Thinking about new flooring, but don’t know where to start? Check out our suggestions for 5 super sustainable, eco-friendly flooring materials for your home.

I think we can all agree that less is more when it comes to post-consumer waste. And the types of materials we choose during our endeavors are equally as important. Fortunately, we have several viable options for you to keep in mind when planning your next flooring project.

Whether it’s a natural, earthy look you’re trying to achieve, or a sophisticated and polished appearance, there’s sure to be something that fits your décor and your lifestyle – children and pets included.

1, Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Obtained from a variety of sources, reclaimed wood is as unique as the location from which it comes. Some may come from structural beams and timbers of old warehouses and factories, while other reclaimed floor materials are salvaged from tongue and groove planks that were also once used as flooring (similar to the flooring depicted in the image above from Eco Friendly Flooring). Reclaimed wood spares the destruction of perfectly good forests, is durable, and beautiful.

Never fear, if you’re not into the reclaimed look, then check out wood flooring that’s sustainably harvested and is Forest Stewardship Council certified instead.

2. Cork Flooring

When harvested correctly, cork flooring is created by peeling away the bark every 9 to 12 years while keeping the tree alive, rather than sacrificing it. Cork naturally absorbs sound, thanks to its millions of air-filled pockets, and feels soft beneath your feet.

It’s dent resistant, although it does have the propensity to show scratches, and is much more durable than many might believe. Cork trees are thought to store carbon in order to regenerate their bark, and the less they are harvested the more the carbon they absorb.

The particular cork flooring shown above from Duro Design is actually composed of 100 percent post-industrial recycled content from wine-stopper production.

3. Bamboo Flooring

Not all bamboo flooring is created equal. It’s important to trust the manufacturer’s claims before purchasing, but once you’re sure of that, then you should have no problem enjoying the benefits and beauty of bamboo flooring, especially when choosing a company like Green Building Supply. Bamboo is said to be strongest when it has reached the 5 to 7 year maturity mark and is lauded for its rapid regrowth, unlike traditional forests that take years upon years to reach maturity.

Bamboo flooring is crafted from individual strands or strips that are glued together to form planks in a variety of colors and styles. Because some adhesives can be toxic, be sure the seller uses glue with no added urea formaldehyde or a water-based adhesive. Woven or strand-woven engineered bamboo is believed to be the most environmentally friendly and strongest of the three because it uses the least amount of glue and the blending of woods that goes into the engineering process.

4. Linoleum Flooring

Believe it or not, linoleum is a very sustainable choice in floor coverings. It’s made from linseed oil, which comes from the flax plant, along with resins, limestone, powdered cork, and recycled wood flour. Non-toxic color pigments are added and jute backing is used for sheet floors. Linoleum is comprised of approximately 36 percent of rapidly renewable materials and 35 percent recycled materials.

Linoleum can last for up to 40 years and is naturally anti-bacterial and biodegradable. The multitude of available colors permeates the material, therefore allowing you to buff out stains or scratches. Check out the marmoleum (linoleum) available on the Forbo website – it has a great selection and inspiration gallery.

5. Recycled Tile

Recycled clay, cement, and stone tiles, like those found on the Eco Friendly Flooring website, will add charm and character to any space. These are sourced from reclaimed glazed brick slices, recycled cement hexagons, and even upcycled roofing slates. This is a great option for a one-of-a-kind floor with a natural appeal that’s also good for the environment. Check out the recycled rubber tiles for a unique and colorful flair while you’re over there taking a peek.

Now that you’ve gotten the scoop on 5 great eco-friendly flooring materials for your home, we want to know what you think. Do you have a favorite pick from our list? What are some of your favorite eco-friendly flooring materials? Let us know when you stop by the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Chair on Wood Floor via Green Building Supply

The post 5 Eco-Friendly Flooring Materials for Your Home appeared first on EcoSalon.

Who knew remodeling with recycled tile could be so good for the environment AND the local economy? Apparently, Fireclay, a U.S.-based tile maker.

Tile is an incredibly versatile building material. Put it on the floor, the wall, or the counter-top, and you’ve got a durable surface that’s easy to clean. Like paint and wallpaper, however, tile can be boring if you’re not careful.

That’s why Fireclay, which specializes in recycled glass and ceramic tiles, recently launched the Color-It tool. With just a few clicks, you can choose from hundreds of unique Cuerda Seca-style patterns. (Cuerda Seca is a hand-painting technique used to simulate mosaic and cloisonné enamel effects in colored ceramic tiles that’s very popular in classic Spanish architecture).

Just like a color-by-number, the Color-It tool offers over 100 recycled tile designs available in 4×4 or 6×6 sizes. Choose from style families like Flowers, Geometrics, Knots, Crosses, Old California or Stars. Once you’ve found a pattern that delivers the mood you’re going for, it’s time to move onto color.

The Color-It tool offers more than 80 colors, enough to satisfy even the most unique color profile. Build your own color palette by clicking on colors of available gloss or matte paint, or choose from a series of convenient suggested palettes. Then, simply drag a hue from your palette into the large image of your tile to color it!

The great thing is, although you’re adding color to the large tile, every selection is automatically repeated in a grid of 16 smaller tiles off to the side. This allows you to get a feel for the overall effect of your color choices. There’s also an option for previewing a border configuration if that’s what you’re considering.

Once you’ve decided on a pattern and color you love, Fireclay uses a proprietary wax resist technique to print a black outline on their Debris Series Recycled Ceramic Tile, which features more than 70 percent recycled content sourced from within 50 miles of the factory. Once the pattern is printed, skilled California artisans hand glaze the colors of choice within the selected pattern. In just about four weeks, the one of a kind recycled tile  is shipped right to your door.

Images: Fireclay Tile

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