With people gradually becoming more aware of their responsibility to protect the world they live in, environmentally friendly products have enjoyed a huge increase in popularity in recent years. This is particularly true in the flooring industry, with many designers and manufacturers now capable of producing eco-friendly options for both domestic and commercial purposes. But what choices are available, and what are the benefits of picking an environmentally friendly option?
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Wool
One possibility when considering your new flooring options is a woollen carpet. While wool is best known for its soft, comfortable feel, it is also an eco-friendly option. Unlike other types of carpet, which are made from harmful compounds and contain toxins, wool is a natural fibre – and its excellent durability makes it an ideal choice.
Laminate Wood Flooring
Laminate wood flooring is composed of sustainable materials and contains no toxic chemicals, making it an ideal choice for the eco-conscious homeowner. Available in a range of colours and offering excellent value for money, laminate flooring is designed with durability in mind, lasting up to 30 years if carefully maintained.
What the Future Holds
Here are some other environmentally flooring options that are growing in popularity, and which we believe will be a staple of many homes and businesses in years to come.
Cork
Versatile and capable of lasting for up to 30 years if maintained properly, cork floors are an increasingly popular choice in the home. Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which quickly grow back their bark, making it an easily renewable source.
Bamboo
Made from a quick-growing form of grass, bamboo is a sustainable flooring option that benefits the environment. With a wide range of natural colours to choose from, a bamboo floor is an easy method of ensuring your flooring fits the colour scheme of your home. Although they may need re-coating every few years, a bamboo carpet should last for a very long time.
Reclaimed Wood
As the name suggests, reclaimed wood is made of wood that has had a prior use, and lasts longer than new wood – limiting the effect of deforestation. Reclaimed wood offers a cheaper alternative to traditional hardwood flooring without losing any style points, making it a fantastic option for the environmentally friendly customer on a budget.
Concrete
Made from natural materials and easy to recycle, concrete is a surprisingly eco-friendly type of flooring. It’s also incredibly durable – it’s unlikely to ever need replacing – and can save money on heating bills as it retains heat so well, making it a cost-effective choice.
Rubber
Rubber flooring has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years because of its eco-friendly status and excellent durability. Made from recycled tyres, rubber flooring is comfortable to walk on, easy to clean and comes in a wide variety of colours to suit your needs.
Eco-Friendly Extras
As well as your flooring, there are a number of other things to consider when creating an eco-friendly home or business:
- Energy-efficient LED light bulbs last much longer than standard bulbs and do not contain toxic chemicals.
- Smart thermostats lower your carbon footprint through reduced emissions and save you money.
- Rainwater harvesting limits your water usage – both reducing wastage and lowering your water bills.
- Energy-efficient white goods can also limit water usage, saving you money and reducing the amount of water you waste.
- Solar panels allow you to replace less eco-friendly forms of energy with renewable solar energy.
If you are thinking of installing eco-friendly flooring at your home or business, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. Our team of trained experts will be more than happy to discuss your options.