When designing or updating a space, it’s important to consider sustainable flooring options. Look for floor types that are environmentally certified, sourced using sustainable methods and manufactured with low-emission processes.
Eco-friendly flooring is sustainably produced, renewable, contains recycled content or leaves a small carbon footprint. Whether your aesthetic is minimalist, rustic or traditional, there’s an eco-friendly option for you.
Cork
Cork flooring is eco-friendly and durable. Made from the bark of the cork oak tree, the trees are harvested without damaging them and can be replanted in as little as nine years. Cork floors are insulating, cushioning, and naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and insects.
The air cells in cork make it an excellent insulator, reducing energy bills by helping maintain a stable temperature throughout the home. Cork also provides natural acoustic insulation to cut down on noise.
Water resistance and shock absorbency make cork floor tiles a great option for kids, pets, and anyone with an active lifestyle. They are comfortable to walk on barefoot, softening the impact of footsteps and relieving leg and back stress.
Easy to maintain, sweeping and an occasional mopping with a damp cloth are all that is needed to keep cork looking good. Be sure to acclimate your flooring for a few days before installing, as like wood products, it can expand and contract with changes in room temperature and humidity. It is also important to protect your new floors with a polyurethane sealant in high moisture areas.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a rapidly renewable wood alternative that offers many environmental advantages. It is harder than hardwood and comes in a wide range of styles and colors to suit your home décor. It is termite resistant and can withstand normal family wear and tear. It is also more sustainable than traditional hardwood floors because it is not sanded and has less of a carbon footprint.
It takes just five years for bamboo to mature and can be harvested without harming the plant. This allows for faster regrowth and reduces the need for re-planting. Bamboo also releases far fewer greenhouse gases into the air than does a hardwood forest because it does not need fertilizer or pesticides.
Bamboo is a hard, durable floor that resists damage and is easy to clean and maintain. It can be installed in a variety of ways, including glue down, floating and click lock installation methods. It can also be finished with various stains and sealers to enhance the look of your room. It is recommended that you use a water-resistant finish in high humidity areas and climates since bamboo does not perform well in wet environments.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood flooring is a green choice that offers timeless beauty. It’s a sustainable option because it means that fewer trees have to be cut down for lumber and it reduces landfill waste. It’s also more durable than new wood floors since it’s been used before.
Repurposed woods like pine and oak are incredibly tough. They can withstand years of traffic, which can reduce the need for repairs and maintenance. In addition, reclaimed wood is free of harmful chemicals that off-gas and can improve indoor air quality.
If you opt for reclaimed wood, choose Jarmak for the most diverse options. The company sources wood from a variety of historic buildings and repurposes it into floorboards. Their popular options include antique barn oak, reclaimed heart pine and reclaimed Boston Harbor white oak. Their collection features a rich history and evokes a sense of tradition in any space. Its unique appearance also increases resale value. Professional installation is recommended, as they can ensure proper handling and layout for a seamless result. Surface texture is another important factor to consider, as it will impact how the floor looks once installed.
Concrete
Using concrete floors that are poured into place cuts down on materials needed for installation. Additionally, concrete floors can be heated to be energy efficient, reducing heating costs and further minimizing the impact on the environment.
Bamboo is another sustainable flooring option that’s gaining popularity because of its fast renewal rate. Unlike traditional hardwoods, which can take decades to mature, bamboo can be harvested within 3-5 years. It’s also a great choice for homes with allergies, as it has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
When shopping for wood floors, look for ones that are FSC certified or Green Label Plus. This ensures that they were sourced and manufactured according to strict environmental standards. It’s important to note that not all flooring manufacturers are environmentally friendly, so it’s best to buy from a company with ethical business practices and certifications.
Stone
When people think of eco-friendly flooring, the image that might spring to mind is a minimalist vision of pale earth tones and repurposed materials. But sustainability doesn’t have to sacrifice style – in fact, if you look for certain types of sustainable and custom options, you might find that it can actually enhance the ambiance of your home.
For instance, wood can be eco-friendly if you opt for domestic hardwoods that are harvested by companies with practices that meet the FSC’s environmental standards. This way, you can be sure that the trees were sourced from forests that were replanted and managed according to ecological standards.
Natural stone is also an environmentally friendly and durable option for your floors. It’s a natural material that doesn’t require the use of chemicals to manufacture. However, you’ll have to take special care with your stone flooring, as it can be prone to staining and scratching. This means you’ll have to hone your maintenance skills, and you’ll probably need to invest in regular sealing. Alternatively, consider stone effect LVT, which offers the durability of natural stone while being easier to maintain.
