People choose to install environmentally-friendly flooring in their homes when they want to make healthy, smart, and sustainable choices for the planet. If you have allergy sufferers in your home, or young children and pets who spend a lot of time on the floor then an eco-friendly flooring option is something that you should consider too. There are a variety of flooring options available that offer a sustainable and environmentally-friendly foundation for your upcoming home or office project. Read ahead to learn more about the green flooring options available in the market!
What To Look For In Environmentally-Friendly Flooring
In order for the flooring to be sustainable, you will want an option that is made of natural and renewable resources. In fact, you should consider the ethics behind the material – does the manufacturer source their products sustainably? Are recycled materials part of the final product? It is also a good idea to think about the life cycle of the flooring you choose as well. Long-lasting flooring is better for the environment and especially more so if it is biodegradable.
Environmentally-Friendly Flooring Options
Cork
Cork is harvested from the bark (rather than the wood) of the cork oak tree and the bark grows back within three years making it a great renewable resource. Some cork floors are also made from recycled waste such as recycled cork from the wine cork industry. Cork flooring is durable and can resist cracking and indentations and is naturally resistant to mould, mildew, and termites.
This green flooring option is becoming popular with homeowners due to its ease of cleaning, durability, and sustainability. Sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp cloth is all you need to do to keep your cork floors looking great. This flooring material offers unmatched durability when compared to other flooring materials, and small scratches are able to blend into the overall flooring pattern. Once cork floors are sealed with polyurethane, they can continue looking beautiful for many years to come. When properly maintained, cork floors can last 40 years or more.
Hardwood
Similar to cork, hardwood is manufactured from a renewable resource. It has a very low carbon footprint when compared to other flooring materials when it is sourced locally. Hardwood is environmentally friendly while also being durable and long-lasting. Some hardwood floors have been in houses for hundreds of years! Hardwood can be refinished many times which restores its original beauty and extends its lifespan. It is much more eco-friendly than a complete floor replacement, and hardwood is biodegradable and can be recycled to be used in other projects like furniture, and accent walls, and can be burned for fuel. Hardwood flooring is a long-term investment, and the beauty and timeless appeal of hardwood floors are undeniable.
Smith Bros. Floors is family owned and operated and has been in the industry for decades. We take pride in our craftsmanship and use industry-leading flooring and finishes because we want your flooring to last for years to come. We provide impeccable customer service from site visit, to quote, to installation and follow-up. Contact us today to find the perfect floor!