In 2024, eco-friendly materials are taking the spotlight in home design, with more people choosing sustainable options to reduce their carbon footprint.
Flooring is an easy place to start if you’re looking to make your home greener. From reclaimed wood to recycled tiles, eco-friendly floors offer a stylish, sustainable way to upgrade your living space without sacrificing design.
Let’s explore popular eco-friendly flooring options that can help you create a beautiful and sustainable home
Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood flooring is just what it sounds like: wood that’s been removed from buildings and reclaimed and repurposed for another project.
Many designers choose to work with reclaimed wood because it’s both eco-friendly and has a great aesthetic.
Some aspects of the material may be changed (wood is re-sawn if needed, for example), but what it retains is the history and character, and that’s what makes it so attractive.
Cork
Cork is quickly becoming one of the most popular green flooring options. It’s made from the bark of specific trees and can be harvested without chopping them down.
It also has many desirable properties aside from being sustainable, such as termite and mold resistance and excellent sound and temperature insulation.
It’s also soft and comfortable, which makes it a perfect opting for areas that require a lot of standing, such as kitchens.
Bamboo
Another sustainable flooring option is bamboo.
Bamboo grows very quickly and reaches maturity in only three to five years. It also requires almost no pesticides and fertilisers during its growth.
However, it mostly grows around the Pacific Ocean, which means its shipping to other areas can cause a lot of pollution.
But many people still choose bamboo because it’s renewable, strong and naturally resistant to moisture, mildew and insects.
Linoleum
Even though not many people think of linoleum when talking about natural flooring options, linoleum is actually made from linseed oil that comes from flax plants, which makes it pretty natural and renewable.
Additionally, its production has a minimal negative effect on the environment and the material itself is quite durable (it lasts anywhere from 25 to 40 years!).
Old linoleum can also be burned for fuel. It releases roughly the same amount of energy that’s required for its production, which means no energy gets wasted.
Stone
Stone is a popular natural flooring option. It’s extracted from the earth and is constantly being recreated in the natural tectonic processes.
Stone can also be recycled and reused in other projects once it’s no longer needed in one place.
The downside of stone, however, is its weight, which means its transport can release a significant amount of pollution.
Concrete
Here’s another not so obvious green flooring option you can try in your home.
Concrete is a great eco-friendly option because it can be produced at the building site (no transport is required), can be molded in different shapes, recycled and reused and can be made of different recycled materials.
The choice of finish will actually dictate its eco-friendliness but plain polished concrete has a minimal environmental impact.
You can also use different floor coating options for concrete sealing and curing that maximise concrete strength and durability.
All in all, concrete is a great flooring choice, especially if you live in warmer climates. It’s also hypo-allergenic and is extremely durable and easy to maintain.
Recycled glass and metal tiles
Less known green flooring options are recycled glass and metal tiles.
Glass tiles are made from glass that’s been collected and reused, such as bottles, windows and other glass items.
This way, glass as a non-degradable material gets a new purpose instead of piling up in a landfill. Metal tiles are produced in a similar manner.
They are made from aluminum, copper and brass that’s been discarded and reused. And since metals are not very sustainable, its re-purposing puts a stop to resource waste and keeps the materials out of landfills.
FAQ: Environmentally Friendly Flooring Options
What is the most environmentally friendly flooring?
Eco-friendly flooring includes bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood. Bamboo is especially sustainable as it reaches maturity in 3-5 years, while traditional hardwood trees can take decades.
What is the best flooring without chemicals?
Solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile, and stone are all low-toxin options. These materials don’t contain harmful chemicals and are easy to clean, keeping your home healthier.
What is the most energy-efficient flooring?
Stone and tile are energy-efficient flooring choices. They maintain indoor temperature well, reducing energy needs. Carpet, wood, and radiant flooring also offer good insulation and warmth.
Can vinyl flooring be eco-friendly?
Yes, vinyl can be environmentally friendly. Modern vinyl is 100% recyclable and can go through multiple recycling cycles without losing quality, making it a viable green option.
Is bamboo flooring really green?
Bamboo flooring is highly sustainable. Every part of the bamboo stalk is used in production, and very little waste is generated, making it an eco-friendly choice.
What is eco-resilient flooring?
Eco-resilient flooring (ERF) is a durable, cushioned floor type made with a thicker wear layer than standard vinyl. It’s comfortable underfoot and offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vinyl.
Which is less toxic, laminate or vinyl?
Laminate is the greener choice as it’s made from wood byproducts, a renewable resource. Vinyl is primarily petrochemical-based, containing chlorides, which can be more toxic.
What is a sustainable flooring material?
Linoleum and cork are both sustainable materials. Linoleum is made from natural elements like linseed oil and wood flour, while cork is sourced from the renewable bark of cork oak trees.
