Green Kitchens - Sustainable Flooring
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a popular green option for the homeowner. Cork is renewable and provides the same strength and durability of wood. It’s also allergy-friendly, a major concern these days. Cork is made from tree bark which is harvested every nine years. This means that no harm is done to the actual tree. With a variety of finishes and colors available, it is easy to see why cork is becoming the popular choice for flooring and other uses.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is highly sustainable and environmentally friendly. As bamboo grows to maturity rather quickly it can be harvested in 7 years. When bamboo is harvested, the root system is unharmed and healthy and is ready to produce more shoots. The Bamboo is then cured and glued together. Bamboo floor coverings have become an ideal choice for those looking to use environmentally friendly materials when they build or remodel their homes.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood offers a way to recycle while creating a unique look for your kitchen. Using reclaimed wood conserves natural resources, preserves eco systems and can be a more affordable option. It also uses less energy to manufacture than new woods or other materials. Reclaimed wood gives your flooring a rustic and individual look while preserving the environment around you.
Tile/Stone
Stone tiles are a leading choice because their timeless design never goes out of style. Unlike ceramic or vinyl tile, when stone tiles are removed, they can be repurposed for landscaping because there is no harm to the natural environment. When selected from well-managed quarries, stone tiles are a great alternative to ceramic or vinyl tile, and their natural beauty will last the life of the house and beyond.
A number of green companies have started recycling unwanted glass, stone, and plastic into floor tiles. The benefits include water and stain resistance and ease of maintenance. Recycled tile also offers flooring with varied aesthetic appeal, as it comes in a wide range of bold and muted colors.
Linoleum/Marmoleum
Marmoleum (a brand name of Linoleum) is made from all natural ingredients; linseed/flax oil, wood resins, cork, limestone, and jute. Vibrant, marbled colors from organic dyes are a hallmark of linoleum, and because the color permeates the material, it can be sanded for renewed longevity. Linoleum floors have a resilience that makes them perfect for heavy traffic and prolonged standing. It is a great option for those affected by respiratory conditions because it discourages dust mites. The flooring’s consistent temperature neutrality allows it to work well in all homes, even those situated in extreme climate zones.
Linoleum is available in sheets and tiles, which should always be installed with low-VOC adhesives, as well as hard tongue-and-groove planks for do-it-yourself glue-less installation.
Concrete
Concrete flooring is gaining popularity with green building. While plain concrete flooring is not very green on its own (due to high CO2 emissions while heating and mixing), it can be made more eco friendly by substituting fly-ash at 30-50%. At its most green, concrete is a viable alternative for flooring and can be made visually appealing by utilizing a variety of colors and textures before sealing with a low-VOC finish. Concrete is easy to clean, moisture-resistant, and long-lasting. It’s also well-suited to in-floor radiant heating.
Considered Floor Warming?
Homeowners looking to conserve energy should consider electric radiant floor warming. Not only does floor warming improve indoor air quality, it is also energy efficient. Consuming about the same energy as two 75-watt light bulbs, floor warming systems such as WarmlyYours provide comforting heat for only pennies per day. Equipped with an Energy Star rated programmable thermostat allows for precise temperature control through the day ensuring peak performance and energy savings. Electric radiant floor warming is one of the few ways to add supplemental warmth to your home using energy generated from renewable resources such as solar and wind power. Converting 100% of energy into heat makes electric floor warming one of the most efficient methods of supplying comfort and energy savings to your home. For more information on radiant heating please visit www.warmlyyours.com
Where can I get this Flooring?
www.corkfloor.com
www.bamboohardwoods.com
www.trestlewood.com
www.lumberliquidators.com
www.fastfloors.com
www.discountflooring.com
www.linoleumstore.com
www.themarmoleumstore.com
www.concretenetwork.com
www.simplefloors.com