In a previous gwg article, we discussed the 10 must knows regarding cork flooring.  Now to find suppliers near our readers.  Within a week of emailing DuroDesign, I received cork samples and information.  In fact, they sent me samples in each of their six collections and 54 colors.

When the samples were opened, my husband and I poured over the options and were immediately impressed with DuroDesign’s cork line.  Recently, we’ve decided to use cork throughout our future home, except the great room, (unless I convince him to use an area rug).  We found it difficult to choose a favorite, so it appears we will have a few different schemes going throughout our home.

One of the reasons we would choose DuroDesign is because their cork tiles and uniclick panels are pre-finished with water-based polyurethane sealants.  Just because it is a cork floor, doesn’t mean it is necessarily green.  DuroDesign’s water-based finish assures that the cork floor is still green.  When you order their product, the price includes enough water-base polyurethane for 4 additional coats (the stain lasts approximately 4 years), as well as a special lambs wool applicator & instructions for stain re-application, and stain for touch-ups.

Another reason I would choose DuroDesign, is that despite the collection or color I choose, the price remains constant.  The only variable is how many square feet are needed.  For example, on the price list effective August 2008:

Under 50 square feet = $10/sf
51-200 sf = $8.50/sq
Over 200 sf = $6.50/sf

When remodeling DIY style or even when hiring a contractor or sub, it is crucial to know how much you’re spending on each material.  DuroDesign makes this a reality and even helps you calculate how many boxes you’ll need and how much each will weigh.

When it comes to style, price, and green flooring, DuroDesign is a solid choice for  homeowners. To learn more about their warranty and maintenance-free products, click here.  Take a minute and glance through their online portfolio of previously installed projects.  I was impressed with the various projects, some with which I am familiar, and others designed by architects I admire.  But don’t just take my word for it, request your own samples and brochures here.  Enjoy learning more about DuroDesign, a choice supplier when it comes to green cork flooring.

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In today’s marketplace  greenwashing is rampant.  Many companies are purposefully misleading consumers to believe that their products are environmentally friendly in order to catch that ever-important environmentally aware segment of the population.  In such a day, I wondered if there was really a thing as a green vacuum cleaner.

Sure, I’d heard the green benefits of installing a central vacuum system.  Longer life and no bags both equal less impact on the landfills.  With my modest pocketbook, the upfront price of $2000 plus to install a central vacuum system was out of my league.  A portable vacuum was more my speed.

In my attempt to answer this question, the friendly people at Eureka offered to send me their new, green Envirovac to try for myself.  I explained to them that I live in a busy household with two energetic kids, a frantic husband and one crazy cat.   Carpet, hardwoods, linoleum, and drapes are all included in the household.  The brave people at Eureka didn’t seem the least bit concerned.  Game on.

The Eureka Envirovac arrived in a 100% recycled and unbleached box.  The vacuum boasted such environmentally responsible features as an 8 amp motor (33% less energy to operate) and a washable HEPA filter (cleaner air and less waste).  How very green!

Now for the real test.  My eight year-old’s bedroom.  Walls of pink and floor of stink.  After a thorough going over with the Envirovac, average is the best way to describe the suction and power.  It picked-up most of the crumbs and lint yet the carpet pile was left matted.

Then, came the baseboard test.  Dust bunnies just love to party along my baseboards.  This test involved a piece of graphite from a pencil lying ½ inch from the baseboard on my relatively new carpet.  Pass after pass and that graphite didn’t budge.  I eventually had to use the easily detachable hose that travels on the vacuum to clean the perimeter of the bedroom.

Finally, came the hardwood floor test.  This was a first to me since I have never before vacuumed my hardwood floors for fear of scratching.  The Eureka Envirovac left my floor just like I found it.  Scratch free.  Although chunks of sand and pretzel bits were kicked back at my ankles.  Not the most comfortable of side effects.  Wearing boots may lessen the sting next time.

Eureka Envirovac promotes their one touch, bag-free, emptying system.  Easy and bagless.  True.  Yet, the weekly filter cleaning isn’t as easy and will probably take some practice to master without coating your floor with a new layer of dust.

Want to really green your cleaning of hard floors?  Think of grandma and use a dustpan and broom.  You will save electricity and maybe burn a few calories while you are at it.  As for carpets, I can’t give you a firm yes or no.  If it is electricity that you are looking to save, go for it and buy the new Eureak Envirovac.  If it is performance that you are looking for, keep looking.

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FLOR, the modular carpet company that offers a ‘Return & Recycle’ program, has just made available their new Martha Stewart Floor Designs.

FLOR, teamed up with Ms. Stewart to create Martha Stewart Floor Designs. Interior design a la Martha Stewart is now even more accessible to the DIY set.

Derived from Ms. Stewart’s personal collections and her own homes — Lily Pond in the New York Hamptons, Skylands in Maine, Turkey Hill, built over two centuries ago in Westport, Connecticut — Martha Stewart carpet collections, now include carpet tiles from FLOR. FLOR’s Martha Stewart Floor Designs, available in a variety of styles, colors and textures, are a good start for budget-conscious DIY’ers who want to create tranquil and intimate bedrooms, vibrant family rooms and warm, inviting living areas, says the FLOR team.

The Martha Steward carpet styles come in 9 different collections with multiple patterns in each collection.  Pricing ranges $5-6+ sq. ft, and the carpet tiles can be purchased directly from the FLOR website, or various FLOR retail outlets.

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Lot’s of video this past week or two here on GetWithGreen.com! 

Today we are bringing you this Marmoleum informational nugget from FOX 12 in Oregon.  This four minute video clip discusses Marmoleum, what it is composed of, and how it installs.   Really great information for those of you considering this very popular “greener” alternative flooring.

Watch the: Marmoleum video

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This week Pioneer Millworks announced what they are calling the first fully eco-engineered wood flooring in the industry.  At GetWithGreen.com we have not seen one yet either (so if you know of one, leave a comment and let us know!).

Engineered floors are growing in popularity in remodels, and new construction.  For their product, Pioneer Millworks is using FSC certified plywood, and formaldehyde-free low VOC glue.   Here is what their announcment had to say:

Las Vegas, NV February 2008 — Pioneer Millworks is poised to re-engineer the wood flooring industry with the introduction of what is said to be the first, fully-eco engineered floor to hit the market. The new line was launched at Surfaces this week.

Until now, engineered flooring (wood veneer over plywood platform) has inherently been a non-eco friendly product thanks to uncertified veneers, glue and finish toxicity, and off shore manufacturing.

“For years, we’ve resisted producing this type of floor, it just goes against our eco principles,” say Pioneer Millworks President, Jonathan Orpin. “Since our customers have increasing requested engineered options, we decided to do something (green) about it.”

Now, after more than a year of development and testing, Pioneer Millworks is launching what they believe to be the most eco-friendly engineered floor on the market.  Details of this eco-friendlier product are:

• Wear Layer:  FSCcertified fresh sawn or 100 percent antique reclaimed
• Platform: largest mix of FSC certified material (70 percent plus); no added formaldehyde
• Pre-Finish: oil and wax UV cured, made from all natural ingredients
• Packaging: made from 100 percent post consumer materials, using water-based inks. Sourced and manufactured in the USA, in a way that’s healthy for customers, our employees and the environment

Why the growing need for engineered floors? For starters Pioneer Millworks say they’re easier to install, especially when pre-finished. What’s more, engineered flooring is often the best option over concrete slabs or in subterranean applications (like basements) they claim.  The floors can be glued-down or floated, giving condo or apartment residents a less permanent hard wood option.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association’s2007 Wood Flooring Market Profile, engineered products are estimated to account for 46.6 percent of total U.S. wood flooring square foot shipments during 2007. From a manufacturer’s view, an engineered floor increases yield. “Profit aside, it allows us to cover more square feet with rare antique species like Chestnut,” says Orpin.

Pioneer’s engineered flooring retails for approximately $8-12 sq. ft.  It is available in 4-8 inch widths (most homeowners select random widths, 4-6 or 6-8 they tell us), and lengths 2 to 7 ft.  Pre-finished options are also available.   

Since 1989, Pioneer Millworks has manufactured quality products in their upstate, NY 13 acre facility — a reclaimed bowling alley — using alternative energy sources such as 100 percent wind power, bio-diesel and reuse of scraps. Their products offer ecologically conscious homeowners, designers and builders an alternative to non-sustainable flooring without compromising quality, character or selection. Pioneer Millworks is a FSC certified chain of custody manufacturer in three categories: reclaimed, mix, and pure. Their products are good for you and the earth. All products LEED point eligible for all you architects in our audience.

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