July 6, 2017 – Choosing design elements for a home can be an overwhelming process. From cozy carpets to sleek bamboo, there is an endless array of flooring options. While finding a design to match the aesthetic of your space is essential, many people don’t realize that the flooring you choose can have an effect on the health of your family and the environment. At Randy’s, we want to help you design a space that leaves your family healthy, happy, and comfortable while minimizing our impact on the environment. Because of this, we are committed to carrying sustainable flooring options such as cork, bamboo, and wool carpets.
Cork
The regenerative properties of cork makes it one of the most sustainable flooring options on the market. From harvest to your home, cork has little to no negative impact on the environment. Cork is produced from the bark of the cork oak tree. Once a cork oak is fully matured its bark can be harvested every 8 to 14 years. Its natural composition makes it resistant to mold and termites, blocks absorption of dust, and is antimicrobial, making cork a healthy addition to any home.
Beyond its sustainable qualities, cork is a safe, comfortable, and a quiet flooring option for any home or business. The air pockets in cork provide a natural thermal and acoustic insulator — making it comfortable to walk on, shock absorbent, and warm. In addition to being resistant to cracking and abrasions, the natural properties and chemical composition of cork make it impermeable to gas and liquid — minimizing smoke and toxic fumes when exposed to fire. When properly maintained, cork flooring can last 40 years or more.
Bamboo
Known for its durability, sleek aesthetic, and sustainable qualities, bamboo has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Bamboo, which is grown in tropical climates, is a rapidly growing grass that can be harvested every 4–6 years. The growing time is much shorter than its hardwood counterpart, which can take decades to reach full maturity. While hardwood can only be harvested once, bamboo continues to thrive after the initial harvest. Due to its regenerative qualities, the bamboo plant will continue to produce an abundance of crops for years to come.
Like hardwood flooring, bamboo floors require little maintenance and are extremely strong. Bamboo is hypoallergenic and slightly more resistant to water damage and stains than hardwood materials. The wide range of bamboo hues makes it easily adapted to match any decorating style.
Wool carpet
Wool, which is a textile fiber sourced from sheep, is one of the most natural and sustainable carpet options on the market. While durability is a common worry with most carpet styles, wool’s ability to “bounce back” from compression, tracking marks, and shading makes it a hefty opponent against the wear and tear of any household.
As a 100% renewable fiber, there are many sustainable qualities associated with wool. Beyond keeping you cozy and comfortable, wool is energy efficient and acts as an insulator to keep your house warm. Wool is also able to absorb humidity and contaminants in the air, providing a clean and balanced atmosphere to any home. The fibers in wool hold fine dust and contaminants until it is vacuumed, making it a great option for anyone with allergy issues. Wool’s natural beauty combined with durability makes it a timeless addition to any household.
Read more about wool carpet and in our article, Choosing the Right Carpet for You.
At Randy’s Flooring, we want to simplify the design process and find the perfect flooring to suit your needs. Stop by either of our two Randy’s Flooring locations so we can help you find the sustainable flooring option of your dreams!
