It was fun to discover this lively re-do of the traditional Adirondack chair and swing. You can compare the the two with these images. The new ones are from "The Go Collection" created by Greg Benson and Jeff Taly for Loll. Made in the USA of recycled plastic with several choices for color -- bonus :)
You can read more about them here. Loll has some good looking recycled products.
Yes, another flooring post. I'm researching materials and finishes for our upcoming remodel and I am trying so hard to find a place to use cork -- it is just beautiful (see images below). While it may not be overly familiar in the U.S. market, cork has been used for flooring in Europe for ages and it is a sustainable resource (learn even more here). Cork trees grow mainly in the mediterranean region, and 50% of the harvested cork comes from Portugal. The protected trees live to be over 250 years old and provide over 100 kg of bark every 10 to 15 years.
Cork is very light (great for that yacht I'm planning - ha!), it is elastic and resilient, it is impermeable so liquids don't soak in, it's hypoallergenic, and it aids in sound proofing. As the floor I need to cover has an entertainment area below, it would help soften the noise of babies riding toys around in circles. The cost is comparable to hard wood.
It does require a sealant application every 5 years (depending on wear) and I am concerned in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, maybe it is not my first choice. But, I will definitely find a place to use cork, I'm thinking down in the entertainment room.
