Your floor carries a heavy load at home. This is why choosing the right flooring should not be taken for granted and needs proper planning before purchasing. In deciding what type of flooring, you have to consider the durability, installation, materials and maintenance. But the more crucial decision would be the type of materials you choose for your flooring and your lifestyle of your family.

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Before making the decision, take time to think about being environmentally friendly. Here are a few green flooring options to consider:

Cork

Cork flooring started as a by-product from surplus or scrap from the wine cork industry. The popularity of cork tile flooring increased not because it comes cheap but due to its resiliency. This type of flooring is tolerant to dropped dishes and very comfortable to stand on. Cork also features stain and fire resistance which makes it low in maintenance and more safe. Other notable characteristics of cork floors are the ability to absorb sound and resistance to soak up moisture.

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Bamboo

As you know, bamboo is a fast growing type of grass that is so abundant and looks like wood. It is remarkably durable and can last for a long period of time. There are three distinct bamboo patterns available for your home floors: grain, horizontal and vertical grain. You can also choose between natural and caramel shades.  One of the best features of bamboo is its cool and cozy effects on your home. It absorbs heat and is hard-wearing.

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Linoleum

People often refer this material to vinyl flooring but these two materials are different from each other. Linoleum contains no vinyl and is made from flax seed by-product which is the linseed oil. It is a mixture of sawdust, powdered cork, minerals and pine resin. Although it is a bit expensive than vinyl, you can count on its durability, low maintenance and more importantly biodegradable. But linoleum gained recognition with its antibacterial properties especially when used in healthcare facilities.

Getting the best flooring for your home is one of the major decisions you have to make. You should take some time and be aware of your options. Remember, a healthy home environment is priceless! Use these green flooring ideas to choose the right one for your home and the environment.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

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Written by Charlotte Watson on behalf of Force 8. Charlotte specializes in articles pertaining to high quality architectural products such as composite doors, custom windows and composite front doors for all applications.

It might seem like a dull subject to talk about but it’s something considered so little that there is actually a lot to be discovered. We use them every day and they are a vital part of any architectural design – acting as the portal from one room to another and helping us to protect our belongings and keep warm during colder weathers.

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Historical doors

You might consider the design of double doors to be a relatively new thing; however records and historical drawings show that these were used for Egyptian tombs and temples, as well as sliding doors and folding doors making an appearance in Roman and Greek architecture.

Generally, these were opened via sheathed pivots at the base and top of the door, which was often made of timber (which was then plated), stone or bronze. However, hinges were in use in some Egyptian and Roman architecture; though were not fully integrated into conventional door design until 1600BC.

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Romantic doors

How about automatic doors? Surely they wouldn’t be in effect until electricity became commonplace? Well those Indiana Jones films might not have been completely full of anachronisms, as automatic doors date back to the 1st century AD, invented by Heron of Alexandria, a Greek Scholar, thanks to his aeolipile – a primitive steam engine.

These primitive doors were often carved or adorned with brass to give an extra amount of grandeur, as these are obviously the first thing a visitor would see, and even back then, first impressions made all the difference!

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Materials and technology

These days we have a whole range of doors with the designs and ideas originating from these early versions. The earliest doors are said to be those made of wood. Sturdy wooden doors remain popular today showing that the Egyptians were on to a simple yet effective idea way back in their day.

With increasing technology the doors we have today are extremely sturdy and great for protecting your home from drafts and potential intruders. From those decorative doors in the house that afford privacy and draft exclusion, to the patio doors that let in extra light, to the impressive front door that offers people their first impression of your home, doors are an important feature for your property. We have those clever Egyptians to thank for helping us develop the doors we have today!

If this has sparked your interest in doors then the oldest door in England is dated around 1050 and can be found in Westminster Abbey, why not take a visit?

For more decorative ideas on Stagetecture, click here.