When planning a wooden flooring project, your choice of materials will be affected by a variety of considerations: appearance, durability, ease of transportation, and of course cost. Modern builders must also confront another tough question: are my materials contributing to deforestation and other damage to the ecosystem?

Hardwood floors are elegant and traditional, but in today’s environment, hardwood lumber is not necessarily the most practical option for new construction or remodeling projects. As concern grows for the loss of natural forests due to timbering, more and more builders and home improvement hobbyists are turning to lighter, more sustainable alternatives.

Fortunately, using premium products such as Supreme Bamboo from Eco-World, you won’t have to sacrifice either quality or your budget to go green with your wooden flooring project. Bamboo is an excellent option for ecology-minded builders, since it is lighter than tree-derived lumber, reducing transportation costs, and can be harvested with minimal impact on the environment.

A reed rather than a tree, bamboo is abundant and regrows rapidly, ensuring a renewable supply for many years to come. While many traditional sources of wooden flooring are hovering near the endangered species list, bamboo needs very little care to restore itself in the habitat.

Another alternative to hardwood flooring is cork, made from the spongy layers of oak bark, which regenerates in just ten years and can be harvested without killing the tree. Cheaper than hardwood and more versatile as well, cork is rapidly becoming a popular choice for achieving the style and class of a wood floor without the cost to the planet and your pocketbook.

Being softer than any other wood flooring, cork is more resistant to weight-related scratching and warping damage, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic surfaces. Available in stained-finish tiles, cork is easier to work with than hardwood, which can be difficult to fit to your floor space dimensions.

Regardless of which material you choose for your project, being aware of the “green factor” is not only good for the planet, but your budget as well. After all, you want the forests as well as your flooring to be enjoyed by your children and their children.