10 Eco-Friendly Flooring Options for Environment Lovers

As more and more interior designers are supporting environmentally friendly materials for their eco-friendly customer, material manufacturers have stepped up and given the world the design of many great options to choose from. Here we have collected some information on 10 eco-friendly flooring options that could be helpful to you when choosing the one that is suitable for yourself or your clients.

#1 Bamboo

Bamboo flooring is a good wood flooring option and it is getting more and more popular. It has characteristics as hardwood. It is durable, easy to maintain and easy to install. Bamboo is sustainable and made from natural vegetation that grows to maturity within 3 to 5 years. Bamboo, while usually very light, it is also available in many colours that can be used any setting or decoration. Its varied particles and multiple colour arrays give it an edge over traditional flooring by allowing customisations often not found elsewhere.

#2 Linoleum

When a person thinks about linoleum floors, vinyl tends to come to mind, but they are actually different. Vinyl is a synthetic made of harmful chlorinated petrochemicals. Linoleum is created from a mixture of linseed oil, cork dust, tree resin, wood flour, pigments and ground limestone. Like cork, it is flame retardant and water resistant. Linoleum flooring is not new to the market; It was outshine by vinyl until architects and designers began asking for it again, it was recreated with a variety of bright colours. Another advantage of linoleum flooring is that it has long shelf life and can hold up to a lot of wear and tear.

#3 Cork

Cork is relatively new to the flooring world. It is surprising a great material as flooring. Cork is harvested from cork oak bark which is often found in the forests of the Mediterranean. Tree is not cut down during the harvesting process, and the tree will grow back every three years, making it an ideal source of regeneration. Good news for people with allergy issue, It has antimicrobial properties that reduce allergens in the home. Aside, it is also flame retardant, easy to maintain and acts as a natural insect repellent. Cork, like wood can be completed in a variety of paints and stains to suit any colour or design style. Its durability (can last up to 30 years) allows use in any part of the house.

#4 Concrete

Polished concrete is a sustainable material that is stealing the spot light lately. Concrete is usually a layer that is used as a sub-floor in some residential settings. It is polished and tinted according to the homeowner's style and preference. From creating tiled effects with different colours to inlaying mosaic and other materials such as glass, the design possibilities are endless. Concrete is extremely durable, easy to clean and never needs replacement.

#5 Wool Carpet

Carpets have long been the most favourable material for most people. It is soft to walk on, comfortable to sit on and comes in a variety of patterns and colours. Unfortunately, carpets are often made using volatile organic compounds or toxins that are harmful to our environment and health. However, there are environmentally friendly options which is wool carpet. Wool s a natural resource spun into thread that can be dyed with any colours or mix of colours. It is one of the first materials to be used as a floor covering, very durable and can last for centuries. In some families, wool carpets have been passed from generation to generation making them family heirlooms. Other natural materials used to make carpets or carpets are sisal, jute and cotton.

#6 Glass Tiles

Have you ever wondered what happen to these wine and beer bottles delivered to recyclers? Yes you are right! They are transformed into beautiful glass tiles. This renewable resource has quickly became a great option for floors as well as bathroom walls and kitchens. Glass has the same benefits of other environmentally friendly materials. It is not absorbed and does not grow mould in wet environments. It is easy to maintain and will not get stain easily. The glass has an infinite array of colours, patterns and finishes suitable for most types of designs. Unlike ceramic tiles, glass will reflect light instead of absorbing it, adding some additional layers of light that some rooms need.

#7 P.E.T Berber Carpets

Polyester (P.E.T) Berber is a sustainable carpet to consider. It is made of recycled plastic bottles, and has a minimal impact on the environment. There are several benefits to this recycled material. It is durable, overflow resistant and comes in a variety of aesthetic patterns and colours. It usually has a special shape that makes it suitable for most colours design. There are restrictions too, this recyclable materials can be a bit rough to walk on your bare feet. Overall, it is a very economical material and deserves a serious look.

#8 Leather

Leather? Really? Yes! Leather is a surprising material that can be used as a floor. It is derived from the most central part of cowhide and thicker skin parts used for things like belts, purses and handbags. The soft and warm feeling under the feet makes it perfect for bedrooms, wardrobes and small areas with little foot traffic. It is not a great material for bathrooms, kitchens or other wet areas of a home. It is very durable and will wear well over time. Skin that is worn, scratched and aged skin develops its own personality and can be beautiful to consider for years to come.

#9 Reclaimed Hardwood

Reclaimed wood is ideal because it reuses existing wood from trees that have been shredded for a long time. So you can keep the ecologically-friendly deforestation concerns aside as it may turn out to be a good option.

There are two types of hardwood to consider. Reclaimed wooden floors can look good in old houses or in a cottage on the beach.

Other options are to buy hardwood labeled FSC certification. This is an indication of the Forest Stewardship Council and they promote responsible forest management around the world with a focus on respecting high social and environmental standards.

#10 Rubber

Rubber floors made from recycled tires are often found at the local gym or on the neighbourhood playground. It is gradually finding our way into the kitchen, solarium and bathroom as a flexible, beautiful and long-term option. It is great for walking on and water resistant. It also has many colour and pattern options.

So, for eco-friendly environmental friendly lovers, do choose the best that suit you for your home or business premise!