Forum dedicated to increasing awareness of green living through beneficial dialogue.

I guess that would depend on what it was an alternative to? Cork comes from sustainable forests, and involves removing the outer bark of a particular type of tree, every few years.

One thing you have to watch out for is that there are a lot of floor tiles which are marketed as cork, but actually contain PVC...

I know that cork flooring has been around forever. I'm not sure how it's harvested, but if that's true and there aren't any dangerous chemicals used in manufacturing it, I'd go for it. I do know that it's really good acoustically. It dampens the noise level. Musicians can use it on the floor and the walls.

I actually didn't realize that cork could be considered an alternative. I'd be careful where you buy it from, though, just in case it's being marketed inaccurately.

We're looking into it from a national construction and renovation store, and a sample is being considered for possible use by the condo board of directors.

I think a comparison is often made between cork and hardwood, in the conversations we've had about it.

Cork makes a great floor. When considering the "Green" factor of a product you can not forget the post install effects that the flooring has on the indoor environment. Some Flooring needs Stains applied (most of which contain VOC's) these Stains offgas and lower the air quality of your house and as VOC's are carcinogens you are subjecting your family to the potential of developing cancers or other health problems. Cork on the other hand is injected with a natural dye and is sealed with it's own natural wax. This makes Cork the best alternative for those who suffer from allergies or chronic sicknesses. Bamboo is the next logical choice.

On a side note Standing for long periods of time on cork flooring will not hurt the back as much as some of the other flooring options out there. It's actually better for you then the others.

I've since installed the cork flooring I mentioned. There was no additional staining required, but there was some nasty dust raised in the process of installation. I'm not sure how much of that was old dust, as opposed to air born sawdust from cutting the new material.

And???? How do you like it?


Congratulations on the new floor. I wish I had mine in.