Green can be Beautiful

Gone are the days of going second-hand or patching up scraps to be environmentally conscious about your flooring. Going green is easier than ever! When going green with your flooring there are a few things to consider.

First you’ll want to consider the product’s VOC level. Volatile Organic Compounds are organic chemicals found in many household products and building materials, some of which can have adverse health effects. Modern flooring manufactured with low VOCs is more of a norm than an exception. The Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Program has established a rating system that sets standards for low VOCs.

Second to consider is whether the product is a renewable and sustainable resource. Hardwood floors are a natural, renewable resource. Green hardwood companies usually have a strict program in place for replacing the natural resources and a refined manufacturing process. Bamboo is an example of a natural wood that is quickly renewable because it takes only a short while to grow.

Linoleum

Linoleum is one of the most environmentally responsible flooring materials a home buyer can request. Made from resin (tree sap), wood flour (reclaimed from lumber mills), cork flour (from sustainable cork tree bark), and linseed oil (pressed from flax plants), linoleum can satisfy almost all of the requirements a builder might have for green products. Because of the organic nature of the ingredients, linoleum will biodegrade in landfills without off-gassing, or it can be burned in power-generating furnaces. Innovative styles in linoleum have also made installation easier.

Carpet

Recycled content carpets are the most environmentally responsible options when going green. DW Interiors recycles all carpeting and padding so that nothing is contributed to the landfill.

Wood

Hardwood floors are a renewable resource, won’t trap allergens, and are manufactured without adding any harmful chemicals.

Bamboo

Bamboo is an increasingly popular green flooring product. Sustainably harvested bamboo manufactured in a certified factory is a beautiful, durable, and environmentally friendly option.

Tile

Recycled tile is more common than ever. Many manufacturers have environmentally friendly facilities that use pre and post consumer material. Radiant floor heating is an energy efficient way to warm your floors.

Cork

Cork flooring is resilient and water resistant. It is made from the bark of the cork tree which is peeled off without destroying the tree.

Whether pursuing a certification from LEED or your local green building association, going green and being selective with materials can offer builders many benefits. With the choices in flooring on the market today, taking the environmentally friendly route has never been easier.

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Buyer’s Guide to Green Floor Materials