When looking for new ideas to get a flooring installation, it’s hard to know where to start if you want to be mindful of your environmental footprint. So many popular companies overuse environmental resources such as wood, or even harmful alternative synthetic materials and chemicals. Most of the time the best option is ankeny epoxy flooring if you are looking for a lasting and stylish upgrade.
However, damaging materials are not necessary, and contrary to popular belief, eco-friendly flooring doesn’t have to be expensive or dull – so we have teamed up with Luxury Flooring and Furnishings to give you some handy information on making the best choice for the environment and your home!
Bamboo
We start with bamboo. Although many believe this is a type of tree, it is technically part of the grass family. This makes it a sustainable resource, as it completely regrows in three to five years, unlike trees that can take twenty. You can get some very nice bamboo rugs for whatever part your home you think needs them, or anywhere you think they would fit well. This material is also used as a form of flooring. Since bamboo shares similarities to hardwood, it has the same natural feel and quality, and is hard-wearing thus durable over many years in busy households. Not only this, but bamboo flooring is easy to maintain and install, and will suit any décor in any room due to the different hues it is available in. These different hues additionally give the opportunity for personalisation, so if you want a unique but authentically natural hardwood floor, bamboo is the one for you.
Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Although this option involves wood, it uses the wood from trees that were taken down a long time ago. This would otherwise go to waste, so by purchasing reclaimed wood flooring, you would not be contributing to ongoing deforestation, and thus making a much more eco-friendly decision. The best thing about reclaimed wood flooring is that it tells a story – each dent, marking and laceration has a story. It looks beautiful in a cozy rustic home, perfectly fitting in with the rustic trend of 2017. In older or rural homes, the wood flooring is perfectly compatible with the atmosphere of the place. Overall, reclaimed wood is perfect for those who adore the style of hardwood flooring installation but simply disagree with widespread deforestation.
To see more options for your wood flooring visit https://www.truehardwoods.com/product-category/hardwood-flooring/.
Honorable Mentions
Although more difficult to find, further eco-friendly alternatives that you can try here include cork, rubber, recycled plastic, glass tiles, linoleum (not to be confused with vinyl), and Waterproof Vinyl Flooring. These have minimum impact on the environment, but can have the disadvantage of being uncomfortable or expensive. If you want an affordable and durable material for your flooring, you may want to consider using concrete coating so that your concrete floors can shine and look great for years.
According to moderntiling.ie company, you should also be careful to read if any products you find have been glossed with lacquer. This uses shellac, which comes from insects, and so may not be suitable for those who value ethical animal treatment. Similarly, leather flooring and sheepskin rugs have low impact on the environment, but may not be congruent with some people’s beliefs. You may also consider applying a Water Proof Flooring Adhesive which is also environmentally safe.