Finding ways to be more environmentally conscious and live a more sustainable lifestyle is on many people’s minds. Austin especially is a city that strives to be healthier, greener, and cleaner. There are some great eco-friendly flooring options that will give you style along with sustainability and durability. Take a look at some of the below options – one of these may be right for your home. And if you’re not sure which is best – don’t fret. Stop by our showroom and we can show you the different options out there.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a popular flooring choice for eco-conscious homeowners as it is a rapidly renewable resource. It only takes five to six years for this woody grass (yes, bamboo is technically a grass) to grow fully. This being said, since the pandemic began it is very difficult to get bamboo flooring as most is shipped in from across the Pacific whereas hardwood flooring is commonly sourced closer to home and also does a great job staying out of the landfill.
Cork
You might think mostly of wine, bulletin boards, or coasters when you think of cork, but it is an impressively versatile material. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, cork flooring gives a comfy, cushioned feel. This is especially nice in spaces where you spend a lot of time standing like kitchens, game rooms, and home gyms. The bark is harvested without causing damage to the tree, so it is allowed to regenerate making this a very eco-friendly and sustainable material. As a bonus cork naturally resists pests, mildew, and mold.
Hardwood Flooring
If you’ve been inside a 100+ year old home, chances are the hardwood flooring is original. It’s durable, it feels good on your feet, and it lasts more than a lifetime (meaning that it doesn’t go in a landfill and reduces the demand for timber). There’s a reason that a good hardwood floor is timeless.
Recycled Carpet
Do not panic – this doesn’t mean using carpet that’s been pulled out of another home. We now have carpeting that is made from recycled materials like nylon fiber and plastic bottles. The result is a soft, yet durable carpet that’s available in a variety of styles and colors to match your vision for your home. Keep an eye out for “Green Label Plus” certification – this lets you know the product has low VOC emissions which helps keep your indoor air quality great.
Laminate
What actually is laminate? First, it’s a great choice for the eco-conscious because it’s made from natural, renewable materials and is completely recyclable. It’s a combination of things including thin, pressed wood board with a repeating printed image of wood fused onto a fiberboard core. And while there is a lingering reputation from previous generations of laminate, the binder in many laminates today is water based, so those who don’t want products that use formaldehyde have plenty of options.
If you have a busy, active household you’ll love that it’s low maintenance and durable. It’s even resistant to water and stains. No matter what look you’re going for we can help you find a style and color of linoleum that will be great in your eco-friendly ATX home.
Going with one of these eco-friendly options is a great way to create a healthier home while having a positive impact on the planet. They are also all great ways to increase your home’s value. At Flohr we have flooring experts ready to help you plan your renovation. Give us a call.