Three Popular Eco-Friendly Flooring Options

Toxic materials or alternatives with a high amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can wreak havoc on the air quality in both your building and the factory where they were made.

FREMONT, CA: You should know exactly what to look for in an eco-friendly alternative before choosing the correct floor for your house, business, or project. To begin, think about the materials used to create the flooring. Next, consider how long your flooring will last. Even if a floor is made of natural materials, it can cause problems if you have to rip it up and discard it after only a few years—especially if it isn't biodegradable. Floors that last a long time are considerably better for the environment.

Finally, think about how harmful your floor is. Materials such as adhesives and finishes fall under this category. Choose cleaner choices with low VOC levels to safeguard both your health and the environment. Here are four eco-friendly flooring options:

Cork

Cork has long been used for bulletin boards and wine bottles. However, the material is becoming more popular in the flooring industry. Cork is made from the cork oak tree bark, which means the trees don't fall over. The bark itself regenerates every three years, making it a highly renewable resource. If that isn't enough, some cork floors are made from wine bottle corks that have been repurposed. In addition to being an extremely environmentally friendly material, cork floors naturally repel mould, mites, and other allergens, making them ideal for maintaining indoor air quality.