Dear Ms Otte,
I have specified and used a number of floor coverings and as you have guessed from the response, the best depends on a variety of factors; maintenance ability, practical and aesthetic requirements and there are always trade-offs.
Hardwoods, oak and maple, are wonderful aesthetically and are easier on the feet and legs than concrete. They require more care in terms of moving elements as they can be scuffed and if the object is heavy, dented. There are several durable finish systems available and solid hardwood can be refinished several times depending on the nature of the damage. Out-gassing of the wood and its finish need to be considered related to schedule. I wouldn't recommend and of the laminated woods in terms of durability and a long term investment.
Cork is a wonderful material, and like wood is renewable. It is easier on the feet and legs than the hardwood and is a bit more sound absorbent than
hardwoods. Although cork comes with finishes that are much more durable than in the past, you used to have to wax-strip-and wax it, it will require overall maintenance before the hardwood floor.
Stained concrete is certainly a trend and durable to a point, however, it is hard on the feet and legs and will require acoustic treatment to all other surfaces. One advantage is that you only need to dry and wet mop it and it can be cheaper initially if the floor is poured concrete. A comment here about feet and legs; there is the very real physiological effect of walking on hard surfaces, "museum fatigue" for both the visitor and staff. If you have guards you may find that you have to get them cushioned floor pads to rest on.
Linoleum, specifically Marmolium is also a green product and has similar characteristics as cork. There is a wide array of colors and patterns including solids. Some people might not care for the aesthetics but you might
want to get some large samples to consider. It is durable and the surface can be refinished.
Rubber "can" be green is it is made of other recycled materials. Not all of it is. It can have up to a half inch of cushion added to it which makes it great to walk on. It also looks like what the local fitness center has on their floor so it may not fit your visitor's or board's aesthetic. It can be sealed and mopped, and if you have a large area, there a floor care systems available.
And last, carpet. Not broadloom but carpet squares/tiles, preferably by Interface. Interface make much if not all of their carpets out of recycled materials and has a system for recycling old carpet. With tiles when they spill the crab dip, red wine or grind a brownie into the floor you life the effected square(s) and replace them. They are more sound adsorbing than the choices above and come in a wide array of colors and patterns. They are also easier on the feet
and legs than the harder surfaces. As a carpet, they require more effort to maintain than just mopping the floor and you should consider acquiring an appropriate cleaning machine/system.
Cost comparisons are best done at your end since the cost of each can be impacted how large and area you are finishing and the skill level of the flooring mechanics in your community.
And I'm not a rep for any of the above products.
Regards, Paul Stromdahl
On Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 1:24 PM, Stacey Otte
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hi, all
We are moving to a new space and our architect is discouraging me from going the route of doing hardwood (actually was thinking a durable laminate like Pergo) because of the noise factor (it is a large open space with high ceilings). Anybody have thoughts of carpet vs. hard floors? I like the look and ease of cleaning of hard floors.
We're also trying to be as green as we can afford.
Thanks!
Stacey Otte
Executive Director
The Wildling Museum
2928 San Marcos Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
805-686-8216 (direct phone)
http://www.wildlingmuseum.org
Where art and nature meet
SHOWING NOW:
Wildlings and Wild Places
September 19 - December 2, 2012
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