Green Hardwood Floors
Green flooring is the use of suitable floor materials which are renewable, sustainable and has the lowest negative impact on the environment. Here are a few examples of how you can incorporate “green” in your floors.
Bamboo- is grown worldwide but is largely distributed by China for use as a lumber. Many consumers want to incorporate “green” products into their home. The trendiest earth friendly hardwood floor is bamboo. Not only is bamboo a renewable material, but they are also extremely versatile. Because bamboo stems are so hollow they need to be sliced and then glued together to make the flooring. This however, makes the floor more appealing to the eye. Bamboo products can be used indoors or outdoors.
Palmwood- is a new lumber resource that comes from palm trees. It is also called “coco lumber” and offers a tempting alternative to other hardwoods. The color of the wood ranges from golden to ebony hues and is determined by its density. It is innately resistant to weather decay and insect attack making it perfect for indoor and outdoor applications.
Cork- floors are made from the bark of the oak tree which is first grounded then processed into layers. It is then baked and sliced into tiles for both residential and commercial purposes. It is considered a “green” floor type since only the bark of the tree is used and the tree is left standing. The trees are prominent in Spain, Portugal and Tunisia and can live up to 800 years. The bark itself grows back every ten years, making it a fully renewable resource.
It has a natural wax material inside of it which helps to repel bugs, germs and mold which is an excellent choice for those plagued by allergy symptoms. Unlike some floors, cork insulates very well. It helps keep your home of office cool during the summer and warm during the winter time. Since it insulates better then wood flooring, it can make a difference energy bills and also reduce sound throughout the house. Cork floors are long-lasting and can handle everyday wear and tear.
In keeping with the theme, here are some earth friendly cleaners.
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