Nuts and Bolts: Fab Floors

(Page 3 of 4)

May/June 2007
By Susan Lahey 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

If you can’t find a dust-free system or floor refinisher, cover openings with plastic to contain dust. Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum to clean up.

RELATED CONTENT

Choose low-VOC stains, finishes, sealants and caulks. (For contents and health effects of finishes, obtain the MSDS from the manufacturer; most are posted on manufacturers’ websites.) Avoid fungicides, biocides and high levels of VOCs. Look for Pure Tung Oil (www.RealMilkPaint.com), OS Hardwax Oil (www.EcoProducts.com), and products by BioShield (www.BioShieldPaint.com), Tried And True (www.TriedAndTrueWoodFinish.com) and AFM Safecoat (www.AFMSafecoat.com).

Down to Earth Talk about Floors

Bamboo
Pros: Durable; Easily replenished resource; Not made from the species that endangered giant pandas eat; Relatively low cost (around $3.50 to $6 per square foot)
Cons: May contain formaldehyde; May be treated with fungicides or pesticides; Most is imported from Asia; Can warp or weaken in high-moisture areas; best not used in bathrooms, laundry areas or mudrooms; Some varieties prone to scratching

FSC-Certified Wood
Pros: Supports good forestry practices; Encourages local economies that use sustainable forestry; Beautiful and sturdy
Cons: Tropical woods shipped long distances; More expensive than non-certified woods

Reclaimed Wood
Pros: Reuse is most environmentally friendly option; Can be acquired locally; Inexpensive if purchased from an individual, through www.OldBarnWoodSite.com or from Habitat for Humanity; Historic look adds character and beauty
Cons: Requires a lot of work if unfinished; Irregular sizes more difficult to install; Can be expensive, depending on source  ($6 to $12 per square foot depending on width and type of wood)

Cork
Pros: A naturally sourced, renewable resource; Excellent thermal and acoustic properties; Bounces back from dents and gouges; Can be installed by homeowners (tiles)
Cons: Imported from the Mediterranean; Requires adhesives; choose less toxic varieties; Can be expensive ($5 to $8.50 per square foot for tiles or floating floors)

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next >>
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe today and save 50%
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to Natural Home

Welcome to Natural Home, the authority on green lifestyle and design. With an up-to-date outlook on current trends in sustainable building and wholesome living, Natural Home gives today’s eco-conscious homeowners the information they need to live in nurturing, healthy homes. Subscribe to Natural Home today to get inspired on the art of living wisely and living well.

Save money and a few trees by paying with your credit card now. Take advantage of our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You’ll save an additional $4.95 and get six issues of Natural Home for just $15! (Offer valid only in the U.S.)

Or, choose Bill Me Later and pay just $19.95