Natural bamboo is technically a grass and offers the performance attributes and natural aesthetics of hardwood flooring, but with a distinctive look and unique grain character. Available in a wide array of colors, textures and widths and varying constructions, bamboo is an eco-friendly choice but also gets extremely high marks for its durability, style and affordability.

Bamboo regenerates and reaches maturity in five to six years where it can grow to a height of 80 feet. Mature bamboo is harvested at the height of its strength and performance capabilities. Although many characteristics of bamboo are similar to those of hardwoods, bamboo is not a wood. It is classified as a grass and is much denser, and therefore stronger, than hardwoods.

Bamboo matures in 5 1/2 - 6 years, regenerates without the necessity for replanting, and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides.

Bamboo releases 35% more oxygen than trees.

Thomas Edison used a carbonized piece of bamboo as a filament for one of the first electric light bulbs.

The species of bamboo used for flooring is not the same as the one that serves as food supply for pandas, as it is too large for consumption.

The distinctive patterns, colors and textures of cork flooring are unmatched by any other flooring surface available today. The unique combination of beauty and performance will provide you with benefits not easily matched by other flooring options.

Cork is extremely dense, yet resilient and is warm and comfortable underfoot. Clean ups are easy to remedy and maintenance is the same as a traditional hardwood floor. Cork floors have inherent thermal and acoustical insulation properties to help keep noise down and reduce power consumption. Cork is also a natural fire inhibitor and does not spread flame.

Cork floors are durable and easy to maintain, comfortable, fire resistant, thermally and acoustically insulated and antimicrobial and insect repellent. By using cork, we keep the forest alive and the habitat undisturbed.

Cork is the name given to the bark of the cork oak, a tree from the beech family, characteristic of western Mediterranean countries. The bark acts as a protective shell to the harsh climate changes and numerous fires affecting the region.

Portugal has the largest concentration of cork trees. Cork trees are harvested every nine to fourteen years and it is not unusual for 200 year old trees to be producing cork bark

Cork floors have built-in anti-bacterial protection

Cork trees are stripped of their bark every nine to fourteen years, the tree is never cut and the habitat remains undisturbed.

There are many ways to be earth-friendly when planning a new floor in your home or office. Many distributors nowadays offer "green" carpeting options. And Universal Carpet partners with them to bring you the brand names, styles and affordability in carpeting options that you want. Below is just a sample of some of the many carpet options available to you. Call us to learn more about any of the following products:

Shaw N6 (Nylon 6) contributes to the health and safety of our ecosystem. It can be cycled back into carpet fiber again and again. Learn more about N6 here

Mohawk SmartStrand is made partially from a renewable resourced polymer which may use less energy and reduce CO2 emissions. Learn more here

Mohawk Everstrand carpets contain P.E.T., a top quality ingredient that provides a natural resistance to stain and spills. Learn more here

Modular carpet tiles are recycled and recyclable. They contain 35% pre-consumer recycled content and are 100% recyclable, saving energy and landfill space.