Please suggest a healthy flooring option for my home

[Guest guest]

We are looking at tearing out the carpet in our home because of having

a pet (and now a baby). I'm wondering what options there are of

putting some type of hardwood type flooring in that is as natural (and

non-toxic) as possible. Please let me know if you have heard of

something or have done something in your own home.

 

Thank you,

Paula

[Guest guest]

Bamboo is a wonderful and sustainable wood choice. Everyone that puts it in

loves it. Another option that many people do not consider is cork. Cork is

sustainably harvested from the trunks of trees and comes in lots of lovely

colors. This is a website where I bought the no VOC finish for my pine

floor that has held up well. http://www.healthyhome.com

 

--

Mary Alford

 

Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

 

www.chemohairapy.com

Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

 

 

On 8/24/07, Paula <pokeracepj wrote:

>

> We are looking at tearing out the carpet in our home because of having

> a pet (and now a baby). I'm wondering what options there are of

> putting some type of hardwood type flooring in that is as natural (and

> non-toxic) as possible. Please let me know if you have heard of

> something or have done something in your own home.

>

> Thank you,

> Paula

>

>

>

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Wood actually attracts a lot of dust. It is also great at sticking in the seams

between boards despite your best attempts at vacuuming. Also, if you have a dog

or cat, they will do mucho damage to a hardwood floor in no time flat with their

scratching and nails.

I have been slowly doing all my floors in ceramic tile myself. It's not that

difficult if you read up on it or go to one of the home improvement stores that

have instructive classes. (much cheaper, too) So far I have done two rooms and

a long hallway. I would never go back! It stays cool in our hot summers, warm in

winter, and is a snap to keep clean as clean can be. Hope this gives you room

for thought. deborah

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Paula - our home now is all hardwood floors or ceramic tile, and I

love it. You couldn't give me new carpeting! As for hardwood floors,

I would never, ever have it done from raw wood again like we did

in the first room we converted from carpet to wood. The sanding and

the smell of all those chemicals is awful. After that, we used wood

that was finished in the factory. That meant it simply needed to be

cut and nailed. Easier to do, no smell, and it's holding up really well

even with messy pets (and some slobby humans!).

 

I've also heard of bamboo flooring, and, if I ever need to again, I

might look more into that. I toured a home with bamboo floors,

and it was beautiful. It also is a more sustainable resource.

 

I believe there also is cork flooring, but I can't imagine that

holding up well to kids or pets.

 

Cindy

 

Cindy Kirchhoff, life coach

http://livinginrhyme.com

Reclaim your power and your passion ... and your health

 

, " Paula " <pokeracepj wrote:

>

> We are looking at tearing out the carpet in our home because of having

> a pet (and now a baby). I'm wondering what options there are of

> putting some type of hardwood type flooring in that is as natural (and

> non-toxic) as possible. Please let me know if you have heard of

> something or have done something in your own home.

[Guest guest]

Prefinished cork is actually quite durable (not like what you get in a wine

bottle!). Ask for samples at the floor store. My friend's kitchen cork

floor stands up better than her finished in place wood floors, and she has

three large dogs and a four year old. Also, if you use floor finishes with

NO VOC's, this means no " volatile organic compounds " so there is virtually

none of that unpleasant chemical odor.

 

Be careful of some of the prefinished wood products, some of them even have

formaldehyde.

 

Mary Alford

 

Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

 

www.chemohairapy.com

Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

 

 

 

On 8/26/07, kiaradaze <ckirchhoff wrote:

>

> Hi Paula - our home now is all hardwood floors or ceramic tile, and I

> love it. You couldn't give me new carpeting! As for hardwood floors,

> I would never, ever have it done from raw wood again like we did

> in the first room we converted from carpet to wood. The sanding and

> the smell of all those chemicals is awful. After that, we used wood

> that was finished in the factory. That meant it simply needed to be

> cut and nailed. Easier to do, no smell, and it's holding up really well

> even with messy pets (and some slobby humans!).

>

> I've also heard of bamboo flooring, and, if I ever need to again, I

> might look more into that. I toured a home with bamboo floors,

> and it was beautiful. It also is a more sustainable resource.

>

> I believe there also is cork flooring, but I can't imagine that

> holding up well to kids or pets.

>

> Cindy

>

> Cindy Kirchhoff, life coach

> http://livinginrhyme.com

> Reclaim your power and your passion ... and your health

>

> --- In

<%40>,

> " Paula " <pokeracepj wrote:

> >

> > We are looking at tearing out the carpet in our home because of having

> > a pet (and now a baby). I'm wondering what options there are of

> > putting some type of hardwood type flooring in that is as natural (and

> > non-toxic) as possible. Please let me know if you have heard of

> > something or have done something in your own home.

>

>

>

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

YOu're right, ceramic tile is beautiful and easy to take care of.

 

However, I would not have it now at my age in that it's very hard on

the joints - knee, hip, ankles, feet. I have a friend who has it in

her house, we're both in our 50's. She hates it now. Plus if you

drop any thing on it that's breakable - it's gone. Lastly, it is

deadly slippery if your feet are at all damp. If you fall, you most

likely will break a bone somewhere.

 

Dede

 

 

, " Bamboo Chik "

<bamboochik wrote:

>

> Wood actually attracts a lot of dust. It is also great at sticking

in the seams between boards despite your best attempts at vacuuming.

Also, if you have a dog or cat, they will do mucho damage to a

hardwood floor in no time flat with their scratching and nails.

> I have been slowly doing all my floors in ceramic tile myself.

It's not that difficult if you read up on it or go to one of the home

improvement stores that have instructive classes. (much cheaper,

too) So far I have done two rooms and a long hallway. I would never

go back! It stays cool in our hot summers, warm in winter, and is a

snap to keep clean as clean can be. Hope this gives you room for

thought. deborah

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I just returned from the store where I am going to get Bamboo

flooring for my new home in the living room and bedrooms. I am

getting the cork flooring in the kitchen, baths and massage room as

it is cushioned to stand on. I also heard there is a type of cork to

put under the bamboo to make it a bit more quiet. You need to have

lots of humidity in the house to make it last. A client said she grew

up in a house with cork on the floor - does not wear out and is super

quiet. A sealer takes care of it all and best for maitencence. Have

someone put it on for you if you have allergy problems.

Good luck,

Pat

PS- Costco has bamboo flooring for about $2 sf. Good price.

 

 

, " kiaradaze "

<ckirchhoff wrote:

>

> Hi Paula - our home now is all hardwood floors or ceramic tile, and

I

> love it. You couldn't give me new carpeting! As for hardwood floors,

> I would never, ever have it done from raw wood again like we did

> in the first room we converted from carpet to wood. The sanding and

> the smell of all those chemicals is awful. After that, we used wood

> that was finished in the factory. That meant it simply needed to be

> cut and nailed. Easier to do, no smell, and it's holding up really

well

> even with messy pets (and some slobby humans!).

>

> I've also heard of bamboo flooring, and, if I ever need to again, I

> might look more into that. I toured a home with bamboo floors,

> and it was beautiful. It also is a more sustainable resource.

>

> I believe there also is cork flooring, but I can't imagine that

> holding up well to kids or pets.

>

> Cindy

>

> Cindy Kirchhoff, life coach

> http://livinginrhyme.com

> Reclaim your power and your passion ... and your health

>

> , " Paula " <pokeracepj@>

wrote:

> >

> > We are looking at tearing out the carpet in our home because of

having

> > a pet (and now a baby). I'm wondering what options there are of

> > putting some type of hardwood type flooring in that is as natural

(and

> > non-toxic) as possible. Please let me know if you have heard of

> > something or have done something in your own home.

>

[Guest guest]

That's great to hear about cork, Mary. I know the house I toured, that

used all environmentally friendly features, was just gorgeous and made

so much sense. Would love to own something like that.

 

I didn't realize even the prefinished wood could be problematic. Does

it emit fomaldehyde into the air or would you pick it up walking on it or what?

 

Thankfully, I don't need to replace any flooring at the moment, but I want

to stay informed for if/when I do.

 

Cindy

 

Cindy Kirchhoff, life coach

http://livinginrhyme.com

Reclaim your power and passion

 

, " Mary Alford " <mary.alford

wrote:

>

> Prefinished cork is actually quite durable (not like what you get in a wine

> bottle!). Ask for samples at the floor store. My friend's kitchen cork

> floor stands up better than her finished in place wood floors, and she has

> three large dogs and a four year old. Also, if you use floor finishes with

> NO VOC's, this means no " volatile organic compounds " so there is virtually

> none of that unpleasant chemical odor.

>

> Be careful of some of the prefinished wood products, some of them even have

> formaldehyde.

[Guest guest]

Look for composite wood products underneath the floor part that you would

see. If you are finishing the floor in place, the formaldehyde that is part

of the glue will be sealed inside. If you are installing prefinished

flooring, then look for a product that is all wood, not a composite product

(no wood chips glued together).

 

Incidentally, this is also a problem in kitchen cabinetry. Most of your

standard kitchen cabinets are particle board with a finish on the outside.

If you want to protect yourself from the formaldehyde, if you have composite

products, than make sure that a sealer is put on all bare wood surfaces

(behind the cabinets, underneath drawers and shelving for instance), before

the cabinets are installed. This is required for many green building

certifications to minimize indoor air pollution (and I believe also

recommended by the American Lung Association).

 

Below is a link about other formaldehyde containing products in the home and

gives some more information. I am concerned about even small amounts of

formaldehyde in products because the concentration tends to build up in your

house over time, particularly in the winter when you are not opening

windows, etc. Pollution inside our houses is going to be a bigger issue

over the next few years.

 

Believe it or not, this is a link from the federal government that contains

good information. They emphasize that current products have much less

formaldehyde than products before 1997, however, as I said above, the

concentrations tend to build up in the better insulated houses we are

building in an attempt to save energy.

 

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/725.html

 

Best of luck.

 

Mary Alford

 

Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

 

www.chemohairapy.com

Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

 

 

 

On 8/28/07, kiaradaze <ckirchhoff wrote:

>

> That's great to hear about cork, Mary. I know the house I toured, that

> used all environmentally friendly features, was just gorgeous and made

> so much sense. Would love to own something like that.

>

> I didn't realize even the prefinished wood could be problematic. Does

> it emit fomaldehyde into the air or would you pick it up walking on it or

> what?

>

> Thankfully, I don't need to replace any flooring at the moment, but I want

> to stay informed for if/when I do.

>

> Cindy

>

> Cindy Kirchhoff, life coach

> http://livinginrhyme.com

> Reclaim your power and passion

>

> --- In

<%40>,

> " Mary Alford " <mary.alford wrote:

> >

> > Prefinished cork is actually quite durable (not like what you get in a

> wine

> > bottle!). Ask for samples at the floor store. My friend's kitchen cork

> > floor stands up better than her finished in place wood floors, and she

> has

> > three large dogs and a four year old. Also, if you use floor finishes

> with

> > NO VOC's, this means no " volatile organic compounds " so there is

> virtually

> > none of that unpleasant chemical odor.

> >

> > Be careful of some of the prefinished wood products, some of them even

> have

> > formaldehyde.

>

>

>

 

 

 

--

Mary Alford

 

Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

 

www.chemohairapy.com

Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Cork is great advice. I love cork floors. Becareful of the glue, it

can have very nasty VOCs.

 

Adam

[Guest guest]

Look for interlocking cork tiles that make a " floating " floor. No glue

necessary, an interlocking system.

 

Before using any type of glue, paint or finish, look to see if it is

available in a Low or No VOC formula (and look for reviews that the product

works). There are some excellent products out there, and the prices are

getting better.

 

Do an internet search and look at the choices -- cork can be wonderfully

interesting to look at, like natural wood.

 

--

Mary Alford

 

Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

 

www.chemohairapy.com

Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

 

 

On 8/29/07, adam.bowling <adam wrote:

>

> Cork is great advice. I love cork floors. Becareful of the glue, it

> can have very nasty VOCs.

>

> Adam

>

>

>

 

 

 

--

Mary Alford

 

Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

 

www.chemohairapy.com

Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Mary, for all the great information. And a link from the

gov't that's actually useful - who woulda thought? :-)

 

It looks like we've got safe flooring. We picked a product that was

solid wood so that we could sand it down and refinish if needed

ever in the future. So, though I now don't want that finishing

process going on ever in my home again, we did manage to

make a good decision (if for the wrong reasons!).

 

Checked the cabinets, and they are particle board inside but

sealed. I do like to air out the house periodically anyhow,

just feeling like somehow that helps. Though sometimes I

wonder about the air I'm letting in. I hope we get back to

a more environmentally friendly, healhty way of living across

the board soon. We'd all feel so much better.

 

Cindy

 

Cindy Kirchhoff, life coach

http;//livinginrhyme.com

Reclaim your power and your passion - and your health

 

, " Mary Alford " <mary.alford

wrote:

>

> Look for composite wood products underneath the floor part that you would

> see. If you are finishing the floor in place, the formaldehyde that is part

> of the glue will be sealed inside. If you are installing prefinished

> flooring, then look for a product that is all wood, not a composite product

> (no wood chips glued together).

>

> Incidentally, this is also a problem in kitchen cabinetry. Most of your

> standard kitchen cabinets are particle board with a finish on the outside.

> If you want to protect yourself from the formaldehyde, if you have composite

> products, than make sure that a sealer is put on all bare wood surfaces

> (behind the cabinets, underneath drawers and shelving for instance), before

> the cabinets are installed. This is required for many green building

> certifications to minimize indoor air pollution (and I believe also

> recommended by the American Lung Association).

>

> Below is a link about other formaldehyde containing products in the home and

> gives some more information. I am concerned about even small amounts of

> formaldehyde in products because the concentration tends to build up in your

> house over time, particularly in the winter when you are not opening

> windows, etc. Pollution inside our houses is going to be a bigger issue

> over the next few years.

>

> Believe it or not, this is a link from the federal government that contains

> good information. They emphasize that current products have much less

> formaldehyde than products before 1997, however, as I said above, the

> concentrations tend to build up in the better insulated houses we are

> building in an attempt to save energy.

>

> http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/725.html

>

> Best of luck.

>

> Mary Alford

>

> Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

>

> www.chemohairapy.com

> Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

[Guest guest]

Many people do not realize that formaldehyde does not

get sealed. The fumes permeate everything and are very

toxic. Cloth is preserved with formaldhyde to prevent

deterioration before manufacture. Nail polish uses it

make your nails stronger....etc There is so much

around us that we are not even aware of...similar to

asbestos of many years ago.

 

In my practice it is always one of the higher toxin

levels I see when looking at what is making a client

toxic.

 

Jenny Kernan

Quantum Biofeedback Therapist

www.quantumassociatesofutah.com

 

--- Mary Alford <mary.alford wrote:

 

> Look for composite wood products underneath the

> floor part that you would

> see. If you are finishing the floor in place, the

> formaldehyde that is part

> of the glue will be sealed inside. If you are

> installing prefinished

> flooring, then look for a product that is all wood,

> not a composite product

> (no wood chips glued together).

>

> Incidentally, this is also a problem in kitchen

> cabinetry. Most of your

> standard kitchen cabinets are particle board with a

> finish on the outside.

> If you want to protect yourself from the

> formaldehyde, if you have composite

> products, than make sure that a sealer is put on all

> bare wood surfaces

> (behind the cabinets, underneath drawers and

> shelving for instance), before

> the cabinets are installed. This is required for

> many green building

> certifications to minimize indoor air pollution (and

> I believe also

> recommended by the American Lung Association).

>

> Below is a link about other formaldehyde containing

> products in the home and

> gives some more information. I am concerned about

> even small amounts of

> formaldehyde in products because the concentration

> tends to build up in your

> house over time, particularly in the winter when you

> are not opening

> windows, etc. Pollution inside our houses is going

> to be a bigger issue

> over the next few years.

>

> Believe it or not, this is a link from the federal

> government that contains

> good information. They emphasize that current

> products have much less

> formaldehyde than products before 1997, however, as

> I said above, the

> concentrations tend to build up in the better

> insulated houses we are

> building in an attempt to save energy.

>

> http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/725.html

>

> Best of luck.

>

> Mary Alford

>

> Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star

> Consultations)

>

> www.chemohairapy.com

> Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

>

>

>

> On 8/28/07, kiaradaze <ckirchhoff

> wrote:

> >

> > That's great to hear about cork, Mary. I know

> the house I toured, that

> > used all environmentally friendly features, was

> just gorgeous and made

> > so much sense. Would love to own something like

> that.

> >

> > I didn't realize even the prefinished wood could

> be problematic. Does

> > it emit fomaldehyde into the air or would you pick

> it up walking on it or

> > what?

> >

> > Thankfully, I don't need to replace any flooring

> at the moment, but I want

> > to stay informed for if/when I do.

> >

> > Cindy

> >

> > Cindy Kirchhoff, life coach

> > http://livinginrhyme.com

> > Reclaim your power and passion

> >

> > --- In

>

<%40>,

> > " Mary Alford " <mary.alford wrote:

> > >

> > > Prefinished cork is actually quite durable (not

> like what you get in a

> > wine

> > > bottle!). Ask for samples at the floor store. My

> friend's kitchen cork

> > > floor stands up better than her finished in

> place wood floors, and she

> > has

> > > three large dogs and a four year old. Also, if

> you use floor finishes

> > with

> > > NO VOC's, this means no " volatile organic

> compounds " so there is

> > virtually

> > > none of that unpleasant chemical odor.

> > >

> > > Be careful of some of the prefinished wood

> products, some of them even

> > have

> > > formaldehyde.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> Mary Alford

>

> Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star

> Consultations)

>

> www.chemohairapy.com

> Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

[Guest guest]

Natural oiled timber-no laquer but the oil i think it's usually Linseed oil (

buy in bulk) looks great and is all natural

 

" adam.bowling " <adam wrote: Cork is great advice. I love

cork floors. Becareful of the glue, it

can have very nasty VOCs.

 

Adam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on TV.

 

 

[Guest guest]

I read a Woman’s Day magazine while waiting at the salon today and they said

that the Rubber Plant, the Snake Plant, and the Christmas Cactus are three

great houseplants that clean the air in your home.

 

If I remember correctly, it was the rubber plant that removed formaldehyde

from the air, the Christmas Cactus that they suggested for the bedroom b/c

it does its oxygen output at night, and the snake plant is good for

anywhere, especially the bathroom.

 

 

 

Health & Happiness To You,

~Leese

 

_____

 

 

On Behalf Of Mary Alford

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:18 PM

 

Re: Re: Please suggest a healthy flooring

option for my home

 

 

 

Look for composite wood products underneath the floor part that you would

see. If you are finishing the floor in place, the formaldehyde that is part

of the glue will be sealed inside. If you are installing prefinished

flooring, then look for a product that is all wood, not a composite product

(no wood chips glued together).

 

Incidentally, this is also a problem in kitchen cabinetry. Most of your

standard kitchen cabinets are particle board with a finish on the outside.

If you want to protect yourself from the formaldehyde, if you have composite

products, than make sure that a sealer is put on all bare wood surfaces

(behind the cabinets, underneath drawers and shelving for instance), before

the cabinets are installed. This is required for many green building

certifications to minimize indoor air pollution (and I believe also

recommended by the American Lung Association).

 

Below is a link about other formaldehyde containing products in the home and

gives some more information. I am concerned about even small amounts of

formaldehyde in products because the concentration tends to build up in your

house over time, particularly in the winter when you are not opening

windows, etc. Pollution inside our houses is going to be a bigger issue

over the next few years.

 

Believe it or not, this is a link from the federal government that contains

good information. They emphasize that current products have much less

formaldehyde than products before 1997, however, as I said above, the

concentrations tend to build up in the better insulated houses we are

building in an attempt to save energy.

 

http://www.cpsc. <http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/725.html>

gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/725.html

 

Best of luck.

 

Mary Alford

 

Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

 

www.chemohairapy.com

Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

 

On 8/28/07, kiaradaze <ckirchhoff@ameritec

<ckirchhoff%40ameritech.net> h.net> wrote:

>

> That's great to hear about cork, Mary. I know the house I toured, that

> used all environmentally friendly features, was just gorgeous and made

> so much sense. Would love to own something like that.

>

> I didn't realize even the prefinished wood could be problematic. Does

> it emit fomaldehyde into the air or would you pick it up walking on it or

> what?

>

> Thankfully, I don't need to replace any flooring at the moment, but I want

> to stay informed for if/when I do.

>

> Cindy

>

> Cindy Kirchhoff, life coach

> http://livinginrhym <http://livinginrhyme.com> e.com

> Reclaim your power and passion

>

> @ <%40>

<%40>,

> " Mary Alford " <mary.alford wrote:

> >

> > Prefinished cork is actually quite durable (not like what you get in a

> wine

> > bottle!). Ask for samples at the floor store. My friend's kitchen cork

> > floor stands up better than her finished in place wood floors, and she

> has

> > three large dogs and a four year old. Also, if you use floor finishes

> with

> > NO VOC's, this means no " volatile organic compounds " so there is

> virtually

> > none of that unpleasant chemical odor.

> >

> > Be careful of some of the prefinished wood products, some of them even

> have

> > formaldehyde.

>

>

>

 

--

Mary Alford

 

Mary Alford, LLC (Green Building, Energy Star Consultations)

 

www.chemohairapy.com

Useful Gifts for Cancer Patients!

 

 

[Guest guest]

Been investigating Cork flooring- discovered that one does not have

to glue it down. It can be purchased interlocking- which gives you a

floating floor- goes over anything- wood, concrete- whatever. No

glue. Good for those of us who are putting it in for allergies.

 

, cheryl bullock

<cooee.shari wrote:

>

> Natural oiled timber-no laquer but the oil i think it's usually

Linseed oil ( buy in bulk) looks great and is all natural

>

> " adam.bowling " <adam wrote: Cork is great advice. I

love cork floors. Becareful of the glue, it

> can have very nasty VOCs.

>

> Adam

 

> Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on

TV.

>

>