Considered one of the greatest achievements in eco-friendly building material design today is using eco-friendly flooring materials in flooring projects. Their use helps reduce waste, conserve resources and keep toxins out of landfills.
As there are numerous eco-friendly floor options to choose from, make sure that when selecting one to match the aesthetic of your space. When making this selection, pay particular attention to its aesthetic appeal and impactful sustainability credentials.
Bamboo
Environmentally-friendly flooring materials offer many advantages to homes. Bamboo is an excellent example of an eco-friendly option for flooring a home; its growth rate is faster than most wood types and harvesting can occur at relatively early ages.
Bamboo floors make an excellent alternative to carpeting because they’re easy to keep hygienic and maintain. Just wipe up spills as soon as they happen and regularly sweep or vacuum your bamboo floor to eliminate small particle debris from it.
As needed, damp mop your bamboo floor as necessary and use a non-wax, non-alkaline hardwood or bamboo flooring cleaner as necessary.
Bamboo’s versatility lies in its renewable nature; it can reach maturity within three to five years compared to hardwood which takes 10-20 years before reaching full maturity.
Although bamboo products have a reputation for being eco-friendly, there have been instances in which some are not responsibly sourced. Some may come from areas with heavy pesticide and fertilizer usage which could potentially have detrimental impacts on local ecosystems.
Reclaimed Hardwood
Reclaimed wood flooring is an eco-friendly option that reduces demand for new lumber and helps prevent deforestation, while also helping limit waste sent directly into landfills.
Reclaimed hardwood can be used to construct decks, wall paneling, furniture and many other products. Furthermore, it can be refinished for an even more durable finish.
Reclaimed hardwood not only has environmental benefits, but its allure cannot be replicated by modern materials. Reclaimed wood boasts its own history and classic appearance due to weathering, sawing methods and age – an allure which modern materials simply cannot match.
Reclaimed wood is an ideal way for homeowners looking to add character and warmth to their home. Refinished or stained to match other materials, it can even be repurposed into furniture or architectural accents that add visual interest.
Bio-Based Tile
Environmentally-friendly flooring materials offer numerous advantages, from reduced environmental impacts to lower maintenance requirements and fewer chemicals consumed during production.
At its core, eco-friendly materials offer multiple advantages over their non-eco counterparts. Recyclability saves both money and reduces environmental impact by eliminating landfills.
Another important consideration when shopping for green flooring is chemical content of the product. Some materials emit VOCs that can lead to respiratory and other health issues.
If you want to steer clear of toxic chemicals, bio-based tiles could be an option. These innovative flooring materials use bacteria as part of their manufacturing process to produce precast concrete tiles which are 20 percent lighter but three times stronger than traditional concrete blocks.
Cork
Cork flooring is one of the most eco-friendly options available on the market, harvested every nine years from the bark of a cork oak tree (Quercus suber) and provides a natural, renewable resource.
Engineered wood flooring features an incredible honeycomb structure made up of millions of air-filled cells that act as insulation from both heat and cold, maintaining room temperature much longer than hardwood or ceramic tile floors.
This property makes the mat ideal for yoga studios or any room that experiences both extreme heat and cold. Furthermore, its ergonomic comfort can reduce back and leg strain.
Cork is durable against both impact and abrasion, easily absorbing scratches caused by heavy appliances or furniture without suffering damage itself.
