Do you want your home to be fully environmentally friendly? So why don’t you include the flooring? If you believe that eco friendly flooring materials are easily damaged and do not endure, you are definitely incorrect!
These materials offer a wide range of alternatives in addition to being of great quality and durability. As more and more people are becoming eco-conscious, the world is coming up with unique eco-friendly solutions.
We have curated a list of 20 sustainable flooring ideas and their benefits for your next house renovation project!
Types of Eco Friendly Flooring Material
The definition of eco-friendly encapsulates a range of criteria, like carbon footprint, durability, sustainability, and so on.
| Category | Description | Examples |
| Natural | Flooring materials that originate from naturally occurring sources, which are often biodegradable | Cork flooring, bamboo flooring, wool carpet, hardwood flooring, linoleum flooring, stone flooring |
| Recycled | Flooring manufactured from recycled materials that have been diverted from the trash stream can help lessen waste’s environmental effects. | Recycled rubber flooring, recycled glass tile flooring, reclaimed wood flooring |
| Sustainable | Materials which use ecologically friendly production procedures and sustainable sourcing. | Ceramic tile flooring made from recycled materials, terrazzo flooring made with recycled materials, concrete flooring with low VOC stains |
20 Most Popular Eco Friendly Flooring for the Eco-Conscious
1. Cork Flooring
Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak, which grows back. Isn’t it incredible? The flooring is made from the strip of this bark. It is derived not just from nature, but also from a regenerating source.
There’s even more! Cork possesses anti-allergen qualities, is extremely durable, and is fire resistant. However, it has all of the rustic features of the wood. The same paints and finishes that you would use on wood may be used on it.
2. Bamboo Eco friendly Flooring
Whenever we think about sustainable construction, the first thing that pops into our minds is a bamboo house. Yes, this amazing material can be used in eco friendly flooring as well!
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants, further increasing its sustainability quota. Additionally, its light-weight and durability make it better than traditional wooden floors. You can also experiment with grains, texture, and finishes.
3. Linoleum Floors
Don’t confuse Linoleum with vinyl flooring. Yes, both of them have similar shine and versatility, but they are miles apart in terms of sustainability. Unlike vinyl, Linoleum is manufactured from organic elements like linseed oil, wood resins, cork dust, and ground limestone.
It processes high durability and fire resistance. What’s more? After lasting for about 20 years, you can burn it as fuel. Designers are striving towards making this eco friendly flooring even better.
4. Sustainable Flooring with Hardwood
This is an easy choice for the list of the most eco friendly flooring solutions. The problem is that not all woods are deemed sustainable. One of the primary causes of deforestation is the extraction of wood.
As a result, selecting the correct wood for our hardwood flooring is critical. In the United States, for example, oak hardwood is commonly used since the forest service ensures that the trees are routinely planted.
5. Soft and Eco Flooring with Wool Carpet
If you live in a cold country, you will probably love the warm and fuzzy feeling of a soft rug under your feet. Well, you can get this exact feeling with eco-friendly options like wool carpets. It comes from one of the most renewable sources and is biodegradable. That means a very low carbon footprint.
Pro Tip: While you buy your wool carpet make sure that it is 100% natural with no artificial material. Also, regularly dust and clean your eco friendly flooring for longevity.
6. Natural Rubber Flooring
Do you want a vibrant yet eco friendly flooring option? Why don’t you consider the most versatile and renewable material source- Rubber? It is a sustainable resource, and can be moulded and sculpted into nearly anything. Natural rubber flooring offers a sturdy yet elastic surface that is sure to last long.
Pro Tip: Choose tactile or embossed patterns for improved slide resistance and grip, particularly in areas prone to dampness and spillage.
7. Eco Friendly Flooring with Recycled Rubber
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Recycled rubber is typically sturdier than natural rubber. They are a combination of natural rubber and other synthetic elements that are used to reinforce the substance. Recycled rubber flooring is typically made up of a blend of SBR and EPDM rubber particles derived from vehicle tyres and a polymer compound.
If you want to contribute to waste reduction, this is one of the finest eco friendly flooring choices! They also retain more water and have less elasticity than natural goods.
8. Recycled Glass Tile
Do you want to add vibrancy and intricate details to your flooring? You do not have to look into high-end synthetic materials to achieve that. Use recycled glass tiles instead!
These are made from reclaimed bottles and jars. Apart from being a sustainable flooring option, glass prevents dampness and mold. This makes it a great choice for kitchen and bathroom flooring.
9. Reclaimed Wood Flooring
This eco friendly flooring is not a new concept and has been used for ages! Reclaimed wood is made from old wood that was obtained from forests that grew organically and had to compete for resources such as water and sunshine. As a consequence, this timber is inherently stronger and more enduring than that of new-growth trees.
Also, the aging process improves the natural colors of the wood while drawing out the character of knots over decades. It is one of the best ways to retain the vintage quality of space with eco friendly flooring options.
10. Eco friendly Flooring with Natural Stone
Another historic and durable sustainable flooring option! If you use this material you will tick all the checkboxes of eco-conscious design. Natural stones like Kota, granite, basalt, etc are usually sourced locally.
Furthermore, they are available in different high-end colors, textures, and finishes like a matte finish or honed finish. This way you can also cut down on the energy required to polish them.
Pro tip: A high-quality sealant will help prevent spillage from penetrating the stone and will make cleaning simpler.
11. Paper Bag Flooring
Well, paper is definitely an eco friendly flooring option. But you must be confused about how such a fragile material can withstand the floor load! The magic is in the manufacturing process.
This flooring is made by recycling paper and pressing and treating it to create a sturdy yet appealing flooring substance. It is also hypoallergenic and mould and mildew resistant, making it an excellent option for households with allergies or asthma.
12. Eco friendly Flooring with Hemp
Hemp is in vogue among all environment enthusiasts! Now you can make eco friendly flooring from the fibers of the industrial hemp plant. It is a more environmentally friendly option to traditional flooring materials such as hardwood, which can add to deforestation.
Hemp carpeting is a long-lasting and resilient substance that is impervious to stains and dampness. It can be completed in a variety of styles and colors to complement any interior design, ranging from a natural rustic appearance to a contemporary polished finish.
13. Clay Tile Flooring
Clay tile flooring is an excellent choice for those who want to add a bit of everlasting elegance as well as eco-friendliness to their house. For high-traffic places like kitchens and bathrooms, its durability and tolerance to moisture make it an excellent eco friendly flooring option.
Additionally, clay tiles are available in a wide range of hues, patterns, and surfaces to match any type of interior design. There is a clay tile choice to fit your preferences, whether you want a warm and rustic appearance with terracotta tiles or a sleek and contemporary finish with glazed and polished tiles.
14. Marmoleum Flooring
Look no further than Marmoleum flooring for an eco friendly flooring choice that is both stylish and durable! This modern material is produced from natural base materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and jute.
Because of its anti-static qualities, it does not draw dust and allergens like some other flooring materials, making it an excellent option for those who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems. It’s the ideal option for those who want to help the climate without sacrificing durability or effectiveness.
15. Eco friendly Flooring with Ceramic Tile
Yes, you heard it right! The most common tile used across the globe can also be a sustainable flooring option. Ceramic tiles are made from natural materials such as clay and other minerals and appear in a range of styles, colors, and patterns.
Ceramic tile flooring is stain and dampness-proof, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, restrooms, and entryways. It is also simple to clean and keep, necessitating only regular sweeping and the odd mopping with a pH-neutral cleanser.
Pro Tip: In larger areas, consider using larger tiles. This can result in a more smooth and unified appearance while also reducing the number of grout lines.
16. Concrete Floor
Concrete is produced from locally accessible materials, lowering transit costs and carbon pollution connected with transporting materials from afar. It also contains no hazardous chemicals or VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can off-gas and pollute interior air quality.
What makes this eco friendly flooring even better? It comes in a wide range of hues, textures, and patterns and can be polished or stained to create a one-of-a-kind and stylish appearance that compliments any décor.
17. Eco friendly Flooring with Jute
Do you want to make your house more environmentally friendly while still keeping style and comfort? Jute matting is a natural and sustainable flooring choice with numerous advantages.
It is not only made of natural resources and biodegradable, but it is also soft and pleasant to walk on. This makes it an excellent option for high-traffic places such as bedrooms and living rooms. It has superb soundproofing qualities, which can help to lower noise levels and create a more tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.
18. Leather Flooring
What can be a better material for luxe yet eco friendly flooring?
Leather carpeting is regarded as environmentally friendly because it is a byproduct of the livestock business, utilizing a material that would otherwise go to trash. Instead of being abandoned, animal hides are treated and processed to make long-lasting and fashionable carpeting. It also has excellent insulation qualities, which can aid in the regulation of interior temperatures and the reduction of energy usage for heating and cooling.
19. Sustainable Flooring with Biobased Tile
Modern designers continue to study new materials that have a lower environmental effect while increasing the performance of our industrial flooring goods. They have come up with ingenious eco-friendly materials like Biobased Tiles or BBT. It is manufactured from maize or corn, a rapidly renewable material.
Bio-based tile flooring is Generated from natural materials that do not release hazardous chemicals or toxins. It’s an excellent option for families with children or pets, as well as anyone who wants to ensure that their home or workplace is a healthy and safe setting.
20. Seagrass Carpeting
Nature has provided us with immense possibilities and options to explore in our eco friendly flooring. Fibers of aquatic plants that grow in shallow shoreline waterways are gathered and made into rugs and other home décor items. Dust is not attracted to the hard, natural vegetable fibers, and germs cannot enter the fibers. Sand and fine grime do not harm sisal or seagrass rugs in the same way that they do traditional floor coverings.
Are You Ready to Start Your Sustainability Journey with These Eco Friendly Flooring Options?
Other than being environmentally friendly, you are undoubtedly mindful of the advantages of these eco friendly flooring choices by now! They are long-lasting and robust, and some of them are also water and fireproof.
So, whether you’re remodeling your home or creating a new commercial space, consider eco friendly flooring choices to take the first move towards a more sustainable future.
FAQs
Eco friendly flooring is made from natural, renewable, and sustainable materials that have a minimal impact on the environment. Examples of eco friendly flooring options include bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, and seagrass.
There are several benefits to choosing eco flooring options, including reduced environmental impact, improved air quality, and durability. Eco friendly flooring is also often hypoallergenic and easy to maintain.
Eco flooring options can be more expensive than traditional options in some cases, but it ultimately depends on the material and quality. However, eco friendly flooring can also save money in the long run by being more durable and requiring less maintenance.
The ease of installation will depend on the type of flooring you choose. Some options, such as bamboo or cork flooring, can be installed similarly to traditional flooring. However, some options, such as reclaimed wood or seagrass, may require specialized installation.
The maintenance required for any flooring will depend on the type of material you choose. Generally, eco friendly flooring options are easy to clean and maintain. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for care and maintenance to ensure the longevity of the flooring.
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