Let’s face it – flooring is important … and so is sustainability. When you can put the two together, you have a win-win situation. You can count on the most sustainable flooring options to be composed of sustainable materials – thus, the name. Focusing on using sustainable materials and on waste reduction can help make this planet safer and healthier for everyone.
What is the most sustainable flooring? Fortunately, there are at least half a dozen sustainable flooring materials with some minor differences between them. For example, while rubber flooring may be tough and durable, it does not have the best aesthetics.
On the other hand, cork is very easy on the feet and requires little maintenance, but its lifespan is not as long as engineered wood. Consumers have a choice between at least 6-8 flooring materials that are sustainable, and the ultimate decision depends on your personal preferences and what type of functionality you are seeking.
In order to make an informed decision about the most sustainable flooring, it is important to know the pros and cons of the available flooring materials.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SUSTAINABLE FLOORING
Because there are many types of eco-friendly flooring options, it is important that you know exactly what you want and why you want it. First, consider the type of material, its characteristics, and whether it will meet your needs. You want a flooring material that is natural, can be recycled, and will last a long time.
You also want to know where the material comes from and how it is made. Not all nations believe in sustainability. Is there recycling involved, and what is the lifecycle of the flooring? If the material is not degradable, it will end up in landfill sites where it may remain for decades and defeat the whole idea of sustainability.
You also need to consider the safety of the material. Today, the installation of flooring materials is often done with glues and adhesives. In addition, hardwood, tiles, etc., are often finished and polished with chemicals that potentially release toxic volatile gasses. Releasing volatile organic chemicals (VOC) indoors can harm your health. Hence, you must read labels and select flooring materials using only adhesives and finishes with low VOC levels.
WHAT ARE YOUR FLOORING CHOICES?
What is the most sustainable flooring? Once you know what you are looking for in a flooring material, you have a number of options to consider, and they include the following.
Bamboo
Bamboo has been used as flooring in home construction in Asia for decades, but now the material is catching on in North America. One of the great features of bamboo is that it grows very rapidly. In nature, it matures in just 3-5 years, which is a much shorter timeframe than most hardwood trees that often take many decades to mature.
Bamboo also has many other great features, including being extremely hard and durable. It is versatile in usage; it is scratch resistant; it is easy to clean; and it is available in a wide range of textures, grains, and colors. Bamboo is very light and easy to transport. Its varied texture, hues, and grains give it an edge over traditional flooring materials by permitting customization impossible with other substances.
The one negative about bamboo is that because it has to be shipped from Asia, it is a little more expensive than most North American products. Because of its long lifespan, however, the homeowner will most likely never need another flooring replacement.
Cork
Cork has been around for several decades, but its popularity has been rising in recent years as more homeowners have become aware of its features. Cork is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, which means that the entire tree is still standing, and only the bark is removed. The bark itself regrows in a matter of years, making it a great renewable resource.
Cork can also be recycled. When the old flooring is removed, the material is then used to make cork stoppers for wine bottles and bulletin boards. On top of all that, cork is very eco-friendly because it is naturally able to repel insects, mites, and dust, which makes it a great material for those with allergies and other breathing problems. The material is lightweight and easy to install.
Like hardwood, cork can be finished in various stains, paints, and polishes to match any indoor design or color scheme. Because of its toughness, this permits the flooring to be installed in the bedroom, garage, basement, living room, children’s room, etc. If well-maintained, cork flooring can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
Linoleum
Linoleum has been around for more than half a century. While it has served well as a flooring material, it fell out of favor several decades ago because it got a bad reputation for looking cheap and tacky. But much has changed in the world of flooring technology, and the latest linoleum products are eco-friendly, durable, functional, and available in many styles and patterns.
One key feature that has made linoleum one of the most sustainable flooring choices is that it is made from biodegradable materials, like tree resins, linseed oil, and corn dust. In addition, the material is flame-resistant, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain. Furthermore, with a little care, it can last a long time. For those on a budget, this is perhaps the most eco-friendly flooring material on the market.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is also one of the most sustainable flooring options. Unlike hardwood, engineered wood is usually made from recycled planks of hardwood. The strips of wood are bonded together with glue, followed by a surface veneer layer. The glues and adhesives used have low VOCs.
Like hardwood, engineered wood is exceptionally strong, durable, relatively more moisture-resistant than traditional hardwood, and scratch-resistant as well. The one downside to engineered wood is that it cannot be finished more than two times because of the thin surface layer. But if you want flooring that is as beautiful as hardwood, durable, and easy to look after, you will not go wrong with engineered wood.
Rubber
Rubber flooring is another durable material that is currently very popular in commercial businesses, like gyms, sports arenas, garages, airports, hospitals, etc. Rubber has many features that also make it a great flooring for homes. First, it is made from recycled tires, making it very eco-friendly, and second, rubber is extremely hard and will last many decades, which can result in enormous cost savings for the owner.
Rubber flooring is quite versatile and can be installed in many parts of the home, including the garage, basement, kitchen, bathroom, sunroom, and deck. The flooring is easy on the feet, can cushion falls, and absorbs noise well. Further, rubber flooring is moisture- and scratch-resistant. To prevent slips and falls, the texture of the rubber is roughened to add friction.
The one downside to rubber is that it is available in only limited colors and patterns, which can prove a hardship in its use in living rooms and bedrooms. But for those looking for eco-friendly flooring that is durable, easy to maintain, and clean, nothing beats rubber.
CONCLUSION
What are the most sustainable flooring options? Homeowners today have many choices when it comes to sustainable flooring options. The latest technology has helped improve the functionalities of most flooring materials. The final choice remains a matter of personal preference. To learn more about sustainable flooring, speak with an East Coast Flooring & Interiors professional who can help guide you through the decision-making process.