Eco-Friendly Carpet and Flooring Options

There are quite a few people looking for stylish, functional carpet and flooring that is also eco-friendly. If you want to go green with your flooring, there are several options obtainable. Since more and more clients seek out eco-friendly materials, manufacturers have stepped up with many attractive options to pick from. If you are seeking a way to do your part beyond separating your recyclables, read on about some eco-flooring options.

Carpet

Carpet is the most purchased flooring. While there are people going for that trendy wood look, everyone still loves a little softness now and then. These days, they fabricate almost all carpets from recycled materials to some extent. Using recycled materials like fishing nets and plastic bottles makes recycled carpet an eco-friendly flooring option as well as cost-effective. Eco-friendly carpet is popular in bedrooms, hallways, living rooms and home offices.

Wool carpet – Wool is a natural resource. They spin it into a thread, dye it any color imaginable and then weave it to create a durable carpet. Wool rugs can be family heirlooms. You can pass them down from generation to generation because they will last a long time. 

P.E.T. Carpet – Polyester (P.E.T) is constructed from recycled plastic bottles. It has minimal impact on the environment. This carpet is durable, spill-resistant and comes in a variety of appealing patterns and colors. It generally has a flecked look to it, making it suitable for most color schemes.

---

Hardwood

Traditional hardwood flooring is usually not considered eco-friendly due to deforestation concerns. However, it can still be an option.

Hardwood Flooring – Hardwood is a natural product that is continuously being renewed. It is entirely biodegradable and can be easily recycled at the end of its life. To keep it eco-friendly, be sure the wood has the FSC certified label. This is a label of the Forest Stewardship Council. The FSC promotes responsible management of forests worldwide and adheres to high environmental standards.

Recycled or Reclaimed Hardwood – This is wood that has been recycled from other flooring or building applications. Reusing these materials cuts down on waste and prevents the chopping down of a living tree. However, make sure that the wood is never treated with toxic chemicals over the course of its life.

Engineered Hardwood – Engineered hardwood and solid hardwood look identical from the top. Unlike solid hardwood, which is solid throughout, engineered hardwood has a genuine wood veneer top layer and artificial materials for the base. This distinct assembly makes engineered wood more eco-friendly because it uses less wood in the process. Sometimes, the core will consist of recycled wood particles pressed into fiberboard. Engineered wood is a great way to use materials fully and reduce waste in manufacturing. It is popular in bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.

---

Tile

Porcelain and Ceramic Tile – Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be sustainably sourced because it is made from a mixture of clay and water. They also make new tiles from recycled porcelain and ceramic as well. Tiles are super durable and can remain in good condition for decades. That means you will not have to use up new resources to replace worn-out flooring keeping more materials out of landfills. You can use these tiles in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and even on walls.

Glass tiles – These tiles are converted from discarded glass bottles and broken windows into beautiful glass tiles. Using glass tile can prevent these non-biodegradable materials from ending up in a landfill. This renewable source is fast becoming an excellent option for bathroom and kitchen walls. Glass is non-absorptive and will not mildew or mold in damp environments. In short, it is easy to maintain and will not stain. Glass tiles are available in an array of colors, patterns and finishes. Glass reflects light rather than absorbing it, adding an additional layer of light some rooms might need. 

Natural stone – Stone is a natural material made from the earth that is perpetually recreated by a natural tectonic process. The minerals in stone come from the same liquid and gas minerals that form the earth. Natural stone flooring can add a distinguishing, unique look to your home. It can be installed as a backsplash, countertop as well as your floor. Stone tiles can also be recycled by using them on numerous other projects and will not harm the environment.

---

Laminate

Laminate has a recycled wood fiber core and a top layer of a photo-realistic wood image. Laminate has a convincing wood-look, but is more sustainable and eco-friendly than the real thing because they make it from post-consumer wood. Laminate's tough wear layers can withstand high traffic. They can perform well in commercial spaces as well as your home's bedrooms, foyer and family room.

---

Rubber

Rubber flooring manufactured from recycled tires is slowly finding its way into kitchens, sunrooms and bathrooms. It is great to walk on and water-resistant. It comes in many color and pattern options. They fabricate many rubber tiles, mats, and rolls from recycled tire rubber. Feel good knowing you are repurposing that material and using it for flooring. There is a drawback… the smell. Some rubber flooring will off-gas and emit an odor, but this is only temporary. Mopping it with soap and water a couple of times while ventilating the room will help the smell to fade away.

You have many options, and you can enjoy stylish looks and advanced features while also benefiting the planet. Stop in and talk to one of Creative Carpet & Flooring's knowledgeable Flooring Consultants. They can help you decide what eco-friendly carpet and flooring option would work best for you and your home.