When flooring professionals refer to Eco-Friendly flooring options, they are pointing out flooring that is economical and sustainable. Many homeowners want to have a home that is both functional and beautiful. However, many individuals want to do their part to take care of our planet by being responsible for how they use our natural resources. Building a home can use up a lot of these resources, so many builders and renovators choose eco-friendly materials for their home projects. Flooring offers numerous cost-saving and green options.
- Cork – Cork flooring is made from the bark of cork trees. The bark is a thin layer, and the tree is not damaged when the bark is harvested. Harvesting occurs once every nine years. Amazingly, beautiful floors are made from the scraps remaining after wine corks are manufactured. You can use cork flooring in any room that is not prone to water and humidity. Cork flooring is especially useful in a location where one may have to stand for long periods as it has natural anti-fatigue properties. Nice.
- Bamboo – Similar to cork, bamboo is harvested without harming the rest of the plant. It grows very fast, comes off easily and frequently, so there is always a surplus of raw material. Bamboo creates beautiful floors that cannot be produced by using other types of wood. Bamboo is actually a type of grass. It produces one of the hardest and most durable floorings available.
- Reclaimed Wood – Wood that is available without cutting down trees is considered reclaimed wood. It can be from fallen branches, but it can also be from old buildings that are being taken down or just falling down. This wood has often been weathered in various ways – heat, cold, rain, snow, or wind. Recycling this wood can add a bit to the cost, but many buyers are willing to pay for the lustre this weathering creates. Using reclaimed wood gives a space its own unique character.
- Engineered Wood – Engineered wood is eco-friendly as it is made by wrapping hardwood around a durable man-made product. This engineering gives the look and feel of hardwood using only a portion of the wood that is used in actual hardwood flooring. That makes engineered wood greener and less expensive than hardwood. Yet, one cannot distinguish one from the other. Visit nearby Hardwood stores Calgary for further details.
- Recycled Tiles: Glass, Metal, Porcelain & Ceramic – Reusing these materials keeps them out of landfills. Less garbage is always an eco-friendly option. Most people are familiar with these products being used in backsplashes; however, recycling these materials also creates new and spectacular flooring options. While glass, porcelain and ceramic flooring can be used in any room, they are excellent choices for bathrooms as they are water-resistant. Recycled metal is not a good option for wet or humid places. In some cases, the price may be higher because of the extra labour involved at the beginning of the process. The end product is tough and can be very beautiful.
- Recycled Carpet – Most carpet is made from some recycled material, so it is considered a green option. It is also one of the most cost-effective flooring options. Moder builds usually use carpet or rugs in bedrooms if at all. Some carpets come in tiles. Reusing old carpet as building materials results in cost-savings. Reclaiming older carpet is eco-friendly because it keeps the carpet out of the landfill, and new materials don’t need to be reproduced.
- Wool Carpet – Wool carpet is not only a natural product, it actually absorbs air pollutants and retains them. It can purify the air in your home for up to 30 years. This great news for people with allergies or other sensitivities. Wool is a great renewable resource.
- Rubber Flooring – Most often used in both residential and commercial gyms, rubber flooring can be used in areas that are moist or humid, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
- Linoleum – This flooring is all-natural made from linseed oil mixed with wood flour, cork dust and other renewable resources. It is anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic; it contains no toxins. Linoleum actually creates an insulating effect while providing a cushioning surface.
- Stained Concrete – This flooring offers longevity and flexibility in design. With proper care, concrete floors last for many years, which keeps replacement to a minimum. Concrete can be patched if it is damaged.
There are numerous eco-friendly flooring options available. Building owners should consider a flooring’s function and aesthetic appeal when choosing their building material. In Calgary, consult the Flooring Calgary Design Centre to have an expert assist you with all your flooring needs.
