On Flooring for the Sanctuary « Completing the Dream:Beth El Temple Center Sanctuary Renovation

On Flooring for the Sanctuary

I was asked recently why the Oversight committee is not looking into Bamboo or cork flooring.

We have discussed both bamboo and cork flooring. They are both materials I am very familiar with and are very fond of.

Bamboo is problematic for a noise reason – like a traditional wood floor being hard it reflects sound – so every person walking in and out of surfaces will create a clacking sound. In addition, bamboo being a hard surface will increase the “live” nature of sound – which will further exacerbate our acoustic issues.

Cork would be better in this regard because it is softer and has better sound absorption – however, cork also is finished with urethanes which also reflect sound – it looks fantastic and warm – unfortunately we cannot afford cork. I wish we could afford even a little bit of cork.

We are still researching a variety of flooring materials. Our goal would be to find some sustainable, affordable acoustic material that is appropriate for the sanctuary. For example recycled rubber material might work but looks appropriate in a gym not a religious space. Linoleum might look alright but is not great acoustically. We are looking into alternatives to carpet – but we may have to settle for “green label” (which is an environmental rating system for carpeting) carpeting. In my professional life I try never to specify carpeting, but there are circumstances when it is the best and only choice and then we work hard to make sure it is used in the most environmental way. At this point carpeting looks like it is still the best choice for our needs but we will strive to find alternatives.