There’s nothing quite like the savings and satisfaction of transforming your home into an eco-friendly living space. Investing in sustainable home flooring solutions not only helps protect your health, but may save you money in the long run. Here’s an easy guide to choosing sustainable flooring materials that fit your budget and lifestyle.
Wood flooring is at the top of the list when it comes to sustainability. Look for a wood flooring option that’s been sustainably sourced, like bamboo or FSC-certified oak—like the bamboo products from FLR Group. But there’s more to choosing sustainable flooring than finding a renewable resource. To ensure that your hardwood floor retains its good looks for longer, invest in a wood floor sealant. Plus, if you happen to live in an area with a lot of summer heat, an additional layer of sealant can protect the surface from fading.
Cork flooring is another economical and sustainable option that’s gaining popularity. This natural material was originally harvested from the bark of cork trees in Portugal, but today, it comes from plantations that are managed in an eco-friendly manner. It’s pest resistant, moisture repellent, and helps to insulate your home from the cold. Plus, cork flooring is easy to maintain and can even be used for multi-purpose spaces.
Linoleum is an affordable and sustainable option for those on a tight budget. Produced from linseed oil, pine resin, limestone and wood floor, linoleum is well-suited for both high traffic areas and rooms without much flow. And because of its excellent stain-resistant and antibacterial properties, linoleum is a popular choice in areas with high humidity.
If you’re looking for a flooring option with a bit of style, look for tiles made from natural stone and sand. Natural stone tiles are best for areas that don’t experience extreme temperatures and are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, try making sand tiles from recycled materials. The process is relatively easy and will make a big impact on the sustainability of your home.
Finally, consider using a ‘cradle to cradle’ approach when choosing your flooring materials. This type of approach recycles and reuses the same material, turning waste into energy rather than sending it to landfill. Materials like carpet, plastic and vinyl are all suitable for a cradle to cradle approach, and materials like rubber and bamboo can be recycled as well.
The key to sustainable flooring is making sure you choose a material that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you opt for wood, cork, linoleum, natural stone, or something else, the important thing is to consider the impact of your choice on the environment.
Are you considering an eco-friendly flooring option? Do you already have an environmentally-friendly flooring material in your home? Let us know in the comments section!
Reducing the environmental impact of your home doesn’t have to be a complex or costly endeavor. Consider installing a green roof to shade your home from the sun and reduce your energy costs. Or look into solar or wind power to generate your own energy. Create a compost pile for soil enrichment and reduce waste in your home by making your own cleaning products.
If you’re looking to install home flooring, research whether it’s certified under the Cradle to Cradle standard or the Green Label Program. These guidelines ensure the product was made sustainably, without harmful chemicals, and can be responsibly recycled.
When you’re ready to purchase your flooring, consider using a company that supports sustainable sourcing and practices. Also, look for a company that plants a tree for every floor they install—like FLR Group!
When it’s time to renovate, avoid throwing out your old flooring unnecessarily. Install it in a small space or share it for others to reuse. You can even consider selling it or donating it to a local charity.
Finally, be mindful of the size of the area you’re covering and consider how much of a material you require to complete the job. When possible, purchase flooring materials in bulk. The less waste you generate, the better for the environment.
One of the best ways to keep your home environment green is with proper maintenance and repairs. Regular cleaning with natural products keeps your flooring looking great, while preventive maintenance can help extend its life and optimize its performance. Keep an eye out for any potential problems and address them as soon as they arise.
If you’re passionate about sustainability, diy flooring could be the perfect solution. With materials like carpet tiles and cork squares, you can easily ‘tile’ your own flooring in any pattern you like. This is an inexpensive way to get creative with your flooring and customize it to fit your style.
If you want more control over your flooring, consider making it yourself. DIY concrete and tile flooring options are becoming more and more common. Start with a few square feet and practice to get a feel for the process before committing to a full renovation.
Sustainably sourced hardwood flooring is another great option to consider. Just remember to select FSC-certified timber from forests with sustainable practices. It might cost a bit more, but the benefits are well worth it in the long run.
Finally, look for flooring materials made from recycled content. Reclaimed wood, rubber flooring, and carpet made from recycled plastic bottles are all great choices. And be sure to measure correctly when purchasing materials to avoid waste.