Bamboo and Cork

Cork and Bamboo are excellent choices for the environmentally-conscious buyer, or for the homeowner with multiple sources of daily wear and tear (i.e., children, pets, etc.)

Both products come from highly renewable sources

• in the case of bamboo, from tall grasses in the Far East which are typically harvested in 3 to 5 year cycles.
• in the case of cork, primarily from the Mediterranean region, by a process in which only the tree bark is removed and used to make cork flooring, but will grow back every 7 to 10 years.

Bamboo flooring is harder than many hardwoods and, experts say, will last anywhere between 30 and 50 years. Because it is a biodegradable product, it can be burned in landfills or burned for energy.

Cork also provides another functional alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. It maintains its shape in every climate, is naturally resistant to mold, moisture and rot, and is considered just as durable as hardwood. Compared to bamboo, cork feels slightly warmer to the touch – a real plus in colder climates. It has the same biodegradable properties as bamboo, is non-toxic, and can be ground up for compost. Overall, both products provide clean and healthy alternatives for environmentally conscious, and ‘active’ households.

Source: http://www.greenhomeguide.com/know-how/article/navigating-the-flooring-thicket-find-the-greenest-way-to-meet-your-needs#bamboo

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