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The Latest (and Best) Sustainable Building Materials

As a retailer of green and sustainable building materials, we see and hear about plenty of new products every year. But what innovative products made our “best of” list this year?

The latest and greatest Sustainable Building Products - Greenhome Solutions's Top Pick of the Year and Beyond. Images include a dog chewing a toy on a Wicanders Cork Floor, a second image of a close-up of Valinge Hardened Wood Flooring with a small puddle of water and little surfer action figures, and a third image of a kitchen with a butcher block island counter and 3 bar chairs.

You may be wondering what makes a building material sustainable.  So before we jump into the list, we should clarify what words like “Sustainable” and “Green” mean in the world of building products. 

What Are Green or Sustainable Building Materials?

There are many features that combine to make a building “green”, including energy efficiency and the reduction of demolition waste, for example. Using environmentally responsible construction materials is just one component of the green building process, but it’s an important one. One main goal of green building is to minimize the impact of the building project on the environment and human health. So the materials used should do the same. In fact, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, materials should go a step further. Not only reduce that impact but also “regenerate the natural and social environments from which they originate.” Reusing materials is an ideal example of this. So is using sustainable, planet-friendly materials that are:

  • Sustainably Grown – Decking and Siding from FSC-Certified forests
  • Locally Harvested – Butcher Block surfaces made from Pacific Northwest wood species
  • Made from Rapidly Renewable Materials – Bamboo and Cork Flooring
  • Made from Recycled Materials – PaperStone is a countertop made from recycled paper
  • Non-Toxic – Flooring and Cabinets manufactured without formaldehyde-containing adhesives and finishes
  • Reusable and/or Recyclable
  • Biodegradable
  • Durable, Long Lasting
Examples of Green Building Materials from left to right: Kebony Siding shown on The Burke Museum in Seattle, WA, Marmoleum Flooring in a Yellow and White tile scheme in a kitchen, and PaperStone countertop in Slate.
Examples of Sustainable Materials (left to right): Kebony Cladding at The Burke Museum of Natural History [Courtesy of Kebony® – Photo by Ben Roberts] / Marmoleum Flooring / PaperStone Recycled Paper Countertops [Courtesy of PaperStone®]

Why Should We Care about Sustainable Materials?

Before the pandemic, it was estimated that people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. In 2023 “pandemic projects” like room additions, backyard offices, and kitchen renovations – all inspired by the need for multitasking rooms – haven’t slowed down. Rooms need to host a variety of activities since we’re essentially relaxing, eating, learning, working, and entertaining in the same space.

The connection between health and indoor air quality

More people are becoming aware of the correlation between poor health and poor indoor air quality (IAQ) due to volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Considering how much time we spend indoors, it’s vital to do whatever we can to breathe the cleanest air possible. And there are many factors that contribute to the quality of indoor air – it’s a complex issue. A properly designed ventilation system and the reduction of indoor moisture levels are both important for good IAQ. But for the purposes of this discussion, we’re focusing on building materials and finish products which are also important potential sources of pollutants.

The fact is that most building materials emit gases throughout the life of the material. Some of them are toxic pollutants, including formaldehyde, which is a VOC that can be found in synthetic materials like carpets, vinyl flooring, and flooring adhesives and finishes. Paint is another finish material that has a tendency to be high in VOCs. Exposure to those chemicals inside your home can negatively affect your health, comfort, and ability to work. That’s why choosing non-toxic materials matters. If you want to enhance the quality of your indoor air, choose materials with zero or low VOC emissions. In other words, choose the least toxic materials. Search for natural and sustainable materials with the same positive characteristics as some of the higher VOC products, but without the harmful effects on the planet and our health.

Considering how much time we spend indoors, it’s vital to do whatever we can to breathe the cleanest air possible.

 

Benefits of Sustainable Building Materials

We like to say that what’s good for our planet is also good for our health. Sustainable building materials enhance the quality of your indoor air which in turn has a positive impact on your health, wellness, and comfort. But there are other benefits to building with sustainability in mind:

  • AFFORDABILITY – Rising popularity of greener materials has resulted in a wider selection of products and lower prices. So sustainable doesn’t automatically mean more expensive.
     
  • DURABILITY – A big part of sustainability is longevity. Materials considered sustainable and green last longer because they’re durable. A good example is solid hardwood flooring. They add value to the home because they’re meant to last a lifetime.
     
  • REFLECTS YOUR VALUES – Our homes and spaces are reflections of who we are. If you value the health of our planet, investing in sustainable building materials essentially puts your money where your values are.
     
  • CONNECTION TO NATURE – If you’re someone looking to bring the outdoors in, natural materials such as cork and wood provide warmth and comfort in addition to that feeling of being more connected to nature.
     
  • LOWER UTILITY COSTS – A benefit of one of our favorite sustainable materials, cork, is its natural thermal insulation properties. Thermal insulation works to create a barrier between cold concrete subfloors and your comfy indoor temperature. And bonus – we’ve noticed the added benefit of lower utility costs because of it.

OUR FAVORITE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS OF THE YEAR

Now that you’re all in on green building materials, let’s find out what products we’ve discovered that have our customers raving…

Valinge Hardened Wood Flooring with Woodura is one of our favorite sustainable building materials this year - available at Greenhome Solutions. Image of a close-up of Valinge Hardened Wood Flooring with a small puddle of water and little surfer action figures, an image of the flooring in a honey color with a wood chair and a leather pouf, and an image of a carton of the flooring.

Välinge Hardened Wood Flooring

From Sweden comes an innovative new hardwood flooring product that’s not only water-resistant but also 3 times stronger than traditional wood flooring. Valinge is best known for their locking flooring installation systems. In fact, it’s their 5G® Dry™ fold-down glueless locking system that also provides the flooring’s water resistance.

Some other things we like about Valinge Hardened Wood Flooring:

  • 100% Real Wood – Ash, Oak, or Walnut with natural imperfections, knots, and streaks. No vinyl printed “wood looks”
  • Stronger Impact Resistance – The wood layer is hardened by high pressure and temperature. And gives the flooring major dent & gouge resistance that outperforms traditional solid and engineered hardwood floors.
  • Wide and Even Wider Planks – Valinge’s hardwood planks are available in an 8 1/4″ width and in a 10 3/4″ width. Plus, no random lengths – each plank is over 7′ long.
  • Affordable – we like that this is a real wood flooring product for significantly less than traditional engineered or solid wood flooring.
  • Floor & Wall Applications – OK, trust us, this is cool. They offer an install system that converts flooring to wall covering without glue!
Valinge Hardened Wood Flooring in Mineral Grey Oak (a brownish-grey color) shown on the floor as well as on the wall encasing a gas fireplace insert. Demonstrating their installation system for converting flooring to wall covering.
Make your floor climb the wall with Valinge’s 5G® Climb™ system (shown in Mineral Grey Oak)

SUSTAINABILITY FACTOR: This engineered hardwood flooring is made with 100% real wood from responsibly managed forests, which is then manufactured nearby. Their Woodura technology maximizes the floor surface from every log. By using sliced wood instead of solid wood, 10 times more flooring can be produced from the same amount of lumber compared to traditional engineered wood flooring. And 30 times more flooring compared to solid wood flooring.

Butcher Block solid wood surfaces are one of our favorite sustainable building materials this year. Shown in Pacific Madrone. Courtesy of Targa Homes - Photo by Cora Brown Rock.
Pacific Madrone Butcher Block. Courtesy of Targa Homes – Photo by Cora Brown Rock

Stocked Butcher Block Surfaces

OK, so butcher block isn’t exactly new. Solid wood surfaces have been around for a very long time. The big news about our butcher block is that we’re now stocking ready-made slabs in popular countertop sizes! There’s nothing like warm, natural wood to cozy up a room.

Some other things we love about our butcher block:

  • Pacific Northwest Wood – Local to our region, our butcher block is made from sustainably harvested wood species. They include Douglas Fir, Big Leaf Maple, Pacific Madrone, Myrtlewood, and Tanoak.
  • Stocked in Common Countertop Dimensions – available in two widths and several lengths: 4′, 6′, 8′ or 12′
  • Finishing – Our slabs come unfinished and sanded to 120-grit finish with square edges.
  • Custom Sizes and Finishing Available – We still offer our full line of butcher block surfaces, including plank-style, end-grain, and custom widths, thicknesses, and lengths. Perfect for all kinds of applications, like table tops, kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, and shelving.

SUSTAINABILITY FACTOR: Our butcher block is manufactured from Pacific Northwest hardwood and softwood species, sustainably sourced from our region’s many fertile forests. Our supplier partners with small mills throughout the region to cut and kiln-dry the lumber and manufacture the solid surfaces. And we’re happy to say that we can share the story behind each piece.

Wicanders Cork Flooring and Wall Coverings are one of our favorite sustainable building materials this year. Shown here in Charm (left) and Desire (right).

Wicanders Cork Flooring and Wall Covering

Wicanders has been in the business of making cork products since 1868. What started as cork bottle
stoppers soon turned to furnishing and flooring products. And today, over 150 years later, cork flooring is still a recycled by-product of cork bottle stoppers. What makes Wicanders Cork Flooring one of our favorite sustainable building materials of the year? On its own, cork is an ideal material for flooring. But when combined with Wicanders’ Corktech technology, cork becomes a flooring product packed with undeniable benefits: comfort, warmth, durability, and beauty. Best of all, it’s affordable.

Some other things we love about Wicanders Cork:

  • Corktech Structure – Wicanders employs an engineered multilayer structure to build a strong and durable flooring plank. It consists of a quality core layer of cork, an integrated cork underlayment, cork veneers, and a protective, eco-friendly (and non-toxic) surface finish.
  • Glueless Floating Floor Install – the locking install system makes for a somewhat easy DIY install that you can float over an existing subfloor or glue down for a more permanent application.
  • Hypoallergenic – Cork is a great option for allergy sufferers because it’s naturally mold and mildew-resistant, anti-microbial, and doesn’t collect dust like carpets.
  • Durable – Cork has been used as flooring in buildings like the Library of Congress because it holds up to traffic. The finishes used today protect against cracking and scuff marks and add a great deal of strength and longevity. When properly maintained, cork flooring can last for years. And years.
  • Inherent Cork Characteristics – The benefits of cork are pretty incredible and a lot of that has to do with its cell structure. Its acoustic insulation properties can reduce foot traffic sound by up to 53% and act as a noise buffer between floors. Thanks to its thermal insulation properties, your floor maintains an optimal temperature all year round. Its cell structure also allows for elasticity and compressibility which means it can spring back from impacts. And it’s more flexible so it’s forgiving on your legs and back. This makes for an ideal kitchen floor, where you’re often standing for long periods of time.

SUSTAINABILITY FACTOR: Cork is one of the most renewable and versatile materials in the world. The cork bark is harvested without cutting down or destroying the cork oak tree. And there are strict time limits on the extraction period. During its long lifetime – upwards of 200 years – the tree is continually regenerating bark. As we mentioned before, cork flooring is a by-product of cork bottle stoppers. The material that’s left over after the stoppers are punched out is ground up to make other products, including floors. Many of the factories even utilize the cork dust from the processing plants to co-generate electricity.

Wicanders Cork Flooring is one of our favorite sustainable building materials this year. They also make a wall covering called Dekwall as well as glue-down cork tiles.
Wicanders makes a wall covering called ‘Dekwall’ (shown at left) as well as glue-down cork flooring (shown at right, top and bottom). Courtesy of Wicanders®

Summary

Sustainable building materials combine long-lasting style with eco-friendly function. And you don’t have to sacrifice either for a healthy indoor environment. It’s been an inventive year for green building. Thanks to the latest technology, brands continue to innovate and create more advanced products. We are fortunate to live in a time where people are generally more concerned about their personal wellness as well as that of our planet’s. We’re demanding healthier products – organic food, non-toxic cleaning products, and “clean” skincare. We should be demanding the same healthfulness from our building materials. We hope this list of sustainable building products inspires your future healthy spaces!


Greenhome Solutions is a family-owned, Seattle-based green building product supplier and showroom. Our friendly, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth team is happy to introduce homeowners and contractors to the latest sustainable building materials to fit their needs – just ask! But some of the products you have to see to believe. If you haven’t been to our showroom (or browsed our website), it’s worth the visit. If you’re thinking about a remodel or new construction project, take a peek at our selection or give us a call today!

LEARN MORE (Sources)

Välinge Flooring | valingeflooring.com

Wicanders Cork | wicanders.us

Green Building 101: Sustainable materials and resources | usgbc.org

About Green Building | worldgbc.org

Indoor Air Quality & Environmental Health | environmentalscience.org

Protect Indoor Air Quality In Your Home | epa.gov

Targa Homes: Shoreline 5-Star DADU | builtgreen.net


PaperStone – The Unique Countertop That’s Both Sustainable and Affordable

Looking for an affordable and sustainable alternative to cold granite countertops? Discover PaperStone – a recycled paper countertop that’s surprisingly warm.

PaperStone’s surface is a unique composition of recycled paper and non-petroleum resin with origins in the aerospace and marine industries. But don’t let its strength and durability fool you – it’s also warm and luxuriously smooth – making it an ideal kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity.

PaperStone Recycled Paper Surface in Slate (Black) in a kitchen designed by Rock Paper Hammer.

PaperStone Counters in Slate are featured in this kitchen designed by Rock Paper Hammer.
Courtesy of PaperStone® – Photo by Sara Rounsavall

What is PaperStone?

PaperStone® is a paper composite surface made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper, petroleum-free resins, and natural pigments. Sheets of paper are essentially saturated with the resins and pigments, then compressed using heat and pressure. This process creates an extremely durable, structurally sound, and non-porous surface product that looks like stone, but is surprisingly warm and soft to the touch.

Origins of Paper Composite Surfaces

Paper composite countertops aren’t new, in fact, they’ve been around for decades, originally developed for use in science labs, industrial kitchens, and fabrication shops. Aerospace and marine industries use the material — we’re talking heavy-duty applications. These are the types of commercial and industrial environments that typically value durability and structural integrity over aesthetics. Although, PaperStone is an attractive surface with a modern look and feel.

Not just for countertops, PaperStone can be used for a variety of applications, like this coffee shop tabletop. Photo courtesy of PaperStone®

Not just for countertops, PaperStone can be used for a variety of applications, like this coffee shop tabletop.
Photo courtesy of PaperStone®

Look and Feel of PaperStone Countertops

PaperStone is often compared to soapstone or slate, thanks to its warm, soft, and smooth-to-the-touch feel. Sheets of PaperStone are shipped raw and un-sanded with an organic micro-textured surface and matte finish. Since it’s a green product made entirely from natural raw materials, it will naturally age similar to a fine hardwood. The aging process develops over time and produces a worn-in feel and natural patina. For example, you may notice deeper luster in areas of heavier use. However, as one commenter on Houzz noted, “Some slight changes to that visual texture over time don’t bother me – it feels like it’s more alive that way..more like wood.

PaperStone’s color comes from the natural pigments used combined with the natural color of the recycled paper. The color is not a surface treatment – it runs through the entire depth of the product.

This PaperStone recycled paper countertop features a waterfall edge. Photo courtesy of Curbed NY. Photo by Matthew Williams.

This PaperStone counter in Slate features a gorgeous waterfall edge.
Courtesy of Curbed New York – Photo by Matthew Williams.

Cost of PaperStone

The price of PaperStone varies depending on the color and thickness of the slab, the layout of the installation, as well as the cost of installation in your area. You should plan to spend about $75 to $125 per square foot installed, which is comparable to a high-quality quartz or granite product. But, the benefit to PaperStone is that it’s DIY-friendly, which is rare in the world of countertops. Fabrication can run you around $45 per square foot, which can save a skilled DIYer a pretty penny.

We also like to talk about yield when we talk about the cost of PaperStone. If you can maximize the yield of the material you’re using, you’re not throwing away dollars. Since it’s available in several unique lengths, you can minimize product waste. This means less waste for the planet, and fewer dollars wasted by you.

Installation Options for PaperStone – DIY-ers, rejoice!

The ease of fabrication and installation of PaperStone lends itself to being DIY-friendly. Working with PaperStone is much like working with fine hardwoods or butcher block – it installs with common woodworking tools. If you are comfortable working with carbide-tipped tools, saws, and routers, you really can have a successful self-install on this product. We even provide a detailed FABRICATION GUIDE.

However, many of our homeowners see the value in the cost of a professional install, which includes fabrication, templating, delivery and installation.

So, professional installation or DIY – the choice is yours.

Finishing of PaperStone – Should you Buff or Sand?

At Greenhome we encourage our clients to simply buff their PaperStone slabs, rather than sand them, to stay as true to that original, micro-textured surface and keep the matte finish. And BONUS…that matte finish creates less glare, which in turn shows fewer imperfections – like oily fingerprints and dust – than glossy, sanded counters.

At its heart, PaperStone is a natural wood product – it’s made from paper after all. And like finishing fine hardwoods, you also have the option of sanding when finishing it. Sanding effectively removes the textured surface giving the slabs a smooth, more mottled appearance. But note that over-sanding can create an extremely mottled pattern, which is especially noticeable in the Gunmetal and Sienna colors.

Those who prefer the shiny, polished look that sanding creates should be aware that with that finish comes additional maintenance. Because once you sand – and essentially cut – the surface in order to obtain that polished look, you’ll need to treat it with the sealant more often so it’s not as susceptible to stains and scratches.

Finishing of PaperStone – Should you Buff or Sand? Sanding effectively removes the textured surface giving the slabs a smooth, more mottled appearance. But note that oversanding can create an extremely mottled pattern, which is especially noticeable in the Gunmetal and Sienna colors.

Be cautious when sanding PaperStone because mottling becomes more apparent. This is especially noticeable in the Gunmetal and Sienna colors as seen above.

Cleaning and Maintaining PaperStone Surfaces

Although PaperStone is ultimately a low-maintenance surface, an initial sealing finish is highly recommended to enhance the natural color and protect it against oils and stains. We prefer a natural oil and wax-based Soapstone Sealer which provides a low-luster finish without the continuous reapplication that is often required with mineral oil.

Day-to-day cleaning is a cinch, thanks to PaperStone’s low porosity which means it resists stains, abrasions, and water. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth. For deeper stains use a non-abrasive, eco-friendly kitchen cleaner as dish soap and harsh chemicals can dull the surface.

Soapstone Sealer by The Real Milk Paint Co is available at ghsproducts.com. An all-natural protector for PaperStone and Soapstone counters, Soapstone Sealer is made from food grade Walnut Oil and Carnauba Wax. It provides a low luster finish without VOC's or added fragrances.

We like an all-natural protector for PaperStone like this Soapstone Sealer made from food grade Walnut Oil and Carnauba Wax. It provides a low-luster finish without VOCs or added fragrances.

The time between applications of the sealer will vary. PaperStone recommends a yearly application to protect against stains and scratches, but ultimately it’s up to the individual owner. Some folks, like our Pro Sales Associate Pieter Sundgren, don’t mind the chalky or “thirsty” look a PaperStone counter can develop. He’s currently in year 2 and hasn’t resealed his tops yet because they’re still performing great and holding up well. But if you’re noticing that water doesn’t seem to bead up anymore or the luster is a bit diminished, the oil & wax sealer is a great way to refresh your countertops.

For more detailed information on care & maintenance, see our guide on How to Care for Your PaperStone Surfaces.

Sustainability of PaperStone

PaperStone as a material is truly deep green. From Forest Stewardship Council-certified recycled paper and natural pigments to non-petroleum resins made in-house from industrial by-products that would otherwise go to waste. But they don’t just make an environmentally friendly product, they also walk the walk in their Hoquiam, WA manufacturing plant. Committed to a clean manufacturing process, all raw materials used to create PaperStone are also from the U.S.

With PaperStone, you can have a gorgeous countertop AND feel good about it. Find out why we love PaperStone Recycled Paper Countertops at Greenhome Solutions

Courtesy of PaperStone® – shown here in Pewter
USING RECYCLED PAPER VS. VIRGIN PAPER MAKES A DIFFERENCE THAT YOU CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT.
ONE TON OF RECYCLED PAPER:
Saves 24,000 gallons of water
Eliminates 3 cubic ft. of landfill space
Eliminates 60 pounds of air pollutants
Conserves enough energy to power a home for 6 months
Saves about 20 trees
Saves 4 barrels of oil

PAPERSTONE BENEFITS

  • Environmentally sustainable and responsibly manufactured
  • Durable – heavy-duty solid surface that’s harder than wood, lighter, and less brittle than stone or engineered quartz. You’ll even find PaperStone used as cutting boards and food prep stations in commercial kitchens.
  • Stain Resistant – nonporous, resists food and water stains
  • Certified Food Safe – certified safe by the National Sanitary Foundation and won’t harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew
  • Easy to Maintain – simply clean with a damp cloth or natural soap and water;  apply soapstone sealer once every 1-2 years
  • Warm, Soft, and Smooth-to-the-touch – similar to soapstone
  • Easy to Install – easy to fabricate and install by professionals OR DIY-ers!
  • Larger Sheet Sizes – unique sizes to fit large or small kitchens with less waste
  • Virtually Seamless – the large sheet sizes (up to 5′ x 12′) makes it possible to have fewer or even no seams; for larger applications that require adjoining two pieces together, joint gaps can be filled and sanded to make a seam virtually disappear.
  • Multiple applications – PaperStone makes an ideal countertop but is also great for bathroom vanities, conference tabletops, window sills, partitions, furniture, benches, signs, and displays. You can also use it in vertical building applications such as wall panels.
  • Affordable – pricing is comparable to a quality quartz or granite product.
  • 10 Year Warranty

THINGS TO CONSIDER

  • Heat resistant, but only to 350 degrees – we recommend using a trivet or hot plate
  • Medium to dark color pallet – no hues lighter than platinum gray and no white (at the time of publication). This is due to the source raw materials including the high recycled content of their paper and non-toxic resins which aren’t clear. The resin combined with the recycled paper creates a product that’s closer to an amber-yellow in color, which makes white or even light-colored sheets difficult to achieve.
  • Requires a sealant – we love this walnut oil + carnuba wax Soapstone Sealer
  • Perfectionists Beware – PaperStone is an organic raw material that will develop a natural patina over time

PaperStone can withstand 45,000 pounds of compressive pressure per square inch, making it both beautiful AND strong!

Look at all those layers…PaperStone can withstand 45,000 pounds of compressive pressure per square inch, making it both beautiful AND strong! Shown here in Azure and Sand.
Courtesy of PaperStone®

Summary of PaperStone Countertops

We are big fans of the recycled paper PaperStone countertops because they’re durable, affordable, water-resistant, and easy to work with. Despite the availability of lighter white hues, their range of colors (including their new lighter design collection colors) and price-point have made it a favorite choice for homes, restaurants, offices, universities, and laboratories. They’re also stain and nick-resistant. If you do happen to scratch the surface, you can refinish it time and again, as the color goes all the way through the product.

Availability of PaperStone Counters – Ready to Buy?

Want to feel the warm, smooth texture for yourself? Single-color samples are available in our Seattle showroom. If you live in Washington state, please call us for fast, free shipping on samples at 888-447-9877. Or, click here to locate a supplier in your area.

PaperStone Countertop Samples - Purchase Single Color PaperStone samples and enjoy fast, free shipping.

Call us to order SINGLE COLOR PAPERSTONE SAMPLES and get fast, free shipping: (888) 447-9877

At Greenhome Solutions, we typically stock PaperStone panels in SLATE (black) due to their popularity as a color and their lower price point.  The Slate product appeals to customers that are attracted to slate and soapstone countertops, but not the maintenance that comes with them.

If you’re looking for another color or additional sheet sizes, the turnaround time is typically only about 2 weeks.

For more information on PaperStone recycled paper countertops, visit our product page or call us at (888) 447-9877.

Learn More

Greenhome’s PaperStone Products  |  ghsproducts.com
PaperStone Products – The Earth’s Surface  |  paperstoneproducts.com
Modern Surfaces – Collection of Sustainable Surfacing Brands  |  modern-surfaces.com
Follow @wearepaperstone  |  instagram.com


Looking to update your floors? Read What Flooring Do We Put in Our Own Homes? to discover our favorite sustainable flooring option right now.

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GHS Photo Contest

Share your green building project photos featuring Greenhome Solutions products for a chance to win a $200 Visa® Gift Card

This contest ended March 31, 2018 but we’d still love to see your photos! Please email your project photos featuring Greenhome Solutions products to info@ghsproducts.com and you could be featured in future marketing campaigns.

What Flooring Do We Put in Our Own Homes? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Cork Flooring)

What types of flooring do we personally use in our homes? We’re not shy about it – we know a thing or two about flooring and we’re often asked to share what we’ve installed in our homes. Our clients want to know what our kids and pets crawl/walk/fall/slide/jump/roll-around on. So, what’s the one style of flooring that we all have in common? We’ll give you a hint…it’s the greenest flooring around – Cork Flooring!

Everyday Living on Cork Floors | Greenhome Solutions - ghsproducts.com
Everyday Living on Our Cork Floors (Courtesy of Greenhome Solutions)

That’s right, it’s CORK flooring! But why do we love it so? Let us count the ways.

Cork flooring is…

WARM

Especially if you put it down over a concrete subfloor, you’re going to get a much warmer feel than a hardwood or tile floor. That’s thanks to its ability to hold warmth. Its thermal insulating properties create a barrier between the cold concrete subfloor and the comfortable temperature of your home, so cork flooring is ideal in a basement, for instance. Cork helps to maintain that comfy indoor climate better than other flooring, and BONUS…we’ve noticed the added benefit of energy cost savings!

 

SOFT and COMFORTABLE

Or “cushy” as we like to call it. One of the benefits of using cork for flooring is that it “gives” because there are microscopic pockets of air that allow the surface to compress and then expand again, without damaging the structure. It literally springs back! Because of that, cork is softer and more flexible, so it’s very forgiving on your legs and back. Which is why we like to put it in rooms like kitchens where you’re often standing for longer periods of time, and where it’s nice to have that extra cushiness. That also means your breakable glassware and Grandma’s china has a better chance of staying intact when dropped, rather than shattering into a million little pieces (like it probably would on a tile floor).

 

QUIET

Shhhh…did you hear that? Probably not, if you have a cork floor. Cork muffles that noisy foot traffic like a boss because of its acoustically insulating properties that allow it to absorb sound.

 

EASY TO INSTALL

Calling all DIY-ers! Save money on professional installers and install it yourself. Because cork is available in floating panels and squares that simply lock together using a tongue-and-groove installation system, many homeowners choose to put it in themselves rather than hire an installer. The floating application sits right on top of any smooth surface, which makes it ideal for do-it-yourself renovation projects.

 

SUPER SUSTAINABLE

Cork is a plant material derived from the bark of the cork oak tree. Most of the cork flooring that we offer is produced from Portuguese cork oak forests – or ‘Montados’. Cork (or more accurately, bark) harvesting is an environmentally friendly process that’s done without cutting down or destroying a single tree. A tree must be at least 20 – 25 years old before the first cut is made to its bark and from then on, the cork can only be extracted once every 9 years. Trees are harvested by experienced, qualified craftsmen who manually strip the outer layer of bark with a small hatchet. Throughout its long lifetime – cork oak trees can be expected to live upwards of 200 to 250 years – the tree is continually regenerating bark, which makes the Montados industry an ideal example of renewable production.

And did you know that cork flooring is a recycled by-product of cork bottle stoppers? Once the bark is stripped from the trees, it’s washed, dried and then bottle stoppers are punched out. The material that’s left over is ground up to make other products like cork floors. Essentially every part of the bark is being utilized so there’s very little waste. In fact, many wine cork factories even utilize cork dust from the processing plant to co-generate electricity!

Cork production facility in Portugal. Pictures courtesy of Greenhome Solutions. Cork flooring available at ghsproducts.com.
Amorim cork factory in Portugal (Courtesy of Greenhome Solutions)

HEALTHY

Do you suffer from allergies? Looking for an alternative to allergen-collecting carpet (the non-wool variety, of course)? Cork is a great option because it’s naturally mold and mildew resistant due to the waxy substance inherent in cork. AND it’s anti-microbial. Oh, and did we mention it’s also resistant to pests like termites?

 

DURABLE and EASY TO MAINTAIN

Although they’ve more recently become quite popular here in North America, cork floors have been used since early in the last century, particularly in Europe. There are older examples of it featured in U.S. buildings like the Harvard Law Library and the Library of Congress. When properly maintained, cork flooring can last 40 years or more. It resists cracking and scuff marks and is airtight to gas and liquid (yet still breathable). Cork can bounce back from hard impacts, due to its natural and inherent flexibility, which increases the life span of the flooring. And unlike vinyl, the pattern and color of the cork can penetrate through and through. Which means you can sand it and refinish it as necessary.

As far as day-to-day maintenance goes, cork floors are a cinch to maintain. Simply sweep up any debris or loose dirt before wiping the floor with a damp (not soaking wet) mop or vacuum. For general spills, a damp mop will do the trick. If you need to deep clean, use a pH Neutral cleaner, preferably one that’s non-toxic. We like Bona brand floor cleaners.

 

AFFORDABLE

With these unique characteristics and benefits, you’d think cork would be expensive, right? But in reality, cork is very reasonably priced. Cork flooring prices can range anywhere from $3 on up to $20 for specialty or custom styles. However, most of the cork we offer is in the $3 – $6 range, so it’s quite affordable. And even if you decide not to install it yourself, installation only adds $3 – $4/square foot.

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Debunking cork myths…

Still on the fence? We’ve heard it all when it comes to our client’s hesitation to put cork in their homes. So, we thought it might be helpful to dispel some of the most popular misconceptions:

Won’t heavy furniture damage the cork floor? Can it really withstand all our family and pet traffic?

Softer than wood and harder than carpets, cork’s flexibility and “memory” is the perfect mix to absorb small impacts and dings. But it’s also dense enough to withstand heavy traffic and weight. That’s why you’ll find it in museums, government buildings and libraries. And don’t forget that cork has been used as the soles of shoes (hello, Birkenstocks!). While cork can spring back, it’s not invincible. Heavy furniture can leave permanent dents, especially furniture with narrow legs (like the incredibly popular Mid-Century Modern styles) so be sure to use floor protectors to prevent damage. What about pets, you ask? As we like to say, you have to love your pets more than your floor 🙂 And that sentiment goes for ALL flooring types. But when it comes to resilience and durability, cork is still our favorite flooring for how forgiving it is.

I’ve read that cork doesn’t work well in damp areas. Won’t water ruin the floor?

Though cork looks like it has a spongy consistency, cork does not absorb water like a sponge. Cork floats!  It’s considered impermeable yet breathable which is why it’s water resistant and oh-so buoyant. Think buoys, fishing net floats, wine corks, etc. Also consider that cork is used in engine gaskets to hold back liquid and pressure. However, cork is available in engineered floating planks, where the cork is layered on top of a high-density fiberboard (HDF) layer that securely clicks the panels together. Standing water can permeate those joints and cause warping of the HDF layer. In rooms like bathrooms with showers, where standing water or excessive moisture is a risk, a floating floor is usually not advised. And we typically recommend using a solid, glue-down option.

There are exceptions to this rule and as technology advances, so do flooring product innovations. Amorim®, a brand leader in cork flooring, now offers a flooring product called WISE. The WISE line features a rigid core construction and is available in both cork and wood looks. You may have heard the term rigid core used in reference to vinyl flooring – specifically luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Luxury vinyl flooring is also a type of engineered flooring constructed of several layers, including a strong “rigid” core made from a plastic composite core. That plastic core adds strength, durability and waterproof features, which means the flooring will not absorb or warp if exposed to water. However, the majority of vinyl composite core flooring products contain Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic, which has been found to emit harmful carcinogens that may be released into indoor environments. At Greenhome Solutions, we take the stance that vinyl is a problematic material so we will not offer it. Amorim WISE cork flooring was designed with a rigid core construction made without PVC. So the product is extremely stable with waterproof properties, meaning it can go in areas we typically don’t recommend for floating planks, like bathrooms and laundry rooms. We’re happy to be able to offer an engineered cork floor with waterproof properties like Amorim WISE. However, we still recommend promptly wiping up any spills that occur and deal with standing water or moisture issues in a timely manner to make sure your subfloor underneath stays dry.

Will my cork floor fade in the light?

Unfortunately this one is not a myth – fading is a possibility, especially with the natural cork colors.  Exposure to sunlight (and UV light) can cause fading, which is important to note if you plan to put a natural-colored cork floor in a particularly sunny room.  If you opt for a darker pattern, or cork that’s stained in a darker color, there’s less risk of fading and discoloring. However, if you’re anything like our Mom, who likes to move furniture around her living room on a whim, your cork flooring will fare better in sunny rooms 🙂

Don’t I have to worry about the binder chemicals and adhesives used to convert cork into floor planks and tiles?

When you purchase cork flooring from us, or other reputable distributers, you can rest assured that our cork products have NO added urea-formaldehyde (NAUF), ZERO VOC’s, and NO harmful adhesives or resins. Our pre-finished floors have environmentally friendly surface finishes, with no off-gassing concerns.

Elina Picking out Cork Flooring Samples | Greenhome Solutions
I think she likes that one. (Courtesy of Greenhome Solutions)
I’m not crazy about the look of cork. Does it come in other colors or patterns?

Cork is super versatile. If you’re not a fan of cork’s natural tone variations or texture as-is, it’s available in many other styles, colors, patterns and sizes. It comes in tiles and planks, as well as roll-out sheets. Planks can offer a seamless look, while tiles of different colors can be placed in patterns of your choosing. There are tiles that feature a variety of innovative patterns and colors in both solid and veneer constructions.

The solid cork tile patterns and color on the surface goes through the entire thickness of the tile, which allows for sanding and refinishing as needed. Keep in mind that although the veneer cork styles offer highly decorative patterns that you won’t find in solid construction, they cannot be sanded and refinished because the veneer is simply a thin layer of color affixed to the top of a solid cork tile. So, there may be a bit of a trade-off for the wilder patterns. Also note that cork can be stained any color you like, or even stenciled if you prefer!

I’ve heard that cork is endangered. Should I refrain from buying cork flooring?

The truth is that cork is 100% renewable, and cork extraction can continue for as long as the demand for it exists. Cork demand has traditionally been driven by the wine industry. But as more and more wine cork is being replaced by alternative wine stoppers like aluminum screw tops and plastic stoppers, the decreased demand for cork has essentially devalued the cork oak forests (called Montados). The misconception that cork is “dying out” was initiated by an industry that wants consumers to accept the change in bottle stoppers and buy wine with alternative stoppers. Cork is not dying out but the demand needs to remain high so that the forests will continue to be cultivated.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been in Portugal since 1995 working with local communities to restore the cork oak forests. Part of that effort involves increasing market demand for cork forest products such as cork flooring. So, by purchasing cork flooring we’re supporting the Montados, rather than contributing to their endangerment.

Cork Oak Forest - Montado; Stacks of harvested cork | Greenhome Solutions
Cork Oak Forest ‘Montado’; Stacks of harvested cork. (Courtesy of Greenhome Solutions)

Our Favorite Flooring

As you can tell, we love us some cork. All the unique qualities of cork make it ideal to use in flooring, as it provides comfort and durability while also being a renewable and sustainable resource. What’s not to love?

Contact us to learn more about cork. Clearly, we really enjoy talking about it!

And CLICK HERE to browse our large collection of cork flooring.

Learn More

Benefits of Cork Flooring  |  motherearthnews.com
Cork Sustainable Practices  |  corkqc.com
Wicanders Cork Flooring  |  wicanders.us
Amorim Cork Flooring | amorimwise.us

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