Patience is so Passé

Issue Date: November 29, 2007, Posted On: 11/29/2007

By Marc Henderson

Patience is so Passé

We live in a fast food, text messaging, microwaved era where patience and foresight are not all that common. One negative byproduct of this is that material goods seem to be decreasing in longevity even as technology should theoretically be making goods of better quality and value. Thankfully for manufacturers, consumers have become accustomed to this throwaway mentality, so when their product breaks after only a short while, there is not an uprising. This acceptance of disposability has been challenged only recently with the increase in environmentalism. It became apparent that we were creating an immense amount of waste by merely throwing everything away after such a short period of use that companies have begun to focus more acutely on producing products and goods that might last longer than a few years. For example, our grandparent’s refrigerators are still running, yet the one down at the appliance store right now might be broken before 2010 even rolls in. This brings us to the influx of so called green products. It is one thing to manufacture a good that took few resources to make, but it is another to manufacture a good that took few resources, but better yet, won’t need to be replaced in only a year or two.

One wonderful such example of this mix is bamboo flooring. Here we have a surface agent that is very sustainably harvested, and can be maintained for many years to come. While it is true that hardwood floors are notoriously long lasting, bamboo is in most cases a more environmentally friendly choice. There are a few easy steps to take to ensure that bamboo flooring holds up over time. The first, like hardwood floors, bamboo should not be installed in areas of the home that will be subject to moisture. Similarly, bamboo should not be wet mopped. It is important to consult the manufacturer on its recommended cleaning method because the flooring will have been treated with some form of a surface agent and using the wrong detergent or cleaning product can permanently remove that protective layer. So, do not use abrasive scouring pads or rough surfaces to wash away dirt. Another great tip for ensuring that bamboo lasts as expected is to place rugs and mats in areas of high traffic. This will ensure that the flooring does not show areas of easily distinguishable wear. And lastly, be conscious of things like your pet’s toenails and the wearing of say either cleats or other spiked shoes in the house.

On the other hand, if you are looking for something a little more soft than bamboo or hardwood flooring, and instead opt for carpeting, there certainly are characteristics that will make your investment pay off in the long run. For example, some carpeting will indeed only last five or so years if you choose to invest very little in the product, or you can fork out a little more monetarily, but receive much more in return. So, if you select a higher-grade carpet it will most likely be around for a good twenty years. In fact, some well-made carpeting is still in use from the seventies, and although it is certainly no longer fashionable, it is holding up fantastically. Nevertheless, if you are unable to make a significant initial investment, there are some relatively simple things you can do to ensure that you get the most out of the carpet that you do end up selecting.

For one, the benefit of vacuuming cannot be emphasized enough. This is such a simple way to make sure that all that dust and dirt does not get caught in between the carpet fibers. When dirt gets forced deep down in the carpet it is much more difficult to remove it at a later date. If you really think about it, most carpeting needs replacing because it has become stained, faded, or just plain dirty. Very rarely does anyone replace his or her carpeting because it is just falling apart. Another simple way to reduce the wear on your carpeting is to use mats at all entryways into the home, which will reduce the amount of dirt and grime that gets transported inside. Even better, removing your shoes will make an enormous difference.

For those areas of the home where a soft surface is not necessary, tile is a great option for longevity. Like hardwood, some tile is stronger than others. Make sure to look at all the options and to take into consideration the amount of foot traffic that it will be forced to carry. Once the tile is installed, keeping sand, dirt, and grit off the floor will help reduce the likelihood of damage. A damp mop or a good broom will do the trick.

Essentially, what it comes down to is that no matter what type of flooring you prefer, there is an option available to you that will last for at least a decent amount of time. While it is important to evaluate the longevity of the different flooring types, it is not necessary to completely eliminate any one option based on that specific factor. Find a balance between what you want based on style and then find a solution that will last for a reasonable amount of time.