Eco-friendly materials have come a long way. Once the realm of bland, boring, and blah designs, today’s eco-friendly materials are chic and gorgeous. More manufacturers are shifting towards eco-friendly production and designers are seeking out these sustainable materials for clients. So, we’ve gathered some of the most popular ways to go green with flooring—new options, old gems, and some creative designs that will make you think.
Cork
Cork is a new contender in the flooring world. It is usually seen on your walls or as the cork in your favourite bottle of wine, but it is wonderful for floors. So, it is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, which can be found in Mediterranean forests. The trees are not cut down to harvest the bark, which will grow back every three years.
Bamboo flooring
Now let’s talk about bamboo flooring store. Bamboo is actually a grass that shares many similar characteristics to hardwood, such as durability and ease of installation. So, it is sustainable and grows naturally in three to five years, a time span much shorter than the twenty years it takes for trees to mature. So, bamboo is also available in a wide variety of colors, giving it an edge over typical flooring.
Linoleum
Vinyl is not a type of linoleum. So, linoleum is made of linseed oil, cork dust, tree resins, wood flour, pigments and ground limestone. As it’s fire retardant and water-resistant like cork, wood vinyl flooring store Columbus, Dublin has deemed the superior product when it was introduced in the 1940s. But as architects and designers realized they needed it and began asking for it again, linoleum emerged with bright colors and a sealant to protect against spills.
Glass tiles
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the wine bottles and beer bottles that enter the recycling process? So, they are converted into beautiful glass tiles that are a renewable resource. Glass is becoming a wonderful option for floors as well as for bathroom and kitchen walls. It has many of the same benefits as other eco-friendly materials. So, it includes being non-absorptive and not molding or mildewing in damp environments. It is also very easy to maintain and won’t stain in almost any scenario.
Hardwood Flooring is a growing trend that’s exploded in popularity recently. Most buyers choose reclaimed wood for its textured, old world aesthetic, and its benefits to the environment. Since reclaimed wood is reused, picking this stylish option spares a few more trees, slowing deforestation.
However, the process that turns reclaimed wood into something useable for flooring store or décor also makes the material more expensive than typical hardwoods. Buyers have to decide if true authenticity and care for forests are worth the bigger price tag.
Concrete
Polished concrete is a surprising option for homeowners who are looking for a sustainable flooring store. Concrete is typically used as a slab on grade and can be easily polished to the homeowner’s taste and style. So, this brings many design options to homeowners such as inlaying other materials such as glass or stones to create a tiled effect. It is also extremely durable, easy to clean, and never has to be replaced.
Wool carpet
Most homes prefer carpet as a go-to material for comfort. Unfortunately, most carpets are made using volatile organic compounds or toxins that are hazardous to the environment and our health. So, thankfully, there are eco-friendly options. Consider carpets made of wool. Made from natural resources like wool. So, these carpets can be dyed in any color imaginable and woven into a soft, durable carpet for your home.
P.E.T Berber Carpet
Some other sustainable carpets to consider are P.E.T. Berber and nylon Berber. P.E.T. Berber carpet is made of plastic bottles. And it’s durable, spill-resistant, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. So, it does have some drawbacks. It can snag and unravel, and can be a little rough on bare feet.
Rubber flooring
Rubber flooring made from recycled tires is a versatile, beautiful and long-lasting option if you need to outfit your kitchen or bathroom. So, it is tough to walk on and water-resistant. You can get it in many color and pattern options.
Leather flooring
Leather is actually a surprising material that can be used as flooring. It’s the thickest part of the cowhide, and it’s durable and soft. Leather is not ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. But it’s great for closets and bedrooms. So, this material wears well and develops a life of its own. Scratched, worn and aged leather can look wonderful over time.
Reclaimed hardwood
Hardwood floors are more popular than ever because they have the look of classic luxury. However, if you’re concerned about deforestation, you might consider hardwoods that are sustainable. So, there are two types of wood: reclaimed wood and salvaged wood. Reclaimed wood is a wise choice because it reuses existing wood from trees that were chopped down decades ago. Salvaged wood can have a more updated appearance. So, it’s perfect in older homes or in a beach cottage.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly flooring like wood vinyl flooring Columbus, Dublin have to come at the expense of style anymore. A bit of imagination and some technology. Plus along with a touch of conscience. It can lead to a truly beautiful, practical, and sustainable room design.
When you choose distressed hardwoods and hand-scraped laminates, your home gets more than just an authentic look. Done right, this vintage flooring style can provide homeowners with a touchstone to traditional practices and styles that are often lost in an increasingly new and shiny world. Whatever floors you select will define your home, so consider this trendy yet retro option for its cozy, nostalgic aesthetic.
Ready to get started on your next project? Choose the experts at Thornton Flooring in North Sioux City, SD! We carry a wide selection of hardwood and laminate flooring options, so contact our team today and tell us about your latest project.
That’s why we’re keeping an eye on the 2022 trend in aged surfaces like distressed and reclaimed hardwood. These tasteful styles can give your home a hand-crafted, well-loved look.
