One of the main concerns of today's home buyers and owners is choosing materials and building methods that don't have a negative impact on the environment - now or in the future. Therefore, whether you're a homeowner, a contractor, or a flooring company, sustainability must always be on your mind.
The good news is that there are lots of options available, especially in the flooring industry. These solutions range from eco-friendly materials, like bamboo, cork, or concrete, to designing smart flooring solutions that can help keep utility bills down.
Sadly, you can't trust every product marketed as being eco-friendly or sustainable. You must make sure that the label meets the requirements. In today's article, we'll talk about how to find truly eco-friendly flooring solutions and how to identify the ones that work best for your needs.
How to Find the Right Eco-Friendly Options
The words "green," "eco-friendly," and "sustainable" are a bit confusing, especially since the marketing industry loves them so much. Of course, it doesn't help that we don't have a one-size-fits-all definition of what it means to be eco-friendly.
So, if you want to make sure your flooring solution is sustainable and eco-friendly, here are the criteria to keep in mind:
Understand Materials and Production Ethics
When it comes to materials, almost everyone knows that bamboo and cork are more sustainable than wood. These materials come from natural and renewable sources that don't lead to the destruction of entire habitats when harvested.
However, you should also understand the ethics behind the materials. After all, even a bamboo forest can be harvested into extinction if the producer doesn't use sustainable sourcing practices. Also, it's a good idea to look into the type of labor employed from the start to the end of your flooring cycle.
Check Your Floor's Toxicity
You may have a gorgeous bamboo floor, but do you know what type of adhesives were used to put it together? Are these adhesives eco-friendly? Also, what kind of chemicals were used to treat the bamboo that's now lying at your feet? Some producers use formaldehyde to treat the strands, which can be problematic for the quality of air.
All these are difficult questions that you must ask in order to make sure your floor won't harm the environment.
Run the Numbers
The cost of bamboo flooring for a 2,500-square-foot house ranges between $7,000 and $20,000. Cork flooring for the same surface will cost between $12,000 and 50,000. So, just choosing sustainable materials doesn't mean you'll pay less.
The quality and durability of the flooring give the difference in price, but the overall aspect also plays a role. Not to mention that there are clear differences in features from one type of material to another.
This is why flooring contractors must be very clear when presenting these options to customers. Many companies use flooring estimating software to make sure customers understand the cost implications that come with choosing sustainable materials.
Evaluate Durability for Long-term Sustainability
The greener option also involves a long-lasting flooring solution. After all, a floor that doesn't need to be replaced every couple of years is much lighter on the environment (and the homeowner's budget).
This is why many homeowners still prefer hardwood floors over bamboo or other, more sustainable options. If this is the case, make sure to choose flooring solutions that have the Forest Stewardship Council certification. This certification shows that the wood used to make the floors has been harvested using sustainable practices.
Popular Sustainable Flooring Solutions
Popular Eco-friendly Floor Materials
Bamboo and cork, which we already mentioned, are considered eco-friendly because both are quick to regenerate. When harvested using sustainable practices, these are great flooring materials.
Linoleum is also an interesting material to consider. Far from its outdated reputation, modern linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil and jute. This makes it both sustainable and compostable at the end of its life.
If we think about a more traditional look, reclaimed hardwood salvaged from old buildings or river bottoms offers a highly durable and sustainable choice.
Another option, which is quite innovative, is recycled rubber flooring made from used tires. This type of flooring is great for gyms or children's playrooms due to its resilience and shock-absorbent properties.
Smart Flooring
Almost every industry uses eco-friendly technologies that help make our devices and vehicles smarter. So why not make our floors smarter as well?
Smart flooring solutions (quite an innovative idea) include built-in sensors designed to detect movement, moisture levels, and temperature. Therefore, when integrated with other smart devices in the house, like the thermostat or the HVAC unit, your floor can help optimize energy consumption.
Plus, it's a great way to monitor the overall health of the floor and detect any possible threats (mold, termites, weak areas) before they become a problem and require major repairs.
Create the Pathway to a Greener Future
While some homeowners and flooring contractors may find eco-friendly solutions a bit too expensive, there are real benefits in making the switch from traditional options. Greater durability, lower maintenance costs, and potential resale value all add to their economical appeal over time.
If we consider secondary factors such as improved indoor air quality and reduced environmental footprint, it brings overarching health and environmental benefits. Adapting sustainable flooring is not just an environmentally responsible move - it's a strategic decision for your home's future.
