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Green Building Home Design

5 Benefits of Remodeling with Bamboo

There certainly is a lot of buzz about bamboo these days. Bamboo flooring is not only beautiful and stylish, but it has been proven to outperform traditional hardwood flooring in many ways.

Renewable resource. Bamboo is actually a fast-growing grass, which makes it a renewable resource. The roots of the plant continue to produce new shoots even after the mature plants have been harvested.

Finish options. You’ll find a variety of bamboo finishes on the market these days. There are floor panels available with grains running either vertically or horizontally, and those that come in either a dark or light finish.

Durability. Bamboo floors are generally more durable than wood. Just be sure to do some initial research on the bamboo materials that will be used by your contractor. Mature bamboo plants are strong, but overall durability depends on several factors. Ask questions about the age of the plants when harvested (young bamboo is softer and more susceptible to damage), ask if there are any materials or adhesives added, and ask about the source of the plant.

Cost. Bamboo floors are cheaper than most other flooring options the plants can grow almost anywhere and grow quickly. Bamboo floors are also easy to install, which helps further minimize the expense.

Easy maintenance. A simple dust mop is the most effective cleaning method for bamboo floors. Dry mop at least twice a week to remove dirt or grime, and then follow with a lightly dampened mop using warm water and a small amount of vinegar.

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By Topic Home Improvement

Green Materials to Use for Home Improvement

In need of a new look for the inside of your home? Widespread concern regarding pollution and the conservation of natural resources has prompted more homeowners to consider greener ideas and environmentally friendly materials.

Install Bamboo Floors. Most people think bamboo is wood, but bamboo is actually a grass … and one that grows quickly, within three to five years to be precise. This means bamboo is a good renewable resource. Most bamboo is grown and harvested in either Hawaii or China. Bamboo is resilient and comes in a variety of colors and shades.

Use Reclaimed Wood. Reclaimed or salvaged lumber can be used to build walls, as support beams or even in roof construction. Instead of dumping previously used lumber into a landfill, it can be put back into new construction projects.

Choose Low or Zero VOC Paint. A new coat of paint can transform the look of an old room into an exciting new space. However, most paints contain harmful volatile organic compounds that contribute to air pollution, smog and respiratory problems. By choosing low VOC paint, you can help reduce the volatile organic compounds in the air and still have a beautiful, freshly painted room.