5 Advantages of Cork Flooring

When choosing the right floor for your home there are many considerations.  You want it to be durable, to be beautiful and to fit your budget.  You may also want it to be an environmentally sound decision, having the least impact on the environment.  Weigh all your options; cork flooring may be your flooring of choice.  Here are five advantages of cork flooring. 

#1.  Cork flooring is a renewable resource.  Instead of having to cut down a tree, cork is harvested from a tree without causing it any harm.  The harvesting process is actually pretty interesting; cork, made from the bark of oak trees, is only harvested from a tree once every ten years.  And it’s biodegradable, which means you don’t have to feel guilty when your flooring has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced

Varnished cork bathroom tiles. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#2.  Cork flooring is excellent for people with allergies and sensitivities.  Unlike carpet, which can collect pollen, pollutants and dust mites, cork is naturally hypoallergenic and mold-resistant. 

#3.  Cork also contains suberin, a natural insect repellent.  Why would you want your floor to repel insects?  Think termites…enough said, right?  What’s better than a floor that repels termites rather than attracting them? 

#4.  Cork flooring is extremely durable.  Not only does it resist the dents and scratches most wood floors easily incur, it’s also lightweight which means you can install it on any type of subfloor.  It is important to note that while cork is very durable, it isn’t kryptonite - you can gouge it.  Additionally, it is water resistant which means it won’t suffer water damage as easily as other types of floors.

#5.  Cork flooring is economical.  Basic cork tiles start around $4.00 per tile or plank and vary depending on stain choice and size of plank or tile.  And because it’s fairly easy to install, do-it-yourselfers can save a lot of money on installation.

Cork flooring has the ability to be customized to fit every lifestyle and décor choice.  It can be stained, and be installed as tiles or planks, which creates a variety of pattern options.  It’s durable, mold and mildew resistant and perhaps best of all, a renewable and sustainable product.  If you’re looking to replace the flooring in your home, consider cork.  It’s an economical and environmentally friendly option.

Choosing An Eco-Friendly Countertop

Countertops play an important role in your kitchen. You want them to be functional and beautiful - The better the countertop, the higher the value of your kitchen and your home. In fact, some homes are purchased because of their kitchen.  However, as people become more and more environmentally conscious, they want countertops that are more than beautiful and functional - they want eco-friendly kitchen counter tops. 

 (Photo credit: craftapalooza)

Here are the best eco-friendly kitchen counter top options:

Recycled Glass.  Recycled glass countertops are gorgeous.  You can choose any color or color combination you desire. It is fairly expensive, $50 to $55 per square foot; however, it meets all of the requirements for a gorgeous, durable, eco-friendly kitchen.  Recycled glass is mixed into a cement, concrete or resin base and installed. 

Bamboo.  Bamboo is an amazing material. Because bamboo grows so quickly, it’s a very renewable resource. You can make flooring, dinnerware and cookware out of it, furniture and yes, kitchen counter tops. Bamboo is an inexpensive alternative running about $20-$25 per square foot. While it is gorgeous and eco-friendly, it can be dented and scratched.  However, many people like this weathered look and the wood can be sealed to prevent staining. You will also want to be sure the countertop is made using a formaldehyde-free binder. But all in all, bamboo can be a good choice for a counter top.

Recycled aluminum.  Stainless steel has been all the rage for a while now. It’s sleek in appearance, durable and easy to clean; however it takes a lot of resources to create a stainless steel counter top.  Recycled aluminum offers the same sleek and durable look as stainless steel and it’s made from recycled materials so it’s environmentally friendly.  The only drawback to this option is the cost, which is about $100 per square foot.  However, if you don’t need a custom install and can manage a prefabricated piece of aluminum the cost can be dramatically reduced.

Concrete.  Concrete, believe it or not, can actually be a gorgeous countertop addition to your kitchen.  Concrete can be stained in a solid color or designed to resemble granite and other stone countertops.  Concrete is durable and easily sealed.  Price can range from $65 per square foot to $135. 

Ceramic tile.  In order for ceramic tile to be considered eco-friendly, it must be made from recycled materials like light bulbs, porcelain or bottles.  Ceramic tile is extremely cost effective and prices start around $10 per square foot.  It’s easy to install so if you’re a do-it-yourselfer it’s a great option and when the grout is sealed, it makes a fairly durable option.  Additionally, ceramic tile comes in just about every color imaginable.

Eco-friendly countertops come in just about every style, durability and price point.  Take a look around, and you’re sure to be able to find exactly what you need to create your dream kitchen while at the same time, conserving resources and showing your appreciation for the environment.