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It’s a great time to be alive when one of the main priorities of a business is to help save the planet. Not only does adding eco-friendly flooring reduce your carbon footprint, it can also add value to your spaces and create a healthier environment for the people within them. With more green options emerging to help reduce companies’ environmental impact, we’ve devised a list of what to look for in eco-friendly flooring as well as the best options to help turn your space into a greener environment (minus the color—unless you like that too).
Where To Start
Every business’s needs are different when it comes to renovating their space—from functionality to aesthetics—and even the happiness of their employees and clients. When it comes to flooring, there are a multitude of options to choose from, all having their own pros and cons. Before committing to flooring, you need to consider a few things, including the materials that are used and whether they consist of natural and renewable resources. Additionally, consider the longevity of the materials, especially if you have high-trafficked areas. Keeping these aspects in mind will extend the life of your flooring and reduce the need for replacement.
The Options
When the time comes to make your decision, there are several different options to ponder based on your needs. See the rundown of each eco-friendly flooring type below:
Bamboo
Among some of the most popular wood-sourced options, Bamboo is a widely-known choice in the world of eco-friendly flooring. Since Bamboo is a fast-growing tree, it becomes easier to attain the flooring as the trees only take about five years to completely mature; compared to the decades of maturity that other trees require. The only downside to bamboo flooring is that it is native to tropical and subtropical regions, which can lead to high emission levels and pollution during shipping and distribution.
Cork
Originating from the regenerating cork oak tree, Cork is a great material that is commonly seen in bulletin boards and wine bottles. Cork originates from the bark of the cork oak tree, meaning the tree does not need to be cut down and the bark regrows within three years. As a completely renewable resource, the benefits of Cork flooring also include the natural repellent of mold, mites and other allergens, to also help improve the air quality in your space.
Linoleum
For a while, Linoleum was left in the dust with its outdated design and association with vinyl flooring. Unlike vinyl though, Linoleum consists of nothing but biodegradable materials including linseed oil, tree resin, and cork dust. In addition, it is also flame retardant and resistant to moisture, unlike wood flooring. Linoleum is a great option for durability and is a long-lasting flooring option. Growing in popularity, more manufacturers are creating a wider range of patterns and colors to adapt to the modern era of design.
Engineered Hardwood
A CIC client-favorite, engineered hardwood is the ultimate eco-friendly flooring. Consisting of a combination of solid hardwood with a core of plywood, engineered hardwood is a beautiful and durable option for your interior renovation. Many of the engineered hardwood options consist of recycled material bases, making engineered hardwood more sustainable than many other wood flooring options. The other benefits of engineered hardwood include a high market value, elongated lifespan, and it’s function as a great air quality contributor.
Ready to make the leap of choosing an eco-friendly flooring option? Contact our renovation experts at 305.636.3700 today!
