Cork is a relatively new flooring material. It is commonly seen on walls or in your favorite bottle of wine, but it is also an excellent flooring material. Cork is extracted from the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows in Mediterranean forests.
Fremont, CA: Once upon a time, the term "eco-friendly" conjured up images of boring, bland, and blah materials. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. As more designers seek out eco-friendly materials for their environmentally conscious clients, manufacturers have stepped up and provided the design world with a plethora of beautiful options to choose from. We've compiled a list of the most popular eco-flooring options, some of which are new, some of which are old, and a few of which will make you think.
Eco-friendly flooring options
Cork
Cork is a relatively new flooring material. It is commonly seen on walls or in your favourite bottle of wine, but it is also an excellent flooring material.
Cork is extracted from the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows in Mediterranean forests. The trees are not cut down to harvest the bark, which regenerates every three years, making it an excellent renewable resource. It has anti-microbial properties that reduce allergens in the home, is fire resistant, simple to maintain, and also acts as a natural insect repellent.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is another popular wood-like flooring option. It is actually grass with characteristics similar to hardwood. It is long-lasting, simple to maintain, and simple to install. Bamboo is a sustainable material made from natural vegetation that matures in three to five years, far less than the twenty years it takes trees.
Bamboo, while typically light in color, is available in a variety of hues that will complement any setting or decor. Its varied grains and wide range of colors give it a competitive advantage over traditional flooring by allowing for customization that is rarely found elsewhere.