Going Green: Vinyl, Bamboo, Cork, and More

Hardwood flooring is fairly green, literally. It is made of wood. It is harvested wood from the forests of the world, and despite what some may think, it is great use of a renewable resource. In fact, according to a World Resources Institute report, North America increased tree coverage in the 1990s, which means we plant as we cut. America produces more wood than any other country, and we put it to use in a healthy way, replenishing the forests as we go.

However, if you still aren’t comfortable with using wood for your hardwood floors, there are a few greener options:

1. Vinyl floors are made of polyvinyl chloride and used as flooring in all types of homes and businesses because of its durability in high traffic areas. There are two types of vinyl flooring: printed vinyl and inlaid vinyl. Printed vinyl contains thin sheet, is less durable, and is therefore cheaper. The inlaid vinyl contains thicker sheet, and is more expensive. Both types of vinyls come in sheets or tiles, and are designed to click into place for a seamless finish. The digitally enhanced images make laminate flooring look more like hardwood than every before. It can definitely be a cheaper option, but is still not as “green” as some other options.
2. Bamboo floors are an environmentally friendly option for customers who have trouble using wood for floors. Bamboo grows and reaches maturity in just five years, so bamboo resources replenish faster than the thirty to sixty years of a wood forest. The benefits of bamboo floors don’t stop there, though. Bamboo floors, when harvested and installed correctly, can be stronger than an oak floor. Bamboo also comes naturally in two contrasting colors, but Tom and Peter Flooring has partnered with manufacturers that offer a variety of colors.
3. Cork Floors, harvested in Portugal from the bark of cork trees, is environmentally friendly because the bark grows back shortly, not harming the trees at all. Because it is manufactured to look like hardwood, it comes in various colors, styles, and patterns. Aside from the obvious benefit to the environment, cork floors are water resistant, durable, non-slip, and hypo-allergenic.

Tom and Peter Flooring prides itself on staying abreast to trends in the hardwood flooring industry. If you are looking for alternatives to wood hardwood flooring, one of our professionals can offer expert advice and service. Call or make an appointment online today [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/hardwood-floor-elk-grove-village/].