Environmentally friendly floors are the way to go for a growing number of homeowners, with their antimicrobial properties and beautiful finish. They may cost more upfront but isn't that a small price to pay for lowering carbon footprint?
Certain flooring materials are deemed environmentally friendly because they don't tax the environment as much as others. Some like bamboo grow fast and are easy to cultivate while cork, harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, ensures that the trees are left unharmed. Strict cultivation and harvesting practices for the two exceptional flooring materials, makes them even more environmentally friendly. While there are misgivings about unregulated harvesting of bamboo in certain native regions, there are also sustainable plantations. It's the consumers' prerogative to check the source of their bamboo flooring to keep these practices in check.
For a better idea of just what you get with cork and bamboo, let's delve deeper into their unique characteristics.
Cork: Cork is not without its flaws with price being the main turnoff. Because it's still considered quite exotic, not every installer may have experienced fitting it in. This means finding someone who can drives up the total cost.
Because cork is a bit spongy in feel, the softer surface can't take the weight of very heavy furniture. Heavy impact too can cause damage as can the nails of cats and dogs, especially the former that like to use floors as scratching pads.
Despite these drawbacks, cork seems to be seeing rising popularity because of its eco-friendly characteristics and unique look. The cushiony feel enhances shock absorbency which bodes well for small children and the elderly who are likelier to fall. Even dropped objects are protected to an extent.
Cork is antimicrobial and resistant to mold. People with allergies benefit the most so it's no wonder so many households are giving it serious thought. Further, its cellular structure which features countless air pockets traps heat to reduce transfer. Not only does this mean better insulation but better sound absorption as well.
Bamboo: We've heard how fast bamboo grows – close to 3 feet every day! – but do we really know just how environmentally friendly it is? For starters, it stays extremely clean unlike hardwood that harbors contaminants. Daily sweeping and regular mopping are, of course, needed but you can forget vacuuming. At the very least, a fortnightly vacuum is sufficient if at all.
Bamboo, also antimicrobial, is durable and the only factor to make it otherwise is lack of maintenance and rough handling. Like cork, bamboo can't tolerate heavy impact. It doesn't gouge but dents and scratches will form. Heavy traditional furniture is best used elsewhere. In any case, it won't complement the tropical look.
A lot of the products today – bamboo flooring included – comes from China. Because regulatory guidelines are so strict, it may contain toxic urea formaldehyde, a thermosetting resin used in some pressed wood products. Make sure you check that it isn't the case and try to purchase bamboo floors certified by a recognized national certification body like FSC Canada.
Despite the higher cost compared to other flooring materials, cork and bamboo have become the only way to go for many consumers. There's just no arguing with the numerous advantages.
Certain flooring materials are deemed environmentally friendly because they don't tax the environment as much as others. Some like bamboo grow fast and are easy to cultivate while cork, harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, ensures that the trees are left unharmed. Strict cultivation and harvesting practices for the two exceptional flooring materials, makes them even more environmentally friendly. While there are misgivings about unregulated harvesting of bamboo in certain native regions, there are also sustainable plantations. It's the consumers' prerogative to check the source of their bamboo flooring to keep these practices in check.
For a better idea of just what you get with cork and bamboo, let's delve deeper into their unique characteristics.
Cork: Cork is not without its flaws with price being the main turnoff. Because it's still considered quite exotic, not every installer may have experienced fitting it in. This means finding someone who can drives up the total cost.
Because cork is a bit spongy in feel, the softer surface can't take the weight of very heavy furniture. Heavy impact too can cause damage as can the nails of cats and dogs, especially the former that like to use floors as scratching pads.
Despite these drawbacks, cork seems to be seeing rising popularity because of its eco-friendly characteristics and unique look. The cushiony feel enhances shock absorbency which bodes well for small children and the elderly who are likelier to fall. Even dropped objects are protected to an extent.
Cork is antimicrobial and resistant to mold. People with allergies benefit the most so it's no wonder so many households are giving it serious thought. Further, its cellular structure which features countless air pockets traps heat to reduce transfer. Not only does this mean better insulation but better sound absorption as well.
Bamboo: We've heard how fast bamboo grows – close to 3 feet every day! – but do we really know just how environmentally friendly it is? For starters, it stays extremely clean unlike hardwood that harbors contaminants. Daily sweeping and regular mopping are, of course, needed but you can forget vacuuming. At the very least, a fortnightly vacuum is sufficient if at all.
Bamboo, also antimicrobial, is durable and the only factor to make it otherwise is lack of maintenance and rough handling. Like cork, bamboo can't tolerate heavy impact. It doesn't gouge but dents and scratches will form. Heavy traditional furniture is best used elsewhere. In any case, it won't complement the tropical look.
A lot of the products today – bamboo flooring included – comes from China. Because regulatory guidelines are so strict, it may contain toxic urea formaldehyde, a thermosetting resin used in some pressed wood products. Make sure you check that it isn't the case and try to purchase bamboo floors certified by a recognized national certification body like FSC Canada.
Despite the higher cost compared to other flooring materials, cork and bamboo have become the only way to go for many consumers. There's just no arguing with the numerous advantages.
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