The demand for sustainable home decor is increasing due to various factors, including environmental consciousness, regulatory pressures, innovation, and green construction. Environmentally conscious living has permeated all aspects of home décor including flooring. Nowadays, more homeowners seek sustainable flooring materials to enhance their living spaces. These flooring options help them reduce their carbon footprint and save money in the long run. Despite this, homeowners are reluctant to choose eco-friendly flooring options due to various reasons. This two-series post introduces you to various eco-friendly flooring options, their benefits, identifying the right sustainable options, and the key factors to consider when choosing the right one for your home.
Introduction to Popular Eco-friendly Flooring Options
Nowadays, there are various green flooring solutions than ever. The following are a few popular eco-friendly flooring options among them.
- Hardwood Flooring: As the name suggests, these flooring solutions are made from solid wood, typically sourced from trees, such as cherry, oak, maple, and walnut. These flooring solutions are distinguished into the following types based on their construction.
- Solid Hardwood Flooring: This flooring is made from a single piece of natural wood, and is known for its exceptional durability and luxurious appeal. This flooring is suited for areas with low to moderate moisture and can withstand years of service with little or no maintenance.
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring: This flooring features multiple layers of wood pressed together with a hardwood veneer at the top. Engineered hardwood flooring is suited for any room in your home or office.
- Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring: This flooring takes sustainability to a new level. It is created from hardwood salvaged from barns, factories, buildings, and other structures. Used wooden floors that would otherwise be discarded are repurposed to form new flooring. Reclaimed wood is cleaned and restored to form a flooring with a rich, weathered character.
- Cork Flooring: This eco-friendly flooring is made from the bark of cork oak trees, primarily harvested from Portugal and Spain. The bark replenishes itself in 8-10 years, which makes it one of the most eco-friendly flooring options on this list. One of the cork’s standout features is its comfort – the material is soft and offers a cushioning effect to your feet. This makes it a great choice for areas where you may stand for long periods, such as home offices, kitchens, and so on.
- Laminate Flooring: Many laminate flooring products are created by fusing recycled wood fibers or sawdust layers. This reduces the waste and need for new raw materials. Many manufacturers use post-consumer recycled materials to create the core layer, enhancing sustainability.
- Linoleum: This flooring solution is made from all-natural, biodegradable materials, such as tree resins, linseed oil, cork dust, ground limestone, and so on. Linoleum flooring can resist scratches and scuffs.
Why Green Flooring is in Demand
Sustainable flooring options offer several benefits to your home and plane. The following are a few prominent ones among them.
- Durability and Sustainability: Eco-friendly floors are made from natural, renewable resources, such as wood, stones, and recycled wood. These materials can last longer than vinyl floors or other flooring options.
- Healthier Indoor Air: Many conventional flooring materials, including vinyl and carpets, may release harmful chemicals that contribute to poor indoor air quality. According to EPA, indoor pollutants produced by flooring materials can be two to five times higher than what is produced from natural flooring sources. Against this, green flooring options, such as cork, bamboo, hardwood, and natural linoleum, do not contain harmful substances like formaldehyde, phthalates, and other toxic compounds.
- Energy Efficiency: Many green flooring materials have better insulation properties, contributing to a more energy-efficient home. For example, reclaimed hardwood ensures excellent insulation and reduces the demand for wood products. Linoleum can retain heat for a long time and helps reduce energy costs, making it a smart choice for sustainable building design.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Some may argue that eco-friendly flooring options have higher upfront costs. However, they will help you save in the long run due to their longevity, low maintenance requirements, and potential energy savings.
You can realize more benefits by investing in a quality, sustainable flooring material. That said, differentiating between quality and inferior materials can be challenging. This is where you need to be careful. The next post offers tips on identifying eco-friendly options and things to remember when choosing eco-friendly flooring options.
Whether you are interested in sustainable hardwood flooring options or seeking green flooring solutions for specific areas like kitchens in the Bay Area, ensure you partner with trusted services like Baila Floors and Deco Center. Contact Baila Floors for more information at (510-983-5780) or via mail at info@bailafloors.com.
