Flooring - Building Renewable

A photograph of a set of building plans with a hammer resting on them. In the lower half of the image is a row of cork blocks made into a wall with two more loose blocks stacked on top. Across the cork block wall are the words "Cork Blocks and Bricks: Why Build With It (Pros and Cons)."

Cork Blocks and Bricks: Why Build With It (Pros and Cons)

ByJim Pritchard June 14, 2023October 13, 2024

Cork blocks and bricks are an excellent choice for a sustainable building project. This article explains what they are, how they are made, and their pros and cons, so you can decide whether they are suitable for your next project.

Waterproof cork flooring in a large room with glass doors leading out onto a decked area. A puddle of water on the floor is caused by water dripping down from the ceiling. Across the top of the image are the words, "Waterproof Cork Flooring: How Is It Actually Watertight?"

Cork Flooring Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture

Waterproof Cork Flooring: How Is It Actually Watertight?

ByJim Pritchard June 13, 2023August 21, 2024

Cork is naturally water resistant but you might be wondering whether cork floors are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens where frequent water exposure is inevitable. This article looks at the risks water poses to cork floors and examines whether waterproof cork flooring is completely watertight.

Cork flooring in a children's playroom. The floor has wooden toys, including a digger and a train with a fluffy white fur rug on the left. Across the top are the words "The Pros and Cons of Using Cork as a Flooring Material."

Cork Flooring Healthy Buildings Insulation Sustainable Architecture

9 Pros and Cons of Using Cork as a Flooring Material

ByJim Pritchard June 12, 2023October 13, 2024

Before you settle on buying a cork floor, you should know the pros and cons of using cork as a flooring material. This article covers this and more so you know if it’s the right choice for your home.

A collage of screenshots of cork flooring company websites. Across the top of the image are the words "The Top 9 Places to Buy Your New Waterproof Cork Floor."

Cork Flooring Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture

The Top 9 Places to Buy Your New Waterproof Cork Floor

ByJim Pritchard June 11, 2023October 13, 2024

If you like the idea of cork flooring, you’ll need to know the best places to buy your new waterproof cork floor. This article lists the top 9 places to buy cork flooring, and explains what makes each company unique.

A worker in blue overalls, a yellow T-shirt, and a cap is laying cork flooring over a blue underlayment. Across the bottom are the words "Why Should You Use Cork Flooring (vs. Other Flooring Types)." In the top right-hand corner is a question mark.

Cork Flooring Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture

Why Should You Use Cork Flooring (vs. Other Flooring Types)

ByJim Pritchard June 10, 2023May 24, 2024

This article explains the pros and cons of cork flooring and compares it to popular alternatives such as bamboo and hardwood flooring. When you finish reading, you’ll be able to decide – should you use cork flooring or not?

A photograph of a large empty room with cork flooring, large windows, and glass doors leading out onto a deck overlooking a body of water. Across the top of the image are the words, "The 12 Best Places to Buy Cork Building Material." In the lower right corner is a "Buy Now" button with a mouse icon hovering over it.

Cork Flooring Healthy Buildings Insulation Sustainable Architecture

The 12 Best Places to Buy Cork Building Material

ByJim Pritchard June 8, 2023April 8, 2024

Are you interested in using cork in your next DIY project? This article lists the 12 best places to buy cork building material today and gives an overview of each supplier’s products, including what makes them unique.

A photograph of an engineered wood floor with a nice shine. A mop is cleaning the floor, and in the top left of the photo are the words, "top tips" appearing in speech bubbles. Across the bottom of the image are the words "How To Clean Engineered Wood Floors - Top Tips for Success."

Engineered Wood Flooring

How To Clean Engineered Wood Floors – Top Tips for Success

ByJim Pritchard May 10, 2023December 15, 2024

If you’re wondering what the best way to clean engineered wood floors is, you’re in the right place. This article provides a step-by-step guide and answers many of the most common questions about cleaning and caring for your engineered wood floor.

A photograph of parquet flooring with individual pieces laid in a herringbone pattern. The wood appears to be oak and has a beautiful grain pattern. The wood is a mid-brown color. Across the top of the photograph are the words "Types of Reclaimed Wood Flooring: Which Wood Is Best to Use?" in white letters. In the bottom center is a cartoon woman holding two squares, one in each hand as if making a choice.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture Wood

Types of Reclaimed Wood Flooring: Which Wood Is Best to Use?

ByJim Pritchard April 26, 2023October 12, 2024

Reclaimed wood flooring has tremendous appeal, both visually and in terms of durability. But which type of reclaimed wood is best to use for your floor? The article provides an answer based on your needs.

A man wearing a light gray T-shirt and dark gray work trousers with strap-on knee pads. He is kneeling down and in the process of installing engineered wood flooring. The flooring planks are dark brown with a natural wood veneer that has an irregular grain pattern. Each floorboard has tongues and grooves along its edge to allow the boards to be interlocked for easy installation. There is blue underlayment on the subfloor. In the left center of the photograph is a white "thumbs down" icon and along the bottom are the words "Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring (Should You Use?)" written in white letters on a semi-transparent brown background.

Engineered Wood Flooring Healthy Buildings Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture Wood

Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring (Should You Use?)

ByJim Pritchard April 14, 2023January 7, 2025

The floor is an important feature of your home that can add character and comfort. If you’re trying to decide between traditional wood flooring and engineered alternatives, you should know if there are any disadvantages of engineered wood flooring. This article explains all.

A photograph of a man installing an engineered wood floor. He is dressed in a light blue T-shirt and tool belt. The engineered wood planks have been installed over about half the floor in the room and the subfloor is visible across the rest of the image. The subfloor has foil-backed insulation laid across it that has been taped together along the joins. The man is using a hammer against a plastic block held against the latest plank to be laid to ensure a snug fit. Across the top of the image are the words "Installing an Engineered Wood Floor – 10 Steps To Follow" in white letters on a partially transparent brown background. In the bottom left are three steps in a list to signify that the article provides a step-by-step approach.

Flooring Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture Wood

Installing an Engineered Wood Floor – 10 Steps To Follow

ByJim Pritchard April 8, 2023January 7, 2025

Installing an engineered wood floor is often something that people get professionals to do. But if you follow the 10 steps in this guide, have the right tools, and have some basic DIY skills, you could certainly do this job yourself.