Elevated Sustainable Flooring Options for The Home
We may not think of your floor as a sustainable element of the home, but it is. Floors are one of the most prominent features in any space, so they inherently have the power to either increase or decrease its sustainability. If looking to upgrade flooring with more eco-friendly options, consider these sustainable flooring options that are equally as elevated as they are eco-friendly.
Bamboo flooring
Bamboo flooring is one of the best eco-friendly flooring options. It’s made from the same plant used in the fabric of eco-friendly bamboo towels. It’s a sustainable resource that grows rapidly and regenerates quickly. Bamboo flooring is also free of VOC (volatile organic compounds) and has a low-allergenic rating. It’s also one of the most durable flooring options on this list. Bamboo flooring is typically installed as a laminate with a more realistic look and feel. It’s also a more affordable option when factoring in installation costs. Bamboo flooring is best for those who want a warm and minimalistic look. The materials come in various natural tones that can be used in any room in the house.
Engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is the most eco-friendly option of traditional hardwood flooring. When shopping for this product, look for opportunities with a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. This certification ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests and is harvested sustainably. Engineered hardwood flooring is typically made of wood particles and other materials like flooring glue. This flooring is lighter than a solid hardwood floor and is often more affordable. Engineered hardwood flooring is also a good option for those who want to transition from a carpeted floor to hardwood. This flooring can be sanded and refinished overtime to give a worn floor new life.
Cork flooring
Cork is a sustainable material that is used to create eco-friendly flooring. It’s a renewable resource that grows quickly and is easy to harvest with minimal environmental impact. It’s also naturally fire-resistant and soundproof. Cork flooring is typically installed as a thin laminate with a more realistic look and feel. Cork flooring is best for those who want a warm and minimalistic look. The materials come in various natural tones that can be used in any room in the house.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is a type of material that is frequently used for eco-friendly flooring. It has a warm, natural look and is made from renewable resources. Linoleum is made with cork, wood, or hemp fibers and is colored with natural dyes. This flooring option is often less expensive than other eco-friendly options. Linoleum is also very durable and easy to clean. It can become slightly damaged over time, but it’s easy to repair and refinish. Linoleum flooring is best for those who want a warm, natural-looking floor. This flooring option comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Eco-friendly ceramic tile options
Ceramic tile is an eco-friendly flooring option with various colors and textures. Many ceramic tile styles are made without harmful chemicals and are rated low VOC (volatile organic compounds). They also come in a variety of recycled materials. Ceramic tile comes in a large format, which means it is installed with a non-squared edge. This type of tile is best for large spaces like kitchens and living rooms. Plus, there are many different types of tiles to choose from; you can install a spanish tile floor, porcelain tiles, ceramic, terracotta, and more.
Recycled materials
Wood flooring is one of the most eco-friendly materials for flooring. Look for wood flooring from recycled materials like bamboo, cork, and rubberwood. This flooring is a good choice for those who want a warm and natural-looking floor. It comes in a variety of colors and styles. There are many types of wood flooring, so finding a class that works well with your needs is essential. For example, bamboo flooring is excellent for high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms because of its durability. It’s also a good choice for pets since it’s easy to clean and won’t easily scratch. Another recycled material commonly used in flooring is rubber wood. This type of wood is often used in outdoor flooring because of its durability and resistance to water, rot, and insects.