For homeowners who love tiles, there are at least half a dozen eco-friendly tile flooring materials that can be installed as tiles. No matter what flooring material you select, the one universal feature of tiles is that they immediately make an impact on the room. Having eco-friendly tile flooring installed also reduces the carbon footprint in your home. The traditional ceramic or porcelain tiles have usually been reserved for the kitchen or bathroom, but today there are several other sustainable tile flooring that includes glass, natural stone, Saltillo, etc., and these can be installed in almost any room.
WHAT MAKES TILES ECO-FRIENDLY?
Today, going green is no longer a fad but a way of life. More homeowners and builders are opting for eco-friendly tile flooring materials that utilize fewer natural resources and energy during manufacture and installation. In addition, besides being manufactured with fewer harmful chemicals, these eco-friendly tiles are renewable or recyclable. Finally, flooring materials that are durable and last many decades ensure that fewer replacements will be required, and hence the carbon footprint can be limited.
What are Some Sustainable Tile Flooring Types?
- Linoleum
It is important not to confuse linoleum with vinyl flooring. While both linoleum and vinyl may look similar, they are very different flooring materials. Linoleum is a very eco-friendly material that is made from a combination of linseed oil, flax plants, and small amounts of pine resin and cork dust. Because all the materials used to make linoleum are natural, it is a highly renewable resource with minimal impact on the environment.
Further, linoleum flooring can last three to five decades if well maintained, plus at the end of its useful life, it can be recycled. Linoleum is available as both planks and tiles, but the latter is preferred as it imparts better aesthetics and fewer seam lines. The two downsides to linoleum are that 1) it may fade after exposure to prolonged sunlight, and 2) sharp objects may cause a dent in the material.
- Natural Stone
Natural stone is one of the most eco-friendly tile flooring options for homeowners. It is a natural byproduct of the earth and is easily renewed by means of tectonic processes. In addition to causing no harm to the environment, natural stone can be recycled and used for other projects, like bathroom walls and kitchen shelves. Natural stone is exceptionally hard, easy to clean, and, if well maintained, can easily last many decades.
The one downside to natural stone is that the material is heavier than most other flooring materials, and, consequently, this requires more energy and labor for transport. The positive feature of stone is that it is available in precut tiles that are slightly lighter and a lot easier to transport.
- Recycled Glass
Over the past two decades, use of glass tiles has become popular both as flooring and the creation of wall partitions. The glass tiles are made from broken windows, discarded bottles, and utensils. Overall, glass tiles are slightly more expensive than other tile materials, but their use prevents the material from ending up in landfills. Glass flooring is very durable, and in many parts of the world, pedestrian bridges have been constructed from glass and have held up fine. Glass tiles are easy to clean and can last many decades if well maintained.
- Cork
Another eco-friendly flooring material that is also available as tiles is cork. Not only is cork cost-effective, but it is also perhaps one of the best eco-friendly materials on the planet. Cork is extracted from the bark of the cork oak tree, which rapidly grows back, making it a great renewable resource. Cork can be installed as tiles and has many great features.
It is soft on the feet, absorbs sound, has natural antibacterial properties, is durable, and is very easy to clean. More importantly, even after the cork has reached its life expectancy, it can be recycled to make other products like bottle stoppers and furniture, thus keeping it out of landfill sites.
The two downsides to cork are 1) the material is soft and can be damaged by heavy equipment or furniture; and 2} cork can stain easily and hence should be avoided in the dining and kitchen areas.
- Concrete
Concrete tiles have been around for many decades, and it remains one of the most eco-friendly tile flooring materials. Made from a combination of cement, sand, and gravel, concrete tiles are very durable and hard. Concrete is easy to maintain and available in many formats and prints. If well looked after, concrete can easily last three to four decades.
Furthermore, concrete tiles can be customized with a broad range of colors and stains that can enhance the cosmesis of the home or business. While concrete tiles are a sustainable resource, it does have a few negatives, which include slipperiness, can feel hard and cold, and is susceptible to moisture damage. Hence, all concrete tiles have to be well sealed to prevent the passage of moisture entering into the subfloor. If you want tiles that will last longer and have good aesthetics, concrete will not disappoint.
- Ceramic Tiles
If you want the hardwood look but do not have the finances, consider going with sustainable tile flooring. They are an excellent eco-friendly sustainable tiles option that guarantees convenience, functionality, and durability.
Ceramic tiles are eco-friendly for several reasons: first, they are made from natural clay; 2) they are easy to manufacture without the use of synthetic chemicals; and 3) because they have a long shelf life, they rarely need replacement, which can save an enormous amount of money, time, and labor.
Eco-friendly ceramic tiles have many other features, including ease of cleaning and maintenance, moisture resistance, and aesthetics. In addition, ceramic tiles can practically be installed in any room and, if well maintained, can easily last many decades. In the long run, eco-friendly ceramic sustainable tiles are more cost-effective than hardwood and are also more functional.
ARE ECO-FRIENDLY TILES BETTER FOR FLOORING AND THE ENVIRONMENT?
Overall, eco-friendly tile flooring offers several advantages for the home and the environment compared to hardwood or carpet. The reason is that tiles are more durable, easy to clean, and, overall, less toxic. More importantly, tiles are available in many styles, patterns, and designs even when they are recycled, which greatly reduces their carbon footprint. However, the most important feature of sustainable tiles in flooring is that they do not release any VOCs,
Once you have sustainable tiles installed, it is important to look after them in an eco-friendly manner. In most cases, water and the use of a mop will remove most scuff marks, but sometimes mild detergent may be required. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals and solutions as they may also degrade the tile material.
CONCLUSION
If you are looking for sustainable tile flooring, consult with a professional from East Coast Flooring and Interiors. Today, the consumer has many choices among sustainable tiles, and the more you know about them, the more-informed choice you can make. Contact us today to speak to a tile and flooring expert.