I think I would go with hardwood and area rugs. Both cork and bamboo are produced and shipped from far away, while hardwood can be produced and procured relatively locally. I know of no way to effectively reduce the noise transmission problem at reasonable cost, though. There are high-tech sound-deadening materials that could be interposed between the new floor and the existing subfloor, but you would probably need a new subfloor over the sound-deadening layer. A new ceiling could be erected on the downstairs apartment suspended from resilient channel to isolate the sound, but that wouldn't be cheap either. Area rugs in traffic areas would be the low-tech and traditional solution.
Joel At 02:44 PM 9/29/08 -0400, you 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... 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
