A Blog by WARM Training Center
flooring
Eco-Flooring Part 2
Jan 15th
We’re a nonprofit organization and we need to replace our flooring. We have very little budget and we will look for donations. Nonetheless, we would like to use an environmentally friendly approach for this. Maybe recycled carpet? Can you recommend low-cost and eco-friendly flooring options?
- Pat in Detroit
For low-cost, I’d recommend checking out a local re-use store, like Habitat’s ReStore. That could work for carpet, tile or other options, depending on what they have in. Continue reading “Eco-Flooring Part 2” »
Eco-Flooring
Dec 30th
During tours of our demonstration center we frequently receive questions about green flooring options, how well they work, and what to use. Our answer? Look down! WARM has a number of different eco-friendly floors installed in our office, including bamboo and cork. They hold up well against the constant traffic, but are also stunning and would fit well in any home.
So if you can’t make it down to our office to see for yourself, here is a good online guide for those thinking about installing an eco-friendly floor in their home or office. Please note that this guide is from a manufacturer and focuses on wood, so read it with that understanding in mind. Other options to consider are natural linoleum, recycled fibers, glass tile, vinyl, or even recycled tires!
Ash wood salvage
Jul 1st
Dear WARM:
I saw at your demonstration center some flooring made from the ash trees that are being cut down because of the emerald ash borer problem. Where can I find some? I’d like to price it out for our green building project.
Tony, a builder in Detroit
Hi, Tony. We’re glad you asked! As you probably know, the emerald ash borer is only in the bark—so the wood of the ash is still a beautiful and strong hard wood: excellent for flooring, trim and other construction uses. Several SE Michigan saw mills are turning this “waste” product into useful construction material instead of just sending it off for chipping or burning. You can find them and contact them here:
http://urbanwood.org/
Here’s a picture of the ash flooring in one of our offices:
Yours in true tree appreciation and salvage,
The WARM Team