Alternative To Wood Floor or Carper for Second Floor?

Why not carpeting?

Want to try something different and carpeting tends to be very hot in the summertime.

Mike

First time I saw cork flooring was at Fallingwater, the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Stuff was beautiful.

Here's a link that might help:

Just out of curiousity - why would carpeting be hotter in the summer than any other flooring?

It's all in eyes (feet, head) of the user. But, it's still a valid reason, I guess. One fact, though: Any rough surface *has* to slow down draftiness a bit, compared to a hard one. This is why I can't stand the idea of hardwood floors in my cold climate.

Cork is nice. Bamboo is very close to the look of tongue and groove wood but is easier to put down, cheap, and hard (about the same as maple; harder than red oak). I did my downstairs halls, kitchen, and diningroom in it this summer. I'm thinking about doing the family room and a bedroom this spring (maybe livingroom too).

Doesn't work that way for a golf ball. The carpet might break up the laminar flow. Couldn't be sure without seeing test results. The carpet definitely has insulation value, though.

i have wood floors that were installed in 1962. they are over a basement and craw space. they can be colder than carpet. and i know they can be a pain in the ass to keep up with, i would not have carpet. specially if you ever take up carpet and padding and see the dirt in it.

I'm thinking I've got the luxury to install anything up there right now.

A neighbor used bamboo and is pleased with. Guess I should get over there and take look. I s there any downside to bamboo? How did you buy it - in long strips or by the box? How/what is it finished with?

Mike

I've noticed (but paid no attention to) some bamboo discussions here. Google search for the word in the subject lines.