Q & A: Feng Shui & Wood Floors

Q. Hi I’m interested in what would Bamboo or wood floors would add to the bedroom? —William F.

A. Wood floors made of any wood, or bamboo or cork, which is the bark of cork oaks, all bring the wonderful Wood element into your space. The more you see the wavy grain, the more Woody they are. When they are polished to a high gloss, or if they are a particularly dark black/brown wood, they also bring the Water element along, secondarily to the primary Wood signature. Very yellow, gold or medium brown colors have a secondary Earth quality as well.

Real Wood floors bring Nature back into our spaces, as compared to carpet or linoleum. Terra cotta tiles (Earth), or any natural stone (Metal) flooring do this as well, but Wood is softer and therefore quieter underfoot (and kinder to dropped breakables!) I find wood floors to be so evocative of Nature for me that I can be indoors longer on them with less stress than on other synthetic surfaces. It is one way to “go green” in our homes. They allow for superior cleaning as compared to carpet, which is a blessing for children or allergy-prone folks, and you can always cozy them up with soft-on-the-feet area rugs made of natural fibers.

There are several lower cost faux wood laminate floor surfaces available now that also give this natural impression because they are made of wood by-products and plant-based resins, and thus resonate very close to real wood. If desiring to stay eco-groovy, just beware of the type and source of the laminates and glues used in installation of these. Karen Carrasco, WSFS Presenter