Exploring Sustainable Flooring: Eco-Friendly Choices for Your Dream Home
Chris Hopkin, Novus Homes
Chris Hopkin
Sales & Marketing Manager, Novus Homes
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Novus Homes is a Western Australian success story and is one of the most respected and highly awarded builders in the Perth market.

In the contemporary world, environmental consciousness is no longer a choice but a necessity.

This awareness permeates all aspects of our daily life, including the realm of new home building and choosing the best building materials

More and more homeowners are turning to green alternatives to minimise their environmental impact. While many are already familiar with energy-efficient appliances or solar panels, a lesser-discussed but critical aspect of a green home is the flooring. 

This article delves into sustainable flooring, shedding light on how this crucial component plays an instrumental role in the grand scheme of green living.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Flooring Materials

Traditional flooring options, ranging from conventional hardwood to synthetic carpets, may have their aesthetic and functional appeal, but their environmental cost can be substantial. 

The extraction of raw materials, often through deforestation, contributes to habitat loss and climate change. Furthermore, the manufacturing process for some of these flooring options often involves the emission of harmful pollutants, leading to air and water pollution. 

Lastly, at the end of their lifecycle, many conventional flooring materials end up in landfills due to a lack of recycling options, adding to the growing waste problem.

Understanding Sustainable Flooring

But what exactly is sustainable flooring? In broad terms, it refers to any flooring option that utilises eco-friendly materials, employs green manufacturing processes, and strives for a circular lifecycle. 

These options help decrease deforestation, reduce landfill waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

Moreover, many sustainable flooring choices also contribute to a healthier indoor environment by emitting fewer toxins and allergens.

The Importance of Choosing Sustainable Flooring

Beyond the clear environmental benefits, choosing sustainable flooring has direct implications for homeowners. 

For one, these materials tend to emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leading to improved indoor air quality. Additionally, many sustainable flooring options are highly durable and easy to maintain. With the rising demand for green products, the market has responded with a myriad of designs and styles that don’t compromise aesthetics. 

From modern to rustic, minimalist to extravagant, there’s a sustainable flooring option for every taste.

Overview of Sustainable Flooring Materials

The world of sustainable flooring is varied and exciting. There are several options available to suit every aesthetic preference and functional requirement. Here are a few examples:

  • Bamboo: This fast-growing plant is an excellent renewable resource that can be harvested without causing harm to the ecosystem.
  • Cork: Made from the bark of cork oak trees, this material is harvested without cutting down the tree, making it a renewable resource.
  • Reclaimed wood: This involves reusing wood from old structures, thereby reducing the need for new wood.
  • Linoleum: A far cry from synthetic vinyl, true linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, and jute.

In-Depth Look at Eco-Friendly Flooring Options

Each sustainable flooring material brings with it a unique set of attributes:

  • Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo floors provide a beautiful and durable surface that can rival traditional hardwood. Their fast growth makes them a more sustainable option, helping to curb deforestation. Plus, bamboo's natural variations in colour can add a unique aesthetic touch to your home.
  • Cork Flooring: Apart from its sustainability credentials, cork flooring offers an array of functional benefits. It's naturally resistant to mould, mildew, and pests, making it a suitable choice for people with allergies. Additionally, its cellular structure gives it a soft and warm underfoot, providing comfort and reducing noise.
  • Reclaimed Wood Flooring: Every piece of reclaimed wood carries a piece of history, lending a unique character to your flooring. By opting for reclaimed wood, you’re not only reducing the demand for newly harvested wood but also giving a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.
  • Linoleum Flooring: Linoleum is a remarkably resilient and durable flooring material. Its production involves renewable materials and it's biodegradable at the end of its lifecycle, making it an excellent eco-friendly option.

Sustainable Flooring Brands to Consider

As sustainability becomes more mainstream, numerous flooring brands are rising to the occasion by offering eco-friendly options.

Brands such as Marmoleum for linoleum, Cali Bamboo for bamboo, and GreenClaimed for cork and reclaimed wood are setting the pace in the industry.

They're proof that going green doesn’t mean compromising on style or quality.

How to Choose the Right Sustainable Flooring for Your Home

Choosing the right flooring isn't always straightforward. It involves a careful balance between aesthetic appeal, functionality, lifestyle, budget, and environmental impact.

Research is key: compare different materials, read reviews, and seek advice from experts, such as home builders and designers, to ensure you make the right choice for your home.

Installation and Maintenance of Green Flooring

Generally, sustainable flooring options are comparable to their traditional counterparts in terms of installation and maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild, environmentally friendly cleaning agents is usually enough to maintain their appearance and ensure their longevity.

The Health and Safety Benefits of Non-Toxic Flooring

Opting for flooring with low VOC emissions contributes to better indoor air quality, making your home a healthier place to live. This is especially important for households with children, elderly members, or anyone with respiratory issues or allergies.

Role of Flooring in Achieving a Zero-Waste Home

Choosing sustainable flooring goes hand in hand with the goal of a zero-waste home. By selecting materials that are either recyclable or biodegradable at the end of their life, you’re taking a significant step towards reducing your carbon footprint.

Takeaway: Embracing Sustainable Flooring

Sustainable flooring brings an array of benefits to both the environment and homeowners.

With their unique blend of environmental friendliness, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, these flooring options are a remarkable choice for any home.

Embracing sustainable flooring isn't just about making a green choice, it's about creating a healthier, more comfortable living space and contributing to a more sustainable world.

As you embark on the journey of building your dream home, remember that every choice counts – even the one beneath your feet.