More than six years ago, we moved into our current home. And for almost the entire time, we’ve talked of removing the 40-year-old broadloom and replacing it with wood floors. What’s taking us so long? Trying to find a flooring option that satisfies our sustainability requirements, our bank account, our lifestyle requirements (large dogs with large claws) and our taste.
What’s currently under consideration is:
Strand-woven bamboo: Looks good (though I don’t love it!), durable. On the downside, it’s generally from China (hardly local) and reputedly uses formaldehyde-based adhesives.
Forest Stewardship Council certified hardwoods: Specifically, we’re looking at tigerwood or hickory. Again, many of the hardwoods come from far-flung locales, though the FSC certification assures us the wood is from sustainably managed forests. It’s gorgeous. And not cheap.
Reclaimed flooring: I love the look, husband doesn’t. Also the wood is generally softer (pine, for the most part) so our dogs could do some serious damage.
Sigh… Like many “green” choices, there’s isn’t always a clear winner. It tends to be a lot of “one the one hand…but on the other…”
In the meantime, we’ll continue to research, discuss and, hopefully, install. At least before the carpet is completely condemned.