Sustainable flooring options aren’t just environmentally responsible; they’re stylish too. From durable wood to modern LVT, there are eco-friendly flooring choices to match every budget.
The most eco-friendly flooring options are often made of FSC-certified wood and reclaimed materials. Other sustainable options include natural cork (harvested without cutting down the tree) and unsealed porcelain tile.
Sisal
Sisal is a popular flooring choice for homes that require durable, hardwearing floors. The tightly woven fibres are incredibly tough, meaning they can stand up to even the heaviest of traffic. The dense weave also means that the carpet doesn’t trap dust or allergens, making it perfect for allergy sufferers. In addition, the natural colours of sisal – which come in creams, sands and wheats – blend in with any decor while providing a more rustic, earthy look.
The natural fibres are also easy to maintain. Frequent vacuuming will keep your carpet looking clean and fresh, without the need for chemical cleaners. Sisal carpet is also a great option for high-traffic areas like living rooms with big sofas, dining rooms, and offices, as it can withstand heavy furniture and won’t display any indentations over time.
In addition, sisal is fire-resistant and helps to reduce the risk of home accidents. It is also hypoallergenic and doesn’t release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which makes it safer for homes with small children and pets.
Jute
Jute, along with sisal, is a popular choice for those looking for eco-friendly flooring that is sourced from renewable materials. These plant-based flooring options are incredibly durable and look fantastic with wood flooring. They are easy to clean and naturally moth and dust mite-resistant. This makes them a great option for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
While jute is very hard-wearing, it is not quite as hard-wearing as sisal, and is better suited to areas that will see less traffic. It is also softer and more luxurious to the touch than sisal, and can often be seen in lighter wheat or golden hues.
It is the second most important vegetable fibre after cotton, and it has a wide range of uses. It can be spun into yarn and woven into fabrics such as hessian cloth, sacking, scrim, and carpet backing cloth (CBC). It is also used in the manufacture of rugs, area rugs, curtains, seat coverings, upholstered furniture, and linoleum flooring.
The jute plant is harvested when it is mature and then split into bundles. This is followed by a process called ‘retting’, where the bundles are submerged in water for around 3 weeks to allow the fibres to separate from the non-fibrous material. Once the process is complete, the fibres are stripped from the stem and skin of the plant and washed before being converted into a graded raw jute.
Linoleum
Linoleum is an eco-friendly flooring option that’s made from natural materials and has a long history of durability. It has a unique look that is both stylish and durable, and can fit into many design styles. It’s also warm and cozy underfoot, and is easier to maintain than hardwood floors.
It’s made from renewable resources such as linseed oil, pine resin, cork powder, and wood flour. These materials are recycled and biodegradable, making linoleum an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl floors. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t release harmful VOCs into the air.
You can find linoleum in either sheet or tile form. Both are durable and eco-friendly, but the sheet linoleum is better for the environment as it is less likely to leak. It can be glued to the floor or laid with a click-and-lock system that doesn’t require glue.
While linoleum often gets a bad rap for being outdated and ugly, it’s experiencing a revival in the modern world. It’s easy to clean, durable, and healthier for your family than synthetic products such as vinyl. If you have a home with original linoleum floors, consider restoring them rather than replacing them. This preserves character and reduces landfill waste while honoring your home’s materials story. It’s also more cost-effective than a full replacement. For those who prefer a more contemporary look, there are a variety of modern patterns and textures available to match any style.
Seagrass
Seagrasses are specialized flowering plants that grow in marine environments. They are similar to terrestrial grasses in their structure, and many species superficially resemble Poaceae (grass family). Seagrasses are important parts of coastal ecosystems, providing food and shelter for numerous animals. Their roots trap sediment and help prevent erosion, and their stolons transport nutrients to the surrounding waters. They are sometimes called “the lungs of the sea” because they release oxygen into the water through photosynthesis.
Seagrass carpets are a popular choice for homes that want to create a warm, natural, organic aesthetic. Whether installed wall-to-wall or as a floor covering, they are available in a wide variety of natural greens and browns to match any decor style. Seagrass is also known for its durability, holding up well against foot traffic and resisting dirt. This makes it a great option for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Another benefit of Seagrass is its lack of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which are released into the air by synthetic carpets. This helps to improve indoor air quality and is an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. As a bonus, seagrasses naturally introduce a mild, pleasant scent to the home, adding an added layer of comfort and luxury.