Submitted By: Kim Curiel (kim_curiel@yahoo.com)
Challenge
What sustainable flooring to choose for our new home.
Solution Details
We looked into cork but didn't feel confident about its durability. We tried reclaiming some hardwood from a house that was being demolished, but ended up far short of what we needed for our house. We'd looked at bamboo flooring years before, but it had been so expensive we'd written it off. But when we were looking at Expo Home Center we found it for just $5/sq ft.
Benefits & Payback
We saved some money, perhaps a couple hundred dollars, instead of going with oak flooring, but more important than that to us is that instead of chopping down oak trees which would take 50 years to replace, we harvested a grass that can be replaced within three years. We got a floor that is guaranteed for 50 years and looks beautiful.
Bamboo is now being manufactured into all sorts of products that had been traditionally hard woods including furniture, cabinets and kitchenware (bowls, cutting boards, utensils). (Available at Whole Foods and Target) Additionally it is being used to make linens such as sheets, pillowcases, tableclothes and napkins (available at Target). It's sustainable not only because it grows quickly and replenishes itself without replanting, it needs little to no pesticides or fertilizers.
Informational Links
Article on bamboo flooring by BuildingGreen.com
BuildingGreen.com
Silkroad Bamboo Flooring - the largest in-stock product line of bamboo flooring anywhere in North America since 1994
Bamboo Hardwoods, Inc. - Offering bamboo furniture, japanese fences, water features and bamboo flooring
Smith & Fong Plyboo Bamboo Flooring - Bamboo flooring, beautiful and environmental architectural and design bamboo, paneling, flooring, plywood and veneer
