Watch Your Step

What to put on your floor has become a more difficult decision than just choosing between hardwood and carpet. If you want to buy flooring that is good for your home, health and the environment, you have a wide range of options from which to choose — and as many questions to ask.

Some aspects to consider include the materials' renewability, durability, VOC level, recycled/recyclable content and manufacturing process. But for die-hard greenies, there is a whole other slew of concerns, such as how the material was harvested, how far it was transported and whether the company that produced it uses  sustainable practices.

“People are becoming more and more knowledgeable about green products,” says Tom Fields, co-owner of Design Materials Inc. (DMI) in Kansas City, Kan. “They are asking about manufacturing, how the sheep are treated in New Zealand and what kind of labor goes on in the factories ... it can be a bit overwhelming.”

Not all of the information consumers seek is available, particularly when dealing with overseas factories, Tom adds, but he and other local retailers are doing their best to have as much product information available as possible.

Take bamboo, for instance, a product that has become increasingly popular. Gerould Sabin, owner of Elements of Green, says he gets the most pushback from bamboo. While its source (a grass) is more rapidly renewable than other kinds of wood, it also comes from another continent.

While the plethora of options may be enough to induce a migraine, Lori McCann, designer and consultant at Kansas City's Straw, Sticks and Bricks, says homeowners should find what works best for them.

“There really is no one way to look at something. You may have a product that is environmentally friendly but comes from overseas,” she says. “It is a balance you're looking for. Customers can come in and look at the products and we can tell them why one thing is green and why others aren't.”

When it comes to flooring, there are various options in both hard and soft surfaces that are environmentally friendly. Here is an overview of the products available from local retailers.

Hard Surfaces

Bamboo is harvested typically in the Asian Pacific region. It takes around five to eight years to harvest, unlike woods such as oak and pine, which can take upward of 40 years, Gerould says. He calls it a hard, durable product that lasts for more than 30 years and is scratch-resistant and forgiving. To make sure that your bamboo is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, he says it should be made with quality glues and   be formaldehyde-free. Bamboo typically costs between $5-$8 per square foot.

Cork is also a renewable product — the bark of cork trees can be removed every seven to 10 years. Most of the trees are grown in the Mediterranean. Gerould carries products that include glue-down or click-lock tiles that are formaldehyde-free. Cork's advantages are its durability and long lifecycle. It should last 15 to 20 years in a home and can be refinished four to five times. Although there have been some reports that cork can be susceptible to mold, Gerould say he hasn't had any negative responses about his product. He does recommend not using it in high-moisture areas. Cork also typically runs about $5-$8 per square foot.

Marmoleum is one of the most versatile and green products. It looks like traditional linoleum but is made of linseed oil and other materials such as rosins and cork or wood powder. It comes in multiple colors that can be used to create various designs. It also can be glued or purchased in click-lock tile and is produced in the United States. Gerould says marmoleum is durable, gorgeous, stain- and scratch-resistant, and virtually bacteria-free. The price is $6-$7 per square foot.

Recycled materials are another option. Straw, Sticks and Bricks offers products like recycled ceramic tile from Nebraska and “rescued wood” from Springfield, Mo., which comes from trees that have fallen during storms or were cleared for construction. It costs about $6 per square foot. Elements of Green sells recycled rubber flooring that comes in interlocking tiles, or tiles or rolls that are glued down with “environmentally stable” glues. It's priced at $21 for a 20-by-70-inch piece. Another option is Enviroglas, which is made from recycled glass and porcelain and can cost $25-$30 per square foot. This tile is easy to clean, produced with a no-VOC resin and has a lifecycle of 50 years. It is also unique — you can pick the glass colors you want.

Soft Floors

FLOR carpet tiles are made with renewable and recyclable materials. Lori says the tiles also can be taken back for recycling after use. The product comes in numerous styles, and the 20-by-20-inch squares run from $6-$20 each. They are durable and easy to clean — if one is stained, it can be pulled up and cleaned individually.

Wool carpet is a traditional, 100-percent natural option that is typically made without harmful chemicals, pigments or adhesives. Tom says the wool in DMI's carpets comes from New Zealand and is made into carpet in Western Europe, where green manufacturing standards are rigorous. Wool typically outlasts synthetic carpets and is anti-static, so dust won't cling to the fibers. It also “breathes,” so when the weather is humid, the carpet doesn't feel damp like some traditional carpets. Wool is more expensive but varies in price from $30-$40 a yard.

Plant fiber carpets are another option for consumers. DMI carries sisal and seagrass that come from Africa and other parts of the world where little else will grow. Tom says there are few additives in the carpets and they have low VOCs and a natural backing. Additionally, seagrass is a rapidly renewable material. Its cost is comparable to most other carpets.

Finally, even some traditional carpet manufacturers have gone green. Max Cooper, general manager of Tallgrass Flooring & Design Center, says he carries a line of Mohawk Industries carpet that is made from corn and another made from recycled plastic pop bottles. He also says Shaw Industries Group Inc. has begun providing collection points at which customers can drop off old carpet to be recycled.

For more information on green flooring, visit these websites:
www.strawsticksandbricks.com
www.elements-of-green.com
www.buildinggreen.com
www.flor.com
www.enviroglasproducts.com
www.mohawkcarpet.com
www.shawfloors.com