Sustainability in building and construction materials has gained traction over the years. As consumer preferences continue to point toward using eco-friendly materials, the push toward sustainability is becoming more than just a trend. Sustainable options offer many benefits to builders and consumers. Some of the most popular reasons are:
Reduce environmental impact – Using natural or recycled materials reduces the overall impact that flooring can have on the environment. In addition, sustainable flooring promotes the use of renewable materials in their production.
Durable – Bamboo flooring, which is made from grass, produces a durable product that is best used for high traffic areas. Its light brown color adds warmth, while the strength of bamboo can handle a beating. Since it is made from grass that it cut off above the root, it is a sustainable product.
Linoleum is another durable product that is sustainable. Not to be confused with vinyl, linoleum is made from wood flour, linseed oil, tree resin, limestone, and natural pigment, all of which exist naturally in the environment. It is resistant to both fire and water, making it a durable product that can last for several years.
Recycled Materials – Glass tiles are often made from recycled bottles. Glass tiles are often used as flooring options for bathrooms and kitchens and can come in an array of colors and patterns. With their reflective ability, they are a popular choice for rooms that can use a little extra light.
Easy to Care For – Two unlikely candidates gaining popularity include concrete and rubber flooring. Concrete is typically made from limestone or from recycled byproducts from power plants or steel mills, such as slag cement, fly ash, or silica fume. Concrete has the ability to absorb heat, making it an energy efficient material that can keep heating and cooling costs low. Concrete is easy to clean and highly durable.
Rubber flooring is made from recycled tires. Traditionally, this flooring has been used in playgrounds and fitness centers, as it was easy to care for and water resistant. Advances rubber flooring have added texture, color, and versatility to the mix, making it an attractive option for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
Comfortable and Aesthetically Pleasing – One of the newest flooring options is cork. Made from tree bark, cork is a durable material that is comfortable to walk on. It offers versatility in design and hue, as it can be stained in many different colors, which allows it to be used in just about any room of a house. Cork also offers health benefits as it acts as an allergen and a natural insect repellant.
Another popular sustainable flooring option is wool carpet. Although carpet has traditionally been treated with chemicals and other harmful agents, wool carpets can be created with all natural ingredients. Natural wool that is spun into thread is woven together to create rugs and carpets that are comfortable, eco-friendly, and durable. As a testament to their durability, wool carpets and rugs are often passed down as family heirloom to future generations.
Sustainable flooring is durable and versatile. Not only do these options brighten up any room in a home or office, their minimal impact on the environment is a draw that will satisfy consumers who are looking to “Go Green.”
