitat remains undisturbed. The bark was designed by Mother Nature specifically to protect the tree during its average 300-500 year lifespan. Not only is the bark inherently fire retardant to protect the tree from forest fires, but it is also resistant to extreme temperature changes, common in its growing regions, as well as resistant to more than 38 species of insects including the termite, and to the development of microbes.
Cost: (as shown) $2.77 to $4.31/sq. ft.; builddirect.com
So what do you think, would you like to add some bamboo or cork flooring to our KSW Green Living Home? Keep in mind when you make your decision, we also want tp be practical. To cover the entire home in the cheapest bamboo flooring option would cost $8,600. To use all Napa style cork would cost over $15,500! If you want to use some cork, let’s do so sparingly so we can splurge in other parts of the home. I’d like to keep a running total on what we spend to use as a guide for those planning a Green Living home makeover of their own.
Do you like a particular style featured here? Have you seen a great photo of a bamboo floor or a cork floor featured in a home? Have an opinion on which flooring option you prefer? Whatever it is, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment or email us at kidsstuffworld@gmail.com
Dear readers,
