In the previous years, people would automatically envision boring and bland materials when talking about eco-friendly flooring. With more and more people looking for environmentally friendly flooring options, manufacturers have supplied us with several flooring options and beautiful designs to choose from.
For homeowners who are looking to go green, here are 4 eco-friendly flooring options to consider.
Reclaimed hardwood
Hardwood is undoubtedly beautiful. It is also extremely durable. Although it’s a natural material, it’s not very environmentally friendly. If you like the look of wood, but you’re looking for an eco-friendly flooring option, consider reclaimed hardwood.
Reclaimed wood is usually sourced from old barns that were torn down, and then re-used for a variety of purposes. Although it is recycled wood, it is extremely durable and will last for several decades. It also provides a unique look and character to your living space.
Linoleum
Most people often confuse linoleum with vinyl. Unlike vinyl, linoleum is made from natural materials like ground limestone, wood flour, tree resins, cork dust and linseed oil.
When properly installed and maintained, it can last for about 40 years. Linoleum is extremely durable, making it a great option for high traffic areas. It is also easy to maintain and very affordable.
Cork
Cork floors are harvested from the bark of cork trees. There is no need to cut down the tree in order to harvest the bark. Cork is a sustainable option since the bark replenishes itself every 8 to 10 years.
As compared to the other flooring on the list, cork is relatively new to the flooring world. But it is slowly becoming a more popular option for homeowners. This is a great flooring option for families with young kids as it is naturally hypoallergenic and is resistant to dust and toxin absorption. It is also comfortable underfoot.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring has been gaining popularity with homeowners. Many of them choose bamboo flooring as an alternative to wood flooring. It is extremely durable and has a similarly elegant aesthetic as hardwood. But what sets it apart from wood is that it’s environmentally friendly.
Bamboo is a type of grass. In spite of this, it usually lasts as long as hardwood floors. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Considering its quality, bamboo flooring is surprisingly affordable.