Eco Friendly Flooring? (3 Options: Install Today!)

As a flooring contractor with over 15 years in the game, I’ve seen trends come and go, but one thing that’s here to stay is the desire for comfort in our homes.

Comfort isn’t just about sinking into a plush carpet. It’s about how a floor feels underfoot, how it affects the acoustics of a room, and even how it contributes to the overall warmth and inviting atmosphere of your space.

Think about it: you spend a lot of time walking, standing, and just being on your floors. Shouldn’t they be a pleasure to experience?

Now, what if I told you that you could have all that comfort and be kind to the planet? That’s where eco-friendly flooring comes in.

More and more homeowners are realizing that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. In fact, many eco-friendly options are just as luxurious and durable as their traditional counterparts.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through three fantastic eco-friendly flooring options that I’ve personally worked with and highly recommend.

We’ll dive into what makes them eco-friendly, how comfortable they are, how to install them, and how to keep them looking great for years to come.

Ready to get started? Let’s jump in!

Section 1: Cork Flooring

Introduction to Cork Flooring

Okay, first up, let’s talk about cork flooring. Now, I know what you might be thinking: cork? Like, the stuff in wine bottles? Well, yes, but there’s so much more to it than that.

Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is primarily found in Portugal and other Mediterranean regions. What’s amazing is that the bark can be harvested without harming the tree!

The tree just keeps growing and regenerating its bark, making cork a truly renewable resource.

Think of it like shearing a sheep – the sheep is fine, and you get a valuable material. That’s the beauty of cork harvesting.

This renewable nature is what makes cork flooring so environmentally friendly. It’s a sustainable choice that helps reduce deforestation and promotes responsible forestry practices.

According to the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR), cork oak forests help retain water, prevent desertification, and support a rich biodiversity. Pretty cool, right?

Comfort Features of Cork Flooring

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: comfort. Cork flooring is a dream to walk on. It has a natural “give” that makes it soft and cushioned underfoot.

This is because cork is full of tiny air-filled cells, which act as natural shock absorbers.

I’ve had clients with joint pain who have raved about how much better their feet and knees feel after switching to cork flooring.

But the comfort doesn’t stop there. Cork is also a fantastic thermal insulator. Those same air-filled cells that make it soft also help to regulate the temperature of your home.

In the winter, cork flooring will help keep the warmth in, and in the summer, it will help keep the heat out. This can lead to significant energy savings on your heating and cooling bills.

I remember one client who told me their energy bills dropped by almost 15% after installing cork flooring in their living room. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

Installation Process

Alright, let’s talk installation. While you can definitely hire a professional (like yours truly!), cork flooring is also a pretty DIY-friendly option.

Here’s a basic rundown of the process:

Preparation: Make sure your subfloor is clean, level, and dry. Any imperfections will show through the cork, so take the time to get it right.
Acclimation: Let the cork flooring sit in the room for a few days before installation. This allows it to adjust to the temperature and humidity, preventing warping or buckling later on.
Installation: Most cork flooring comes in either tiles or planks with a click-lock system. Simply snap the pieces together, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Finishing: Once the flooring is installed, you may want to apply a sealant to protect it from moisture and wear.

Tools you’ll need:

Measuring tape
Utility knife
Straight edge
Tapping block
Hammer
Safety glasses

Cork flooring is incredibly versatile and can be installed in almost any room of the house, from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and bathrooms.

However, I generally advise against installing it in areas with constant standing water, like right next to a shower, unless you take extra precautions with sealing.

Maintenance and Durability

Now, let’s talk about keeping your cork flooring looking its best. The good news is that cork is relatively easy to maintain.

Here are a few tips:

Sweep or vacuum regularly: This will prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
Mop with a damp cloth: Use a mild detergent and avoid excessive water.
Use furniture pads: Protect your cork flooring from scratches and dents by placing pads under furniture legs.
Re-seal as needed: Depending on the amount of traffic, you may need to re-seal your cork flooring every few years to maintain its protection.

Cork is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, making it a great choice for bathrooms and basements.

With proper care, cork flooring can last for decades. I’ve seen cork floors that are over 50 years old and still look fantastic!

Design Options

Finally, let’s talk about design. Cork flooring isn’t just for rustic cabins anymore. It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes to suit any style.

You can find cork flooring that looks like wood, tile, or even stone. You can also choose from a variety of colors, from natural browns and beiges to bold reds and blacks.

I recently installed a cork floor that looked exactly like distressed hardwood, and my client was thrilled with the result. It gave them the look they wanted with the added comfort and eco-friendliness of cork.

Section 2: Bamboo Flooring

Introduction to Bamboo Flooring

Next up, let’s talk about bamboo flooring. Now, technically, bamboo isn’t wood – it’s a grass. But don’t let that fool you, it’s incredibly strong and durable.

What makes bamboo so eco-friendly is its rapid growth cycle. Bamboo can grow to maturity in just 3-5 years, compared to decades for hardwood trees.

This means that bamboo is a highly renewable resource that can be harvested sustainably without depleting forests.

According to the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR), bamboo also helps to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it a carbon-negative material.

It’s firm enough to provide good support, but it also has a slight give that makes it comfortable to walk on.

I’ve found that bamboo flooring is a great option for people who want a durable and comfortable surface that’s easy to clean.

Some types of bamboo flooring also have sound-dampening qualities, which can help to create a more peaceful home environment. This is especially true for thicker strands and woven bamboo flooring.

Installation Process

Installing bamboo flooring is similar to installing hardwood flooring. Here’s a general overview of the process:

Subfloor Preparation: As with cork, make sure your subfloor is clean, level, and dry.
Acclimation: Allow the bamboo flooring to acclimate to the room for several days before installation.
Installation Method: There are several different installation methods for bamboo flooring, including:
- Click-Lock: This is the easiest method for DIYers. The planks simply snap together.
- Nail-Down: This method involves nailing the bamboo planks to the subfloor.
- Glue-Down: This method involves gluing the bamboo planks to the subfloor.
Finishing: Once the flooring is installed, you may want to apply a sealant to protect it from moisture and wear.

Tools you’ll need:

Measuring tape
Saw
Hammer
Nail gun (for nail-down installation)
Trowel (for glue-down installation)
Safety glasses

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintaining bamboo flooring is relatively simple. Here are a few tips:

Sweep or vacuum regularly: This will prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
Mop with a damp cloth: Use a mild detergent and avoid excessive water.
Use furniture pads: Protect your bamboo flooring from scratches and dents by placing pads under furniture legs.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Don’t use abrasive cleaners or bleach on bamboo flooring.

With proper care, bamboo flooring can last for decades. I’ve seen bamboo floors that are over 20 years old and still look great.

Design Options

Bamboo flooring is incredibly versatile and comes in a wide range of styles and finishes. Here are a few popular options:

Vertical Bamboo: This style features narrow strips of bamboo that are glued together vertically. It has a clean, modern look.
Horizontal Bamboo: This style features wider strips of bamboo that are glued together horizontally. It has a more traditional look.
Strand-Woven Bamboo: This style is made by shredding the bamboo and then weaving the strands together. It’s the most durable type of bamboo flooring and has a unique, textured look.

You can also find bamboo flooring in a variety of colors, from natural blondes to rich browns and even dark blacks.

I recently installed a strand-woven bamboo floor in a client’s home, and they were amazed by how durable and beautiful it was. It gave them the look of hardwood with the added benefit of being eco-friendly.

Section 3: Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Introduction to Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Last but not least, let’s talk about reclaimed wood flooring. This is one of my personal favorites because it’s not only eco-friendly but also adds a ton of character to any space.

Reclaimed wood flooring is made from wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, barns, and other structures. Instead of ending up in a landfill, this wood is given a new life as beautiful and unique flooring.

What makes reclaimed wood so special is its history. Each plank has its own story to tell, with knots, grain patterns, and imperfections that reflect its past.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reusing and recycling materials like wood can help to reduce waste, conserve resources, and prevent pollution.

Comfort Features of Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Reclaimed wood flooring offers a unique combination of rustic charm and natural comfort. The texture of the wood can feel warm and inviting underfoot, and the natural insulating properties of wood help to regulate the temperature of your home.

I’ve found that reclaimed wood flooring creates a sense of warmth and character that’s hard to replicate with new materials.

Installation Process

Installing reclaimed wood flooring can be a bit more challenging than installing cork or bamboo, but the results are well worth the effort.

Here’s a general overview of the process:

Sourcing Materials: The first step is to find a reputable supplier of reclaimed wood flooring. Look for a supplier that sources wood responsibly and properly kiln-dries it to prevent warping or cupping.
Subfloor Preparation: As with any flooring installation, make sure your subfloor is clean, level, and dry.
Acclimation: Allow the reclaimed wood flooring to acclimate to the room for several days before installation.
Installation Method: Reclaimed wood flooring can be installed using a variety of methods, including:
- Nail-Down: This is the most common method for installing reclaimed wood flooring.
- Glue-Down: This method involves gluing the reclaimed wood planks to the subfloor.
Finishing: Once the flooring is installed, you may want to apply a sealant to protect it from moisture and wear.

Tools you’ll need:

Measuring tape
Saw
Hammer
Nail gun
Trowel (for glue-down installation)
Safety glasses

Maintenance and Care

Reclaimed wood flooring requires specific maintenance practices to retain its charm and longevity. Here are a few tips:

Sweep or vacuum regularly: This will prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
Mop with a damp cloth: Use a mild detergent and avoid excessive water.
Use furniture pads: Protect your reclaimed wood flooring from scratches and dents by placing pads under furniture legs.
Address any potential issues: Reclaimed wood flooring may have knots, cracks, or other imperfections that require attention. Fill any gaps with wood filler and sand smooth.
Refinish as needed: Over time, reclaimed wood flooring may need to be refinished to restore its beauty.

Design Options

Reclaimed wood flooring offers a diverse aesthetic appeal that can add character to any space. You can find reclaimed wood flooring in a variety of wood types, colors, and finishes.

Some popular options include:

Oak: Reclaimed oak flooring is strong, durable, and has a classic look.
Pine: Reclaimed pine flooring is softer than oak but has a warm, rustic charm.
Maple: Reclaimed maple flooring is hard, smooth, and has a light color.

You can also choose from a variety of finishes, from natural oils to matte polyurethanes.

I recently installed a reclaimed oak floor in a client’s home, and they were thrilled with the results. It gave their home a unique and inviting feel that they couldn’t have achieved with new materials.

Conclusion

So, there you have it: three fantastic eco-friendly flooring options that can enhance both your living environment and the planet.

We’ve explored the comfort, installation, maintenance, and design options for cork, bamboo, and reclaimed wood flooring.

Remember, choosing eco-friendly flooring doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. In fact, many eco-friendly options are just as luxurious and durable as their traditional counterparts.

I encourage you to consider these three options when making your next flooring decision. By choosing sustainable materials, you can create a beautiful and comfortable home while also reducing your impact on the environment.

And hey, if you need a hand with the installation, you know who to call! Happy flooring!

Eco Friendly Flooring? (3 Options: Install Today!)