Eco Friendly Flooring Options
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Making eco friendly choices have never had so much focus. When it comes to renovating our homes there are plenty of choices, from the technology we use to help our homes become more energy efficient, to the materials we use when we are renovating.
We take a look at flooring and some of the best eco friendly flooring choices out there, to help your renovation be as green as possible. When choosing your flooring, speak to the manufacturer about where they are produced and any toxic materials that are used in the manufacturing of the products, as they can vary by manufacturer.
Reclaimed wood flooring
Reclaimed wood flooring is a great eco friendly flooring choice, not only because it reduces the number of trees being cut down but it also contributes to less waste being sent to landfill. With so many local companies specialising in reclaimed wood flooring in the UK, you will also cut down on the airmiles transporting the flooring to the UK.
Reclaimed wood flooring has beautiful character and can look amazing and timeless in your home, be it contemporary or traditional. Don't rule out restoring the existing flooring within your home either, people are often surprised what they find when they rip out the carpets! Read our expert advice - parquet flooring restoration for some more tips.
Reclaimed parquet wood flooring by Eco Flooring UK
Wool carpet
If you want to go for carpet in your home, then 100% wool is a sustainable natural fibre which is good eco friendly flooring option. To make your wool carpet truly eco friendly, make sure it's un-dyed, it uses minimal (or no adhesives) and is manufactured in the UK.
Wool is a naturally biodegradable material so at the end of it's life it can be composted. It's also a great insulator, which is brilliant for reducing heat loss which will cut down on the energy requirements within your home too.
Another option for carpet is to choose a natural fibre such as sisal or coir which are made from sustainable plants.
British wool carpet by Brintons
Cork flooring
Cork flooring has been around for decades and can conjure up images of an old fashioned bathroom floor. However, it's had a resurgence over the past few years, mainly because it's a sustainable flooring choice.
Cork is a naturally renewable material, where it is made from the bark of the bark oak tree. It is harvested without destroying the tree and once harvested, it grows back. When the bark is harvested it's consumption of CO2 increases, which in turn reduces the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. It's also biodegradable and will break down at the end of it's life.
Cork is also another great insulator which will cut down on the energy requirements of your home.
Cork flooring by Walls & Floors
Bamboo flooring
If you want the look of wood flooring, bamboo is a great eco friendly flooring option. Although it shares many of the properties and look of hardwood flooring, it is actually part of the grass family. Once harvested, bamboo grows back in 3-5 years, compared to hardwood which can take around 20 years. It also grows back from the route which means there is no need to re-harvest.
Make sure you do your research on the manufacturer and check they have a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. The FSC are a global organisation who are dedicated to the responsible management of the world’s forests. How and when bamboo is harvested has a big impact on the environment and the local communities and environments it support.
Do your research that non-toxic adhesives are used in production and installation.
Oxwich Natural Strand Bamboo flooring by Woodpecker Flooring
Published: December 4, 2018
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