Sustainable solutions are always in style when it comes to renovating your home. Green remodeling has no downside. Using environmentally friendly materials and practices you reduce your carbon footprint, while at the same time reducing utility costs for yourself, and increasing air quality for those around you. However, finding worthy eco-friendly solutions for your home that are attractive and conducive can be difficult. We found 4 green flooring solutions for environmentally savvy homeowners to consider for their next home remodel project that prove to be both versatile and beautiful.
- Concrete
Before writing this off as an unlikely candidate for beautiful flooring, consider concrete polished and tinted. Concrete can be inlayed with other environmentally friendly materials, such as glass to create a tiled effect as well. Easy to clean, and durable, concrete is easy to come by and a proven trendy flooring solution. The best part about concrete is that it never needs to be replaced.
- Cork Flooring
You’ve seen this in your wine bottle, but probably were not aware of it’s capabilities beyond the beverage bar. Cork is typically harvested from the Mediterranean from the bark of the cork oak tree. The bark grows back every three years, making it an ideal eco-friendly flooring option. Aside from being a renewable source, it also has anti-microbial properties that reduce allergens, retards fire, and is a natural insect repellant in the home. Depending on the quality, cork floors last between 10-30 years.
- Bamboo Floor
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, becoming fully mature in just three to five years. No concern for a shortage of supplies any time soon! Interior designers have recently incorporated this durable material into textiles such as rugs, window treatments and floors. Due to its varied grains, bamboo comes in a wide array of colors, allowing for rare customization for a flooring option.
- Jute
Made from an affordable vegetable fiber grown in the subtropical portion of the Asian subcontinent, jute is a popular natural fiber carpet option. Available in a variety of colors and textures, jute is one of the softest and most inexpensive natural fiber carpet options. Although, it is best utilized in low traffic areas due to its soft nature. It has proven to be a truly unique and versatile flooring option for green homes.
If you are considering an energy-efficient ‘green’ home renovation or remodel, call Marrokal Design for a free consultation. Marrokal Design has a team of award winning Green Certified design consultants focused on building a home to match your lifestyle. Our specialists collaborate to provide quality green remodel design with recycled materials and utilizing systems and appliances that use less energy. Call today!
