There is no question about the popularity of sustainable products. More consumers today are looking for eco-friendly flooring solutions for their homes and businesses, including when selecting sustainable wood flooring materials.
For decades, plastic and synthetic products have populated both residential and commercial markets, but today we have realized that it is important to go back to sustainable items in order to not only preserve the environment but also introduce safer products into our living environment.
For much of the past, most flooring materials were synthetic or made from plastic or related polymers. Fast forward to today, and several natural flooring materials are available, such as rubber, cork, bamboo, wood, etc. At the same time, there are also sustainable flooring products available, some of which are only hybrids of synthetic materials. Sustainable wood flooring is a great option.
REASONS TO CONSIDER SUSTAINABLE FLOORING
Cost-effective
There is a general myth that eco-friendly or sustainable products are more expensive than synthetics. Overall, eco-friendly flooring materials are just as cost-effective as synthetic products, but in the long run, sustainable materials have a better function, longer longevity, and lesser cost for installation and maintenance compared to synthetic flooring materials.
Most homeowners and business owners who install sustainable flooring materials tend to save money in the long run. That’s why sustainable hardwood flooring is often a first choice.
Environmental benefits
When you use eco-friendly flooring materials for your home or business, you also play an important role in the preservation of the environment. For example, with rubber flooring, there is no need to cut down trees as only the sap is used for the flooring material.
Preserving trees also lowers global warming; in addition, trees are home to all types of wildlife. When sustainable flooring is discarded, it can be recycled, and there is no release of toxic chemicals or gasses. Unlike plastic, wood and rubber can both be recycled without causing harm to the environment. Sustainable wood flooring is often the product of choice.
Health & Safety
Some synthetic flooring materials have been reported to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may lead to eye irritation, headaches, or bouts of coughing. The release of these toxic gasses has been attributed to the use of glues and adhesives during the manufacture and installation of the flooring.
When you use eco-friendly or natural materials for flooring, you do not have to worry about your health because no gasses or toxic materials are ever released. Natural or sustainable flooring materials are also ideal if anyone has a chronic illness like asthma, contact dermatitis, or lung problems.
When you invest in sustainable hardwood flooring, you are also investing in better health for yourself, your family, and your clients.
Excellent aesthetics
Some of the latest ceramic floors have superb aesthetics. Made from clay, the end product, which is available in gloss or matte, has pleasing aesthetics. There are many styles, patterns, and designs of ceramic tiles that can match any decor in your home or business. In addition, these tiles are extremely durable and are also slip- and scratch-resistant.
Ease of cleaning and low maintenance
For the most part, sustainable products, like rubber, cork, wood, and ceramic tiles, are relatively easy to clean and maintain. These products do not require any fancy cleaning solutions or machines to keep them clean.
In fact, the use of harsh chemicals will damage the flooring material. All you will need is warm water and a detergent combined with regular vacuuming. Because the maintenance is easy and low profile, this will also help you save money.
Durability
When selecting eco-friendly flooring, it is important to consider durability. You want a product that will not require frequent replacements, as that can lead to increased pollution and potentially more waste. Flooring that is durable means you will save money by not having to replace the flooring nearly as often. Rubber and hardwood have some of the longest durability statistics, and, if well maintained, can easily last many decades.
Location of manufacturer
Many eco-friendly products are made outside the USA, and, unfortunately, in some of these nations, there is little quality control. You preferably want a product made in the USA, where strict rules govern the manufacture of sustainable flooring materials.
Recycling
There is no flooring material that lasts forever, and when the end comes, the flooring has to be replaced. But what happens to the old flooring? Can it be recycled and made into a new product, or is it meant to go to the landfill? Most homeowners or business owners never consider what happens to old flooring, but if you are doing your due diligence to the environment, you must think about it.
For example, rubber flooring can be recycled from old tires, but the same is not true of vinyl flooring. Parts of engineered wood can be partially recycled, especially plywood. If you want to maintain the health of the environment, then you should consider if the flooring material can be recycled.
SUSTAINABLE WOOD FLOORING
Sustainable wood flooring refers to the way the trees have been harvested. Forests that are well-managed with responsible policies aimed at protecting the environment as quality choices. Sustainably managed forests replenish trees that have been cut down with care not to impact any surrounding native flora and fauna in the process of removal.
ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING
The manufacturing processes involved with engineered sustainable hardwood flooring are very sustainable because they use less of the tree when making the wood planks. You will want to make sure that no toxic glues have been used when combining the planks into the final flooring material.
SUSTAINABLE FLOORING OPTIONS
If you are considering installing flooring that is sustainable, some of the choices include cork, rubber, hardwood, cork, tiles, etc. In fact, some of the latest luxury vinyl is also made in a way that minimizes the risk of permitting noxious gasses into the environment. Products that are made in an eco-friendly manner also come with labels that tell consumers about the safety of the product. Remember, mislabeling is common in the industry, and it is highly recommended that you consult with a flooring professional before making your selection.
CONCLUSION
For homeowners today, there are several sustainable flooring materials available in the marketplace, and the choice depends on your needs and affordability.
Whether you select cork, stone, carpet, rubber, ceramic tiles, or sustainable wood flooring, you can be assured they all have a range of functionalities that will help you save money in the long run and maintain your health, while helping preserve the environment at the same time.
To speak to a flooring professional about sustainable flooring choices, call East Coast Flooring & Interiors today.