In the past, eco-friendly was associated with bland, boring, and blah products. Today, this is not true. Designers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly materials to suit their client’s needs. Manufacturers have made it easy by offering a wide range of options. This guide will help you to choose the best eco-flooring options. Some are old, others are new, and some will surprise you.
10 eco-friendly flooring options
1. Cork
Cork is a relatively new material in the flooring industry. Cork is often found on walls and in wine bottles, but it’s also great for flooring.
Cork is made from the bark of cork oak trees found throughout the Mediterranean. The bark is not removed from the trees to make it possible for you to use it again in three years.
It is anti-microbial and reduces allergens in your home. It is easy to maintain, fire retardant, and acts as an insect repellent.
Like wood, cork can be painted or stained in many colors to match any design style. Cork can be used in any house room because it is durable.
Cork floors can last 10 to 30 years, depending on their quality.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is another option for wood-like flooring that is growing in popularity. Bamboo flooring is grass with similar characteristics to hardwood.
It is strong, durable, and easy to maintain. Bamboo is sustainable because it is made from natural vegetation.
It can grow to maturity in as little as three to five years. This is far shorter than the twenty years of trees.
Although bamboo is light in weight, it can be used in many decor settings and colors. Bamboo flooring is unique because of its many grains and wide range of colors. This allows it to be customised in a way that is impossible with traditional flooring.
3. Linoleum
Vinyl flooring is often thought of as linoleum flooring. However, the two are not very similar.
Vinyl is a synthetic substance that contains harmful chlorinated petroleum chemicals. Linoleum is made from a mixture of linseed oils, cork dust, tree resins, wood flour, pigments, and ground limestone.
It is water and fire-resistant, just like a cork. Linoleum isn’t new to the market. It was discontinued in favour of vinyl in the 1940s.
It was reintroduced by architects and designers who asked for it in a wide range of vibrant colors and a new sealer that protects it from stains. It is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tears.
4. Glass tiles
Have you ever wondered what happens to wine and beer bottles when they are sent to the recyclers? These bottles are turned into beautiful glass tiles. This beautiful, renewable resource is quickly becoming a great option for flooring and kitchen and bathroom walls.
Glass tiles offers many of the same benefits as other eco-friendly materials. It doesn’t absorb water and will not mould or mildew in damp environments. It’s easy to maintain and won’t stain.
There are many options for glass colors and patterns that will suit most designs. Glass, unlike ceramic tiles, will reflect light instead of absorbing it. This adds an extra layer to some rooms that need it.
5. Concrete
Polished concrete, a rare and sustainable material, is growing in popularity. Concrete is usually slab-on-grade and can be used as subflooring in certain residential settings.
It can be polished to homeowners’ liking and tinted to their taste.
There are many design options, including the possibility of creating a tiled effect using different colors or inlaying other materials like Glass.
Concrete is durable and easy to clean. It also doesn’t need to be replaced.
6. Wool carpet
Carpet has been a popular choice for many homes. The carpet is comfortable to walk on, easy to clean, and available in many colors and patterns.
Carpets are often made with volatile organic compounds, which can be harmful to the environment as well as to our health.
However, there are eco-friendly alternatives. Carpets made from wool are an eco-friendly option. A natural resource, wool can be spun into thread and dyed to any color you like. Then it can be woven into carpets. It’s one of the most durable floor covering materials and can last centuries. Wool rugs are a family heirloom that has been passed down through generations. Sisal, cotton, and jute are other natural materials used to make carpets.
7. P.E.T Berber Carpet
Another sustainable carpet option is Polyester (P.E.T. Berber). It is made from recycled plastic bottles and has a minimal environmental impact.
This carpet is made from recycled plastic bottles, which means that for every plastic bottle used in its creation, there is one less litter in our landfills. This recycled material has many benefits.
It’s durable and spill-resistant and available in many attractive colors and patterns. It is suitable for most color schemes because of its flecked appearance.
There are also drawbacks. Berber can easily become snagged, which can cause it to fall apart if it is not fixed quickly. Walking on the recycled material with your naked feet can be difficult. It’s an economical material that is worth a serious look.
8. Rubber
You can find rubber flooring made from recycled tires at your local gym or playground. As a durable, versatile, and beautiful option, it is slowly making its way into bathrooms, sunrooms, and kitchens. It’s easy to walk on, and it is water-resistant. You can also choose from many different patterns and colors.
9. Leather
It is possible to use leather as flooring. It comes from the middle of the cowhide and is thicker than the leather used to make belts, wallets, and handbags.
It is ideal for bedrooms, closets, and other areas with little foot traffic because of its soft warmth. It is not recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, or any other moist areas in a home.
It is durable and will last for many years. Leather can look beautiful for many years when worn, scratched, and aged.
10. Reclaimed hardwood
Traditional hardwood flooring is still an option for those who want it. However, they are not considered to be eco-friendly due to deforestation concerns. There are two types to choose from when it comes to hardwood. Reclaimed wood is a great option as it uses wood cut down years ago. You can find beautiful salvaged wood flooring in older homes and at the beach.
Another option is to buy hardwood that has been FSC certified. The Forest Stewardship Council issues this designation. They promote responsible forest management around the globe with a focus on adhering to high environmental and social standards.
Conclusion
With today’s technology and some imagination, eco-friendly flooring doesn’t have to be boring. Smart consumers can have both. What do you think? Have eco-friendly materials developed?