Environmentally-Friendly Flooring Is Anything But Boring
Max Winters
·4 min read
Consumers used to choose a type of flooring choice based on durability to heavy foot traffic and stain resistance. Now they also consider the toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process, the carbon footprint, and the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution. Enter, eco-friendly options.
Eco-friendly flooring options can offset the environmental impact of construction, and contributes to better indoor air quality. Furthermore, it supports responsible resource management. The wide variety of sustainable options opens the door to create a fresh aesthetic appeal for your perfect space. So, when it comes to designing or renovating, it's no surprise that sustainable flooring materials have become a major consideration for environmentally-conscious individuals and businesses alike.
1. Bamboo Flooring
$3 to $8 per square foot
Derived from the bamboo plant, this renewable resource grows much faster than traditional hardwood trees.
Being grown more widely making it an increasingly sustainable choice
Often grown to reduce other environmental impacts
Harder and more durable than many hardwoods
Resistant to moisture and insects
2. Cork Flooring
$3 to $10 per square foot
Cork floors are made from the bark of cork oak trees. It's a sustainable material that can be harvested without harming the tree.
Renewable and biodegradable material
Some cork flooring is recycled from raw materials in the wine industry
Soft and comfortable underfoot
Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and pests
3. Recycled Glass Tile
$10 to $20 per square foot
Recycled glass tile flooring is made from post-consumer or post-industrial glass, diverting waste from landfills and reliance on natural resources.
Environmentally friendly responsible choice
Wide variety of colors and styles
Highly durable and resistant to stains
4. Linoleum
$2 to $5 per square foot
Linoleum flooring can be made from natural materials such as linseed oil, pine rosin, wood flour, wood dust, and cork dust.
Biodegradable and recyclable
Antimicrobial properties
Durable, long-lasting, and a familar, friendly flooring choice
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