Thinking of ways to transform your home into a more earth-friendly space? Start from the bottom up! You’ll be floored by the following smart, beautiful, and ecological flooring choices.
Durable, renewable, strong, and stunning, bamboo has definitely earned its spot as one of the smartest green flooring choices. Since bamboo reaches maturity in three to seven years, it’s definitely more sustainable than hardwoods. Bamboo can also be stained to match any room. Plus, high-quality bamboo that was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council Australia (FSC-AU) and given proper maintenance can last just as long, if not longer, than most hardwoods.
If you want only the toughest bamboo flooring, choose natural-coloured, vertical-grain bamboo that’s matured for five to seven years. Bamboo that was harvested before five years of maturity hasn’t reached its peak strength, while those that are harvested after seven years of maturity are already too brittle. If you’re worried about pandas going hungry because you’re using up their bamboo for your floors, remember that Moso, the species of bamboo typically used for flooring, is not actually part of a panda’s diet.
Linoleum gained a bad rep because of the cheap PVC-based versions of “linoleum” that spread in the market. Unlike vinyl though, real, green-certified linoleum is biodegradable, naturally anti-bacterial, and super durable. Linoleum or lino is made from renewable materials including linseed oil, wood filler, and resins. It’s just as easy to maintain as vinyl and can be quickly cleaned using mild cleaners. It’s not totally stain or scratch resistant, but because of lino’s through-body colour, these types of damage can be buffed right off. All these properties make lino a top choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
If you opt for lino flooring, make sure that you buy from trusted authentic lino suppliers. Real linoleum is not easy to come by, but if properly cared for, it can last for up to 40 years.
With so many amazing qualities, it’s a wonder cork flooring doesn’t get more attention. Cork’s natural properties make it quite helpful in terms of insulation and soundproofing. It’s also a great low-maintenance substitute for carpeting because it’s soft and warm to the feet. You’ll also have less problems with termites, mold, and mildew, since cork naturally repels them. Cork can be stained various colours and comes in different textures as well, so you are not limited in terms of design.
Cork is easy to clean and maintain, provided you buy quality cork flooring that has great finish for maximum wear resistance. You can even up your green flooring by going for cork planks made from recycled wine stoppers.
For those who still prefer the warmth and cosiness of carpeted floors, go for carpets that are made from renewable materials like wool or corn fiber. Wool carpets made from 100% natural New Zealand wool are stain and water resistant, flame retardant, and great for insulation and humidity absorption. To help you choose topnotch eco-friendly carpets, the Carpet Institute of Australia has a comprehensive list of Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACS )and Environmental Certification Scheme (ECS)-certified carpets on their website.
Get started with your green flooring project by getting free quotes from expert floor installers right now.