Eco-Flooring
When it comes to building or renewing your flooring, it’s important to consider the
amount of foot traffic each area of the house needs to withstand, if you have young
children, pets or people with health conditions like asthma and how easy the surfaces
will be to clean and maintain. These days, with so many options available, it’s easy to
find the right flooring solution for your home and still remain eco-friendly.
TIMBER
Whether it’s hardwood, softwood, salvaged, reclaimed or plantation grown, timber
should be FSC certified, meaning that it has been harvested legally, under strict
environmental and social conditions.
Using solid timber adds natural beauty, warmth and can reduce the number of toxins
within the home - depending on how it is finished. Use natural waxes and oils to
prevent off-gassing toxins.
Timber comes in new softwood and hardwood planks, tongue and groove boards,
reclaimed timber planks and parquet.
Wood is biodegradable and can be recycled. Sustainable timber types include
Rubberwood from old Rubber Trees, New Guinea Teak, FSC-plantation Eucalypt and
FSC or Ecotimber Taun (a type of large hardwood). Timbers to avoid include Burmese
Teak, African Mahogany, Merbau, Ramin and Meranti.
Be Aware - timber is prone to scratches and dents, although these can be sanded
out. Some engineered timber may be acceptable as long as you check the source of
materials and manufacturing so you can be certain toxins like formaldehyde resin
glue was not used.
BAMBOO
Bamboo is growing in popularity as a flooring option. It shares similar characteristics
to hardwood even though it is a grass. Bamboo takes about 3 to 5 years to mature
making it an easily renewable resource, with no need for pesticides. It is cheaper
than hardwood but just as durable plus it’s easy to install and maintain. It’s varied
grains and colours allow for many decorating options.
Be Aware - some bamboo floors are less sustainable than others as they contain
toxic formaldehyde, rather than natural-based adhesives. Check what stains and
finishes have been applied. Also, consider the source - bamboo from Asia will have
a higher embodied energy than locally sourced bamboo or timber.
CORK
Cork is not just for wine bottles, it’s also a great material for flooring and furniture.
Cork is cut from the bark of the cork oak tree which grows in about 8 to 10 years,
making it an ideal renewable source. Cork has a closed cell honeycomb-like structure
making it warm to touch. It’s naturally anti-microbial, fire retardant, durable and
easy to maintain. Available in square tiles and click-together planks.
Be Aware - as with all materials, watch out for toxicity in finishes. Cork should not
be used for wet areas.
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