The best quality flooring installations don’t have to come at a considerable price, and we’re not just talking about money. Now, more than ever before, we have access to the best quality flooring that is also easy on the environment.
What? Does that mean you can buy premium flooring materials while simultaneously being an eco-warrior? Yes, you can.
Below are the best choices our flooring experts choose when it comes to premium and eco-friendly floor materials. Get the best floor in town without feeling guilty. Our first choice goes to…
1. Natural Cork
Who knew that the material that stops your favorite wine bottles also doubles as a beautiful softwood floor? The cork material comes from the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), which is a medium-sized oak tree native to Southwest Europe and northwest Africa. For added trivia, cork is also used to make cricket balls.
Environmentalists love cork flooring because the material can be harvested without cutting the actual tree down, and each tree is harvestable every nine years.
You will love cork flooring in your home because it feels great underneath your feet and is easy to maintain. A quick mop with one of those Swiffer vacs ought to do the job with minor spills. What’s more, cork floors are an attractive option for health-conscious families, as the material is naturally antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and hypoallergenic.
2. Bamboo
The ultra-strong material loved by cuddly pandas also makes for a luxurious floor. You can find bamboo flooring in a wide variety of tones to complement any interior décor.
Bamboo is eco-friendly because it has a faster re-growth rate than traditional wood. The growth process is also good for the environment, as it’s “au natural.” In other words, the farmers do not tend to use pesticides or fertilizers, which can pollute the soil and harm surrounding wildlife. Bamboo is clean, attractive, and durable for any amount of foot traffic.
3. Polished Concrete Flooring
A concrete floor does not have to look like a locker room. Many homes and businesses are now choosing polished concrete for its clean appearance and numerous health benefits.
Polished concrete flooring keeps dust from accumulating and is anti-fungal in nature. Polished concrete also has very little waste in the creation and pouring process, which makes it a prime eco-friendly flooring recommendation.
Another benefit to concrete flooring is that it naturally retains and absorbs heat. You will spend less energy cooling and heating the flooring at home or work, saving you money at the meter.
4. Glass
Glass flooring is as environmentally-sound as you get, as the material can be made from a mixture of sand and recyclable materials of all kinds. Glass flooring comes in tiles that can be shaded to practically any color you wish. You can even have glass flooring installed in a unique pattern or in lines of alternating colors. In that sense, glass flooring is the more creative option for those who want class with a side of eco-friendliness thrown in.
Before they will opt for a glass floor, many want to know if glass flooring is strong enough to hold up to kids, pets, and normal abuse. The glass can break if something is dropped heavily on it, but it would have to be an extreme case. The fact is, the glass tiles are incredibly strong and can hold a substantial amount of weight. Depending on the size of the tiles and the type installed, you should be fine with the normal home or office setup. Glass is the ultimate eco-warrior flooring as it’s tough-as-can-be and re-uses recycled materials, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
5. Wool Carpeting
You can own carpeting and still do your part to save the planet. Pure wool, which is used to make a variety of attractive carpet options, all comes from 100% natural materials.
Right now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute. The wool might be natural, but what about the backing?”
You will be happy to know that wool carpeting comes with backing that is also made of natural materials. Most carpet brands use a combination of hemp, jute, and cotton. All three of those natural materials are terrifically strong, which means that your carpet is backed with a few of the most fortified materials found in nature.
When you have wood flooring installed, the environment thanks you, as there are no dyes or pesticides used.
You will love wool flooring, aside from its addictive softness, because it stands up to dust mites and bacteria, contributing to a healthy home or office.
6. Epoxy Flooring
What if you want the best flooring that is good for Earth while also being easy to install? For you, we recommend epoxy flooring.
If you dread ripping up your flooring to install your new floor, an epoxy install alleviates all that. That’s because it can be placed over your existing floor for easier installation.
Epoxy looks clean and attractive, making it terrific for rooms where people tend to congregate. The floor cleans easily and can stand up to heavy foot traffic with ease.
For the best eco-friendliness, look for epoxy flooring that is devoid of solvents. The rest of the floor is created from organic resins and natural stones, materials that bring the beauty of nature into your home or office.
7. Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood floors are becoming increasingly popular for their high-end appearance and budget price. No one has to know that your hardwood was reclaimed, and why should it matter? You are doing your best to save the environment. At the same time, your reclaimed wood floor can be made to look like any vinyl, laminate, or hardwood floor. You can tell your guests you have acacia wood flooring and they will be none the wiser.
In truth, the reclaimed wood comes from old homes and buildings. The pieces of wood are then cleaned and dried before they are reused. In this sense, you could say that you’re adding a little bit of history to your home or office environment. Who knows, you may have reclaimed wood from someone famous. The wood adds character and richness to any décor. At the same time, reclaimed wood flooring reduces the need for builders to cut down more trees, letting us use the natural materials we already have.
8. Linoleum
Linoleum is another option for those interested in an easy install. Linoleum flooring is so easy to install that a layperson could probably lay it down with no problem.
The material is one of those “green materials” that is made from all-natural ingredients like linseed oil and wood flour. While it may sound like cake ingredients minus the sugar and eggs, the result is a luxurious flooring that is toxin-free and simple to clean.
Linoleum is also long-lasting and biodegradable, which means it can stand up to heavy abuse for years, cutting down on maintenance and replacement costs.
9. Natural Stone Flooring
Want nature inside your home with more attractive flooring options than you can shake a stick at? We suggest giving natural stone flooring a try. The stones themselves are made up of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock. Let’s just say the stones are multiple sizes and each comes with a unique look. When laid in a variety of patterns, the flooring gives an interesting appearance that can add character to any room.
If you are looking for long-term flooring, stone is your safest bet. Natural stone flooring not only lasts for years, but the appearance of the floor tends to improve as it ages. The flooring is also naturally resistant to mildew, mold, and microbes.
10. Rubber
Rubber isn’t just for gyms or the local playground. Many homeowners are choosing rubber for their bathrooms, sunrooms, and even kitchens.
Rubber looks sleek and terrific and lasts for years. You will find it comfortable to walk on and water-resistant, which contributes to its durability.
You can find rubber floors in any color and pattern you can think of and the materials are 100% natural, just as you expect.
Is Your Favorite Flooring Not on the List?
Have you ever given thought to eco-friendly floors? Your options include floors made of glass, rubber and reclaimed wood. If you are looking for more options, you should check out the variety yourself. If you plan to have a healthier lifestyle and take the aesthetics of your home to the next level, eco-friendly floors are what you need.
If your favorite flooring isn’t on the list, will you be seen as tarnishing the environment if you opt for an install? Absolutely not!
Many flooring manufacturers are now conscious of the environmental footprint they are leaving behind. Whether you’re keen on installing vinyl plank flooring or you want grey hardwood floors, we can help you choose the floor that looks great, lasts long, and is eco-friendly to boot.
Call Minuteman Floors at 603-782-1942 to learn more or to schedule an installation of your favorite floor in Manchester, New Hampshire.