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Reclaimed hardwood | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 3

How to select the best eco friendly flooring solution

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Nowadays, eco-friendly or ‘Green homes’ are gaining a lot of popularity since, apart from being environment friendly they are highly cost effective as well.  More and more people are choosing eco friendly products for their daily use, so that there is less pollution and minimal waste.  Newly constructed and renovated houses are made with environmentally friendly materials that are non-toxic, recyclable, and safe for the occupants as well as for the ecology. Therefore, in order to have a green home, eco friendly flooring products are the first choice for many builders, home makers and architects. However, it is important to select the appropriate eco friendly flooring solution as there are various options available in the market.

Carpets as a flooring option are the first choice for people living in regions experiencing cold weather almost all the year round. Eco friendly carpets are the ones made from natural fibers with no chemical treatment. These carpets usually have high recycled content, and less toxic adhesives and backing. Recycled rubber is another product which proves to be an ideal eco friendly flooring solution. Rubber floor tiles are tough, durable and easy to clean and maintain. Rubber has numerous ecological benefits and can be used in industrial/public places, places subjected to heavy traffic and even for residential purpose. Rubber flooring absorbs noise, reduces vibration and provides sound insulation.

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Hardwood floors have long been a standard choice for many, due to its elegance, affordability, durability, and above all eco friendly characteristics. For hardwood flooring cork is the perfect option since it is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, which does not harm or kill the tree. Moreover cork flooring is attractive, hypoallergenic, sustainable and even relieves joint strains and foot pains. Bamboo is also considered to be an eco friendly flooring solution, since it is highly sustainable and grows back very fast. Moreover bamboo is water and insect resistant, and since it is a type of grass, it does not harm the environment. Natural linoleum floors are also biodegradable products that are anti-allergen in nature.

Cleaning products, Environmentally friendly, stone solution sealers, ecostone, Earth-friendly Products,organic products, eco-friendly, natural products, environmental products

Stone floorings are growing in popularity and there are various eco friendly stone flooring solutions available nowadays. Due to its growing demand brands like EcoStone have also come out with excellent stone cleaning and polishing products which are easy to use. Stone is found in abundance and does not incorporate any synthetic elements, which makes it quite environmental friendly. Stone floorings are also water & scratch resistant. Same is the case with tiles, like glass, ceramic etc which are eco friendly as well as durable. In order to maintain the shine and beauty of stones, products like EcoStone’s powerful stone and tiles cleaner should be used regularly. These products also act as deodorizers, are biodegradable and environment friendly. There is also the Rock Star aerosol sprayer which is an excellent non-acidic and non-alkaline solution that helps to improve the shine of natural stone. These products do not have offensive odors and are the perfect solution for removing grime, dust and stains to safeguard natural stone surfaces.

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Eco friendly flooring solutions for your child’s room

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Whenever we think of renovating our child’s room, the first thing that comes to our mind is a safe and healthy atmosphere. This implies that everything in your child’s room, from the paint on the walls to the flooring has to be safe. Proper flooring is of utmost importance since children tend to play on the floor most of the time. Therefore eco friendly flooring materials should be the only choice for your child’s room. There are various eco friendly solutions to build a green playroom for your child.

Cork flooring is a very popular choice for kids’ playroom since it has a soft surface and prevents children from getting hurt. Moreover cork is naturally anti-microbial, tough, durable, biodegradable and does not stain easily. Since cork is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, it can be stripped and removed several times without harming the tree. However, it is always advisable to avoid self-adhesive cork tiles since they may contain toxic chemicals.

For very small infants or toddlers natural woven carpets is an excellent flooring option. These carpets are made by weaving together natural fibers like coir, jute, seagrass or sisal and are extremely soft to touch. Seagrass grows naturally all around the world and helps in insulating houses and also acts as a barrier against sound. Similarly sisal is also a natural fiber and a sustainable resource and is grown without the use of any pesticides or herbicides which makes it highly environment friendly. These products are also appropriate for children prone to allergies or asthmatic attacks and require very little care and maintenance. Wool carpets are again a sustainable and 100% biodegradable choice and have various advantages like durability, fire resistance and are anti-static. Moreover, such carpets use only natural dyes, are not treated with harmful chemicals and are installed without the help of adhesives. All these characteristics make it a complete eco friendly product.

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Another truly sustainable eco friendly flooring solution for your child’s room is bamboo. It is a fast-growing grass which can be re-harvested every 5 years and is by far the most abundant and renewable natural resources thus making it a popular flooring choice. Moreover it is extremely hardy, durable and moisture resistant. When we talk of eco friendly flooring solutions for a child’s room, it is necessary to mention rubber flooring. Rubber flooring apart from being an eco friendly flooring solution is extremely safe, durable, soft and appealing. It is stain and slip resistant, has anti-microbial and hypoallergenic properties and has shock absorbent surface; making it an ideal flooring option for your child’s room that is not only safe but cost effective as well.

Last but not the least linoleum flooring is also a safe and eco friendly option for your kid’s room. Linoleum is resistant to fungi and bacterial growth, has hypoallergenic qualities, and is very durable and also scratch and spill resistant. Whatever the option, care should always be taken to provide your child with a green, non-toxic and environmental friendly atmosphere.

Hardwood floors, safety, carpet, Eco friendly, Cork flooring

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Installing Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heated Sub Floors

Installing Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heated Sub Floors

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Installing Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heated Sub Floors

• Oak, Ash, Hickory, and Walnut species Engineered Hardwood products, > ½” thickness normally are approved for installation over radiant heated subfloors using either Adhered or Floating installation methods if applicable for the product.

• Nail or Staple Down installation methods are not recommended for Radiant Heated Sub Floors.

•  Engineered product constructions thinner than ½” will require review by the Hardwood manufacture before installation; along with a location registration and an acknowledgment letter, verifying that the project is approved and warranted. Continue reading “Installing Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heated Sub Floors”

It Isn’t Easy Being Green…or Is It?

We’ve all heard it in the news. There is a clarion call nowadays to be eco-friendly, or green. Regardless of your thoughts on the global warming situation, being responsible about the environment is something everyone can get behind. If you are renovating your home or buying a new one, environmentally friendly flooring solutions are available to you.

Going “green” with your flooring is a great way to conserve and responsibly manage the earth’s resources. It can also help you live healthier by reducing or eliminating pesky allergens like dust, mold, and mildew. So the question is “What type of flooring is out there?” I’m glad you asked.

Linoleum and Marmoleum.

Let’s start with that ole standby, linoleum. Linoleum is not made from vinyl, as some would have you believe. It was actually originally made from flaxseed oil. A more recent development is Marmoleum. It is made from linseed oil, wood flour, jute, and pine resin. It is very biodegradable and produced with a minimal environmental impact. Couple it with a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) adhesive and get even more benefit.

Hardwoods

If the idea of hardwood flooring makes you smile (of course it does), but the thought of all of those trees meeting an early death to give you a pretty living room makes you cringe, then I have something special for you. Remember this term: “Reclaimed hardwood floors”. That means that the planks for the flooring are made from old torn down buildings like schoolhouses, churches, and barns. They are considered superior to today’s wood planks in many cases because they are taken from earlier generation trees that were allowed to mature to the fullest before being cut-down. They are durable, and available in virtually any finish traditional hardwoods are found in. They cost about the same too. So you can have a beautiful hardwood floor in your home, minus the guilt.

Cork

Cork is an imaginative choice for your eco-friendly flooring. It has a distinct look and some unique benefits as well. You can stand on cork floors for much longer periods of time on cork without hurting your feet, which makes it a great option for the kitchen. It also is soft enough that your can drop breakable objects on it without the worry that they will shatter into a million pieces, which is handy if you have children. It’s environmentally friendly because it is harvested from the bark of the tree, which can be done without harming the tree itself. If you are looking for something fun and responsible, cork is the way to go.

Bamboo

Did you know that in addition to being what is on the dinner table at the panda house, bamboo could be used to make a very cool looking and very eco-responsible floor? Bamboo is a grass that can be grown to full maturity in just a few years. Bamboo is similar to hardwoods in durability, but has a distinctive look that is really starting to catch fire. Those who consider themselves unique can take this flooring route and know that they are doing the environment a huge favor.

Some Tile Alternatives

Maybe you really like the look of tile flooring, and wonder if any options exist for you. I am happy to tell you about tile made from recycled glass. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, and only imagination will limit the possibilities. If you are looking for durability and aren’t afraid to pay a little more for it, you should go with stone flooring. It is beautiful, environmentally sound, and will last a lifetime.

As you can see, there are a host of alternatives for your flooring needs if you want to stay “green” and not spend to much green at the same time. Whether you choose the distinct looks of cork, or bamboo, the new generation of reclaimed hardwoods, the affordability of marmoleum, or one of the other options listed, you can rest assured that your won’t have to sacrifice the environment to have the beautiful floor you desire. It’s the best of both worlds, don’t you think?

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Reclaimed hardwood | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 3