On Mon, 9/29/08, Kristie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'm looking to replace the flooring in three carpeted rooms in my house in the spring (two bedrooms, a playroom and a hall), and thought I would draw on the wisdom of others here... . Kristie, With the continuous abandonment of agricultural lands in the Northern Tier of PA and Southern Tier of New York our forests are rebounding at a rapid rate. (hence bears in Ithaca) The vast tracts of forests in the region that were clear-cut in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are now matured to the point of being commerically marketable in a sustainable manner. Today although it is not generally recognized we have a growing hardwood lumbering industry in NY and PA based on sustainable selective-cut harvesting of trees and with regulatory measures not found in the Second- or Third World to control erosion, sedimentation and other adverse impacts of logging. Cherry and locust are local hardwoods that are extremely rot resistant and great substitutes for pressure treated lumber. Cherry is a really tough wood to work with but after using it for a porch step there is no turning back for me. Maple and oak are also regionally grown and harvested woods. Bamboo had taken on a certain "green" cachet, thanks more to marketing savvy that reality. I have serious concerns about the lack of any sort of real regulatory control over the harvesting of bamboo, lack of any real confirmation that it is really harvested in a sustainbable manner, (aside for industry stamp of approval) and the environmental cost of transporting it so far, I would avoid it. Staying local and utilizing our own regional wood resources, even if they may be more expensive in the short term, is what I recommend. It's just another way in which we can relocalize. George Frantz --- On Mon, 9/29/08, Kristie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
From: Kristie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [SustainableTompkins] flooring To: [email protected] Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 6:44 PM I'm looking to replace the flooring in three carpeted rooms in my house in the spring (two bedrooms, a playroom and a hall), and thought I would draw on the wisdom of others here... The current carpet is installed over a plywood subfloor that's in good condition. I am trying to decide between bamboo, hardwood or cork. We have tenants below us, and I know hardwood (or bamboo) transmits lots of noise -- there is such a thing as a cork underlayment that is designed to reduce noise, wondering if anyone has used this or knows anything about it. Cork is probably the best choice for noise -- but I am wondering about its durability, especially in a house with a young child. Also wondering what the installation process entails. I am getting the idea it's not a DIY job, which is a downside for me, as I can install bamboo or wood myself. I've only seen it in one house, and the installer hadn't done a very good job. I've also heard it needs frequent refinishing. Any of you have cork in y our house? Any thoughts on durability, or recommendations as to brands, or installers? And, general thoughts on the "greeniness" of bamboo vs. cork vs. hardwood? Any thoughts on any of the above welcome, on- or off-list! Thanks, Kristie _______________________________________________ For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: [email protected] http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins free hosting by http://www.mutualaid.org _______________________________________________ For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: [email protected] http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins free hosting by http://www.mutualaid.org
