In recent years, I think most of us have taken steps to make our lives more green. We might be recycling, drinking from reusable water bottles or cleaning with products that contain fewer toxins. The flooring industry followed suit and has started presenting greener alternatives to our traditional offerings. We’ve got finishes and glues that emit fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Flooring made from natural materials is on the rise.
I’m a big fan of this trend, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I saw two green traits—natural material and recycled material—rolled into one. Armstrong now offers amazing hardwood flooring fashioned from reclaimed wine barrels. Hats off for giving us an option that’s sustainable and flat out beautiful.
You can’t imagine the character and personality these floors bring to a room. The colors are deep washed. You can actually see the Vintner’s marks and authentic cooperage stamps burned into random strips, resulting in a look that’s truly original. Best of all, it’s a floor with a soul. These hardwoods have history.
After a little research, I discovered that wine barrel hardwoods are durable enough to be used in your home or in a commercial setting. Imagine the possibilities. Wine focused restaurants could install real barrels as flooring—the very basis of their building. At home, how cool would it be to put this in your wine cellar?
I’m convinced that these floors are beautiful enough on their own merit to stand apart from a wine theme. Consider them for your foyer, your kitchen or your den. You might just fall in love with the one-of-a-kind pattern made by long and short pieces. You’ll have a story to tell, and you’ll be reusing, reducing and recycling at the same time.
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Renee LeCroy is the Flooring Expert at Don’s Carpet One in Birmingham, AL. For 17 years, she’s been the consumer’s in-store advocate, decoding the flooring industry and offering insider advice. Contact Renee via email.
This looks beautiful and is so unique. What a cool way to reuse and recycle! I would love to see it in person.
Great article post.Much thanks again. Will read on…
I certainly like your web site layout it’s so clean, simple to read.
Hey, I’ve your blog but I have noticed that the photos look a little discoloured when I use my macbook.
This looks beautiful and is so unique. What a cool way to reuse and recycle! I would love to see it in person.
There are some really great ideas here. Can’t wait to put some of these into action. Its really going to bring good vibrations where the vibrations should be
I am so grateful for your blog post.Really thank you! Will read on…
I wish more people would write blogs like this that are actually fun to read. With all the fluff floating around on the net, it is rare to read a blog like yours instead.
Very good post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
Hey, thanks for the blog.Much thanks again. Want more.
Ok, i’m definitely doing that when i get a house!
hardwood floorings are very much susceptible to water damage;*,