Eco-Friendly Flooring Options, I will confess that when I initially embarked on the investigation of the flooring done in my own home three years ago, I was at a loss for words. I wanted something that was not only durable and appealing but also something that I would not regret having to use in the long term, which is why I needed to make a choice that could not haunt my environmental conscience. I have spent months going to showrooms, meeting with contractors and feeling with my final choice and have come to a certain degree of realizing what actually works as far as eco-friendly flooring is concerned.
The thing is that, eco-friendly turned out to be a marketing buzzword, which does not necessarily mean what we believe it to be. I have been exposed to so-called green products that have dubious adhesives or have to be manufactured using large amounts of energy. So here is what I have learned about the flooring options, which make a difference.
Bamboo: The Poster Child with Certain Reservations.
My original favorite was bamboo floors. It propagates very rapidly- certain species have grown in only three or five years as opposed to the decades of hardwood trees. My neighbor did this by planting bamboo in her kitchen and it looked beautiful within a period of two years.
The marketing materials do not necessarily stress the following: not all bamboo is created equal. The stuff harvested too young or produced using the formaldehyde adhesives is counterproductory. In further digging, I discovered that strand-woven bamboo is more long lasting as compared to the traditional horizontal or vertical bamboo planks. It is more resistant and difficult to scratch, and it is more durable in busy places.
The environmental catch? The majority of bamboo is imported into China implying that there is a carbon footprint in shipping. I also got to understand that I should search such certifications as FloorScore or GreenGuard that confirm the absence of VOC emissions. My contractor informed me that he has witnessed a lot of cheap bamboo floors buckling in a few years.
Cork: The Pleasant Surprise.
Honestly, I was not well informed about cork flooring till I visited the refurbished basement of a friend of mine. It was like walking on heaven, it felt heavenly to walk on, and it was cushioned by nature and warm. Cork is the product of cork oak trees, and it is renewable because the tree regenerates by itself.
The natural ability of cork to resist mold, mildew and insects was the most impressive to me. My friend has a two kid family and a dog and the floor has held itself exceptionally well. Its antimicrobial properties imply that it is a good option to use among people that are allergic, an aspect that I should have put more emphasis at my place of residence.
The downside? Cork fades when exposed to direct sunlight and resealing after several years is required to ensure that it does not lose its protective coating. I have also discovered that it will develop dents of heavy furniture in case you are not using appropriate pads.
Reclaimed Hardwood: Character with a Conscience.
This is where I actually belong. It is very satisfying to put old wood back in its second use. I used reclaimed oak in my living room, which was a warehouse that had been demolished in 1920s and each piece of wood has a story, nail holes, patina, minor flaws that you cannot possibly create using new materials.
On top of beautifulness, reclaimed wood is greener. You are keeping usable materials off the landfills and you are also saving the need to cut and harvest new trees. The wood is normally old-growth, which translates to being more dense and stable compared to most of the new lumber that is available on the market today.
Quality reclaimed wood is hard to come by though. Weeks were spent in identifying a decent supplier that would be able to assure me that the wood originated well and was dried and treated. The cost of installation is also more expensive as it may be required to work with a board individually.
Linoleum: The Kitchen Flooring of Your Grandma.
The moment my contractor proposed linoleum I already imagined old patterns of the 1970s. However, the true linoleum, a mixture of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and natural resin is totally different of the fake linoleum called as such that is frequently sold under the same label.
Authentic linoleum is biodegradable, naturally antibacterial and very strong. One of the local cafes close to where I live put in Marmoleum (a brand much in use), and it is still in excellent condition despite constant traffic. The color is penetrative throughout the thickness and therefore the scratches are hardly noticeable.
Learning curve with linoleum is associated with correct
installations. It must be installed over a perfectly level sub floor and it is better done by a professional. I have read about awful experiences with DIY projects where bubbles and seams would split.
Polished Concrete: Concrete Efficiency and Style.
My cousin used polished concrete on her main floor, which is open and I did not believe this until I actually saw the end result. Concrete flooring is beautiful when it is well done–and it is possibly the most eco-friendly choice when an old concrete slab is involved.
Working on the concrete is done by grinding and polishing the concrete as opposed to covering it with concrete. No extra production, no transportation production, no foreign imports pollution.
Truth telling: concrete is hard. Really hard. It makes no matter to stand on, long, and dropped dishes never have a chance. It should also be sealed to avoid staining, and the sealers should not be selected without consideration of harsh chemicals.
The Bottom Line
Based on everything I have researched and observed in real life, I have come to believe that the most environmentally-friendly flooring is all about a case-by-case analysis. Given your weather, habits, spending, and beauty, as well as the environmental influence.
See past advertising statements. Enquire about certifications, manufacturing procedures, and the disposal of the devices at the end of the life. A beautiful sustainable floor which would have to be replaced after every five years would not really be sustainable at all.
FAQs
Is bamboo flooring more environmental friendly than hardwood?
Yes in general because the growth rates are higher, however, quality and sourcing are important. Between certified bamboo and low-end manufacturers, the latter wins over the former.
Is cork flooring effective in the bathroom?
It has the ability, but needs to be sealed correctly and water attentively handled. It is not the best when it comes to high-moisture places unless you are up to the challenge of maintaining it.
What is the duration of the life of reclaimed wood flooring?
When installed and well maintained, reclaimed hardwood has up to 100 years of life expectancy- it is in most cases stronger than the new wood because it is usually old-growth lumber.
Is linoleum the same as vinyl?
No. The natural materials are used to produce real linoleum, which is biodegradable. Vinyl is not environmentally friendly synthetic plastic although it is sometimes referred to as linoleum.
Which is the cheapest environmentally friendly flooring?
Cork and Linoleum usually provide the most sustainable and inexpensive options particularly in the choice of quality bamboo or reclaimed hardwood.
