Considering Green Flooring Options: Do your research.

Being that we are members of the National Wood Flooring Association (or NWFA as the industry folk call it) we are privy to many intriguing conversations and debates pertaining to wood flooring products. Most recently bamboo flooring has been a hot topic for discussion among those in our industry and among consumers. More and more we're hearing about this rapidly growing grass that because it's renewable is therefore being considered a great green flooring option.

If it's a green floor you're looking for, you may think bamboo or recycled glass or one of the other quickly renewable or recycled options is the best choice. However, there are many things you need to consider before you know which choice is best in terms of "greenness."

First, just because they say it's green doesn't mean it is. Buyer beware. There are hundreds if not thousands of organizations that offer certifications for every consumer product imaginable, from paper products to granola bars, that certify them as all natural/organic/green/recycled etc. You need to know that not all of these so called certifications are legitimate and even more of them are not so strict in their certification requirements. In short, it doesn't take much effort to acquire many of these seals of approval. When you're considering a green product, whether it's a recycled building product for your new home, the hybrid car you're going to drive everyday, or the organic snack you're going to feed your children, make it your job to understand exactly what makes that product green and how it got it's green certification. Do your research.

Posted on May 27, 2008 at 10:28 AM in Green Building • (5) Comments

Comments

Stephen Turcotte said…

This post reminds me of the story last week about how Paul McCartney. a big supporter of the earth, the environment, and green causes in general unwittingly was presented with new “hybird” Lexus LS 600h, via cargo plane. Environmentalists pointed out that sending the car to England via air completely offset any environmental gains resulting from the car?s use. ?It?s like driving the car 300 times around the world,? says Gary Rumbold, the director of the British branch of co2balance, which helps businesses and individuals gauge their carbon emissions footprint.

Posted at 12:05 PM on May 27, 2008
David Bourgeois said…

Is there a system to allow buyers of flooring to utilize wood grown in forests nearby their homes?

Posted at 08:10 AM on June 04, 2008
Alan Coon said…

Thanks for this advice on green flooring.

Posted at 01:08 PM on June 04, 2008
William Schollian said…

It is important to remember that all hardwood flooring, whether bamboo or hickory is not create equal. For instance, it is paramount to seek FSC certified flooring. Their site is http://www.fsc.org. Secondly, recent technology developments have made possible the production of woven bamboo. Woven bamboo is extremely hard with janka hardness numbers of Brazilian Cherry or teak. The process to weave the bamboo requires no formaldehyde containing glues. The wood is certified FSC and is truely an outstanding product. You can email me for additional information.

Posted at 10:19 AM on June 17, 2008
Megan said…

Great points Kim! When I recently renovated my bathroom I knew right away that I had no desire to redo it again anytime soon. Choosing a wood floor allows me to be at ease knowing it will last forever—along with other long term bathroom products (such as a cast iron tub instead of a plastic one). Nice article!

Posted at 10:26 AM on June 18, 2008