Norwood Home Building and Home Additions

If you are environmentally concerned, you might want to consider one of these flooring material options for your kitchen remodel:

Cork has not been used widely during the past thirty or so years. Before that, cork was a very popular flooring material, especially in areas where quiet and comforts were important considerations. Cork comes from the bark of a tree in the beech family. Because it can be harvested in nine to eleven years, it is considered a rapidly renewable resource. Because the cork is taken from the bark, the trees can be re-harvested for many years (unlike most hardwood trees which are completely used at once). Cork is available in planks and tiles. These are treated using new technologies with several coats of an acrylic that can be cleaned by routine sweeping or vacuuming. Cork flooring is very durable, comfortable to walk or stand on and fire-resistant. It is available in a surprising number of textures, colors and patterns. It can be installed easily so it "floats" over other hard surfaces (wood, vinyl, tile) or it can be glued to a hard sub-floor.

Bamboo is also a rapidly-renewable product that makes very attractive flooring material. Bamboo is a grass that can grow in just four years to a height of 65 feet. Harvesting the mature bamboo does not destroy the plant, so it quickly regenerates. Bamboo planks are coated with a durable wear-resistant finish and are ideal for long-term use. The fibers of bamboo do not absorb water as readily as common hardwoods. Cleaning is a matter of sweeping, with an occasional use of a damp mop. Bamboo flooring is available in a number of colors. Because the bamboo stalks can be cut either vertically or horizontally, it is possible to find very different designs to compliment any décor.