It’s no secret that hardwood floors look impressive and can increase your home’s resale value. However, are hardwood floors really worth the larger cost to the environment?
Hardwood trees can take upwards of twenty years or more to reach maturity. That means twenty years or more to recover each tree that is cut down to provide you with your flooring, and that’s without getting into just how many trees it takes to provide flooring for an entire home. If you’re looking for more sustainable options for the flooring in your home, here are a few options you may want to consider.
Bamboo: Just As Stylish, Easily Replenished
If you’re looking for a wood alternative that looks similar to hardwood but without the environmental impact, natural bamboo may be the best option for you. This durable material is actually a grass, rather than a wood. Because it’s an incredibly fast-growing material, bamboo replenishes itself much faster than traditional woods, making it a green option for your home.
Additionally, bamboo tends to be cheaper while still retaining a similar durability to wood floors. If you need floors that are able to take some serious punishment, consider natural bamboo.
Cork: Not Just For Wine
Cork can create an interesting, modern look for your living spaces, while also being another environmentally friendly option. The unique harvesting method for cork leaves the tree intact, making sure that no trees are cut down in the process of creating your flooring.
Cork is especially great for areas that require people to stand frequently, as it has several shock absorption properties that can make standing for long periods of time more bearable. This makes it an excellent flooring options for kitchens in particular.
Recycled Wood: One Person’s Trash…
If you still want traditional wood floors but want to reduce your overall environmental impact, see what options are available near you for recycled or unconventional wood. By reusing the material already used once before, you’re preventing the need for more trees to be cut down, reducing the environmental impact of your construction project. You can even use what you already have installed; it’s possible to refinish plywood subflooring to work as your new residential flooring.
Make sure that you keep your home safe and healthy during your renovation project and flooring updates. If you’re installing new flooring or painting your floor, go for an organic option and use VOC-free painting materials to keep you and your family safe and healthy. Which of these green flooring options is your favorite?
