Let's talk about green flooring options

Posted by Ben Thompson on 10.10.14

Eco-friendly green flooring is a great way to green up your home, but how do you decide which application to go with? Manufacturers have provided more gorgeous options in the last few years to accommodate the high demand for eco-friendly options. Before you invest in new floors that will literally get a lot of foot traffic, let’s discuss the pros and cons of these most popular types of green flooring.

  1. Bamboo

Bamboo is probably the most popular eco-friendly flooring option as it grows much more faster than any tree in the world. It is a grass that has wood like features and can come in a variety of colors. It also reduces carbon dioxide gases and is highly durable. However, some question whether bamboo flooring is actually green because it can contain chemicals that can harm the environment. Make sure that when you purchase bamboo flooring, that is is from a reputable manufacturer that meets the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

  1. Cork

Cork isn’t just for wine! Scraps of bark from cork trees left over from punched-out bottle stoppers are ground, pressed, and then baked into sheets that are ready to be turned into floor planks. The bark on the tree regenerates, making it a great renewable resource. Cork is springy and flexible, making it great for added insulation and is great for those with allergies as it repels mold, mildew, dust, and pests. Despite its greatness, cork does require maintenance such as weekly sweeping or vacuuming so crumbs don’t scratch the surface, resealing it yearly, and can be hard to fix if your furniture leaves a big dent.

  1. Glass Tile

What happens to those glass jars and bottles that you throw in the recycling bin? They are repurposed into beautiful glass tile. They are non-absorbent and won’t stain. They are also easy to maintain and come in a great range of colors and designs. Be careful though. Glass tile can is expensive and can be even more costly if you choose unique or detailed designs. They can also scratch and chip easily if you drop anything on it.

  1. Concrete

You’ll find the application of this eco-friendly flooring option to be much more stylish than what you’d find in a sidewalk. Polished concrete is extremely durable, easy to clean, and won’t ever need replacing. It doesn’t deplete natural resources, repels odor, mildew, and stains, and its absorption can help reduce heating and cooling bills. But keep in mind- anything you drop on concrete is likely to break and you won’t be able to stand on it for long periods of time.

5. Wool Carpet

Love the feel of carpet between your toes? Fear not - there’s an option for those who love to sit or lay on the floor and watch TV. Wool is a natural resource that comes from sheep and woven into thread and made into carpet. When the carpet has run its course, the fibers can return to the earth, helping grass grow, which sheeps eat. Unfortunately, wool carpet does shed and can be a breeding ground for pests and mold.

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Topics: Love Where You Live, Thompson Tips