Homeowners are increasingly opting for eco-friendly, sustainable building materials that have a low environmental impact. As it turns out, the most sustainable flooring materials are also some of the most attractive and durable. Here are five eco-friendly flooring options that will take your new build or remodel to the next level.

1. Cork

Cork flooring is beautiful and durable, and it comes in a variety of colors and styles. Cork is a highly renewable resource, harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, which re-grows its bark every three years. Cork floors are naturally anti-microbial and fire-resistant, and they can last as long as 30 years.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass, reaching maturity in three to five years—far faster than the 20 years it takes for hardwood trees to mature. Natural bamboo is light-colored, but bamboo flooring is available in a wide range of colors and styles. Bamboo is more resistant to water damage than hardwood floors, and it’s extremely durable.

3. Wool Carpet

Synthetic carpet is petroleum-based, and its manufacture requires intense processing with harsh chemicals that can off-gas long after the new-carpet smell disappears. Wool carpet, on the other hand, is made from sheep’s wool. It’s non-allergenic, it naturally deters the growth of bacteria, and it resists dust mites. Wool is a natural flame-retardant, and it’s stain-resistant and extremely durable.

4. Linoleum

Linoleum and vinyl are often mistaken for one another, but they couldn’t be more different. Vinyl is a synthetic material made from chlorinated petrochemicals, while linoleum is made from natural materials including linseed oil, tree resins, cork dust, and wood flour. Linoleum is fire retardant and incredibly water-resistant, making it ideal for the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and basement. Linoleum floors can last upwards of 40 years, and they hold up beautifully under intense wear and tear.

5. Glass Tile

Glass tile is best known for its use in kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls, but it’s also gorgeous on the floor. It’s luminous and radiant, reflecting light rather than absorbing it to make a dark space brighter. Glass tile is completely water-, mold-, and mildew-resistant, and it won’t stain like ceramic tiles.

Eco-friendly flooring reduces your carbon footprint and offers superior beauty and durability. Flooring Innovations has a great selection of eco-friendly flooring to choose from, and we can help you find the perfect sustainable flooring for every room in your home.

Tags: cork, eco-friendly, flooring