With new home construction declining, many homeowners are focused on remodeling instead. Along with considering traditional factors such as cost and design, homeowners embarking on a remodeling effort are taking the time to ensure their decisions to upgrade their home aren’t at the expense of the environment.

Enter bamboo and cork. Both highly sustainable and environmentally sound, bamboo and cork are becoming a popular choice as an alternative to hardwood flooring.

While bamboo may not immediately conjure up images of sleek and comfortable flooring underfoot, recent technological advances have allowed bamboo manufacturers to create a surface that is smooth, stylish and durable. Many customers like the exotic look that a bamboo floor provides. Installation is conducted the same way as with hardwood flooring and some manufacturers even offer long-term warranties.

Cork floors offer benefits such as resistance to abrasion and sound. A completely renewable resource harvested as bark from living cork trees, cork is naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, making it an ideal floor surface for allergy sufferers.

Manufacturers of these products are doing their part to conserve the environment in the way they harvest the materials as well as limiting their stock to what has been ordered. This reduces waste and conserves our forests.

By choosing these strong and lasting hardwood alternatives, homeowners can enjoy their new floors for several years after their remodeling project is complete. Plus they can feel good about selling their home with eco-friendly, quality flooring that will stand out from the other homes for sale in their area.