Beyond Hardwood – Exploring Eco-friendly Flooring Alternatives
With a growing global focus on sustainability, exploring alternative flooring options is essential.
While many argue the long lifespan of natural hardwood flooring makes it more sustainable, hardwood timber plantations can take 30 to 50 years to grow to maturity. Then, there’s the issue that some timber products may have unknowingly come from illegally logged wood.
Thankfully, there are now gorgeous alternative non-wood flooring options for eco-conscious consumers.
Luxury vinyl flooring
For those after beautiful timber-style flooring, luxury vinyl flooring which embraces the feel of nature is a wonderful choice. Contemporary luxury vinyl flooring is stylish and durable, and there’s a huge selection to choose from, no matter your taste or budget.
Luxury vinyl floors comprise a number of compressed layers, making it highly robust, including:
- A scratch-resistant, protective top layer
- An image layer that includes the colour & texture/design
- A fibreglass layer
- Moisture-resistant backing
- Impact-resistant core
Generally, luxury vinyl planks are between 4.5mm and 5mm thick and are fully waterproof.
A little more expensive than other vinyl flooring options, luxury vinyl is in demand because it’s incredibly hardwearing. If well maintained, it will last decades and doesn’t require polishing or sanding.
In terms of cleaning, no chemicals are needed, just a gentle broom or vacuum and, occasionally, a damp mop.
Carpet
Carpet can be another great option for those looking for a durable, budget and eco-friendly flooring solution.
Did you know polyester and nylon carpets may actually be made from recycled materials, such as plastic? And, when they’ve reached the end of their life, they may be able to be recycled again.
Carpet’s also a great insulator, often leading to less energy usage, and has acoustic benefits.
After something stylish and snug? Polyester and nylon carpets are just as cosy and appealing as more conventional carpets.
Up close: Nylon
Nylon carpet is incredibly tough but feels soft to touch. Its synthetic polymer-based fibres are very strong, so it’s ideal for busy areas of the home.
It comes in an array of attractive colours, doesn’t crush easily, comes in both cut pile and loop styles, is highly fade, water, stain and soil-resistant, and is super affordable.
Nylon carpets also look good as new for a long time if cared for properly.
Up close: Polyester
Polyester is often made out of recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic. This is a key reason it’s seen as being environmentally friendly.
When it comes to performance, polyester carpet is fade and stain-resistant and non-allergenic.
It comes in a huge variety of colours and textures, and is usually more affordable than nylon or wool, while also being versatile and durable. Importantly, it’s still soft!
In a nutshell
If you’re in the market for fresh flooring solutions that also tick the sustainability box, drop in and chat to the expert team at Parrys today.
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