From Guest Blogger Christopher Austin: Expert Tips to Make Your Flooring Attractive and Environmentally Friendly

Choosing the right flooring in your home is one of the most important decisions you can make.  In certain areas it will need to be hardwearing, whilst in bathrooms it will need to be moisture resistant. Some flooring is warm to your feet but more inclined to trap dirt whilst other flooring is cold but easy to keep clean. Whichever type of flooring you choose you will want it to appear attractive as well as function. You may also want to consider flooring which is environmentally friendly:

Bamboo

Bamboo is a sustainable material; it grows very rapidly and when harvested the roots are left undamaged; this means, that within two or three years it can re-grow to the same size as it was at the time of harvest. Perhaps one of its greatest attributes is that it does not need any pesticides or fertilizers to help it to grow.

It can be laid in the same way as hardwood flooring; it is hardwearing and moisture resistant.  It also looks fantastic. Not only is it better for the environment than other flooring methods as it grows so quickly, it will also produce more oxygen than a group of trees. It is essential to purchase a good quality floor so that you will not suffer scuff marks and unwanted damage.

Linoleum

This material was first invented in approximately 1870 and is now becoming very popular again. This is due, partly, to the fact that it is an environmentally friendly product.  It is made from linseed oil, pine resin, wood flour and has a jute backing. Linoleum is very tough, durable flooring and has become a firm favorite within new commercial buildings; it is also starting to become popular within residential homes.

It can be purchased in a huge variety of styles and is exceptionally easy to lay. It can be purchased straight off the roll or t can be bought as tiles, roughly one foot square. The product is completely environmentally friendly and has a lifespan of approximately forty years! It is idea for use in kitchens and bathrooms as it is waterproof and unlikely to stain as any spillages can be wiped off immediately.

It is essential to choose the right flooring as the cheaper alternatives are not usually made from environmentally friendly materials and may not last as well. At the end of its life it will biodegrade completely.

Cork

Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree. The tree is not harmed during harvesting and the bark will re-grow within a few years. This makes it sustainable and beneficial to the environment. This material is also incredibly durable and is warm to your feet; it effectively provides a layer of insulation as well as a good looking floor. It creates a rustic charm in your house and helps to support the cork industry.

Reclaimed hardwood

There are many buildings which have to be dismantled for a variety of reasons and the wood inside these buildings is often still of excellent quality. These buildings are usually removed by professional firms who will take the boards to a reclaimed wood specialist. They are then planed, smoothed, the nails removed and kiln dried. This ensures they are ready to be used again.

You can then purchase these boards for your projects around your home. You may wish to build furniture from them but the most common use is to create a hardwood floor. Ideally you should use planks of different widths; this will ensure a natural looking effect and add to the charm of your finished floor. It is an environmentally friendly option and creates a beautiful, durable and rustic floor.

Not everyone can afford to invest thousands in marble flooring. Also, some people care more for the environment than others. If you’d like to make a change and go green, then you’d better start with your home’s flooring. The options are endless. From commercial rubber flooring options to floors made of cork, bamboo and reclaimed wood, you should find be able to find the materials that best complements your style and budget. Don’t compromise on quality though. Just because eco-friendly materials are more convenient, it doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Buy the material from trusted merchants.