There’s no denying the beauty and warmth of wood floors. But if you can’t shake the guilty feeling from participating in the process of decades-old trees being turned to timber, then consider some more sustainable sources for wood flooring. Eco-friendliness doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.
Cork Tiles and Panels
If you thought cork was only meant for sealing wine bottles, you might reconsider once you set foot on a cork floor. This sustainable flooring material is as cush as carpet, and the harvesting method doesn’t cause damage to the cork tree. The bark regenerates within a few years time and it can be harvested again.
Cork floors from expanko.com
Not all cork floors look like the typical pattern that you imagine; cork flooring is available in a range of textures and stains, from pale beige to espresso brown. Cork flooring may be purchased in tile or panel format, allowing for the installation of a variety of patterns. Ultra sound-absorbent and fire-resistant, cork is a surprisingly durable flooring choice.
Bamboo Floors
Another renewable resource that translates to attractive flooring is bamboo. Technically a grass, bamboo stalks mature within seven years, at which point they can be harvested and split into strips. These strips are glued together in various arrangements to form planks that look much like traditional wood flooring planks. Two grain types are available, vertical and horizontal.
Bamboo floors from duro-design.com
Bamboo flooring is moisture resistant and can be installed in kitchens and baths, as well as bedrooms and living spaces. It is becoming more widely available and affordable, and it is easy to maintain. Bamboo planks may be stained any shade, so it can resemble species of hardwoods if you aren’t in love with its natural light beige finish.
FSC Certified Wood Flooring
Cork and bamboo flooring is great in theory, but if it’s not your style and you can’t do without traditional oak or maple hardwood floors, then look for planks that feature the FSC logo. The Forest Stewardship Council promotes responsible forestry and provides a certification system for wood products that tracks their “chain of custody” to ensure buyers that products were manufactured with the environment in mind. Look for the label that features a check mark, and when in doubt, confirm with the FSC’s database. FSC certified wood flooring products may be purchased at your local home improvement store, though you can expect to pay a little more than you would for a non-certified product. But you are at least buying some peace of mind.
Reclaimed Wood Planks
When a building is demolished, it’s a real waste to throw away still-useful wood planks and lumber. Architectural salvage yards provide these materials with a second life. In many cases, older actually means better, or at least more interesting. To add character to your new home, purchase reclaimed wood planks from an old barn or church. It certainly makes for interesting conversation at your next cocktail party.
Reclaimed wood floors from elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com
So, as you can see, there are many flooring options that are easy on the environment without making you feel as if you’ve “settled.” In fact, sustainable flooring products provide inspiring design options that contribute texture and richness to your new home or remodel.
Article by Murrye Bernard LEED AP
Murrye Bernard holds a Bachelor of Architecture, is a LEED Accredited Professional and has worked in architecture firms on a range of building types. She left the drafting board, or rather CAD station, to pursue her true passion: writing—about architecture. A native of the South, Murrye’s perception of space, color and texture was undoubtedly shaped by the humid backdrop of cotton fields and deteriorating downtowns. Now she calls the Brooklyn waterfront home. Her work has been published extensively on the web and in print, including Architectural Record, Eco-Structure and Architectural Lighting.
has written 23 awesome articles for Alluminare.
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