The topic of alternative flooring is a broad one. People have different ideas about what “alternative flooring” actually means. To some, it is simply unconventional materials, or materials not typically seen in flooring used in that way. To others, alternative flooring means “green”, renewable/sustainable, or eco-friendly materials. In this article, I will discuss a little of both, giving readers ideas and inspiration for various Linoleum Flooring Choices Made Easy Toutle WA 98649 alternative flooring materials that fall into either of those categories.

“Eco-Friendly” Types of Alternative Flooring

Cork– Yes, like in champagne bottles! Cork is made by removing the bark from Cork Oak trees without harming it. Since it doesn’t harm the tree if done correctly, and it will grow back, it is considered a sustainable resource. Cork floors can look beautiful, but buyers need to be aware Toutle WA 98649 of their unique qualities. It’s soft, heat-absorbent properties make it comfortable to walk on, it is also an excellent noise insulation. Since it is moisture absorbent, it is not suitable for bathrooms. Typically, it is low in VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions.

Recycled/Reclaimed– Reclaimed wood is wood that is not created by chopping down a tree, but “reclaimed” or reused from many different sources like Wood Effect Vinyl Flooring - An Affordable Alternative to Hardwood Toutle WA 98649 old barns or warehouses, train boxcars, or even logs found in rivers. Floors made from this wood can be very beautiful, and is ideal for someone who wants floors that look a little aged, or even rustic.

Linoleum-Linoleum, which many people confuse with sheet vinyl, is probably my favorite alternative flooring products. However, they are 2 very different products in terms of how and what Toutle WA 98649 they are made from. Unlike sheet vinyl, which is made from PVC, linoleum is 100% biodegradable and made from completely natural and renewable resources like tree resins and natural oils. The colors in linoleum, unlike sheet vinyl, don’t fade since the pigments are imbedded in the product, and not just applied to the top surface. It is also hypo-allergenic and anti-static, so it is Toutle WA 98649 an ideal product for those with allergies. Also easy to clean and care for. Naturally fire resistant too! Who knew?

Bamboo-Many people don’t realize, but bamboo is not actually wood, but a very large grass. Because it is fast-growing and renewable, it has become one of the most popular types of alternative flooring. It is anti-bacterial, water-resistant, durable, and now even harder thanks to new Toutle WA 98649 manufacturing techniques. Bamboo is generally easy to install, usually coming in tongue-and-groove planks, and the price usually falls in between hardwood and laminate. However, check the product you are buying to make sure it was manufactured with natural-based adhesives!

Natural Carpet-Believe it or not, there is a huge variety of choices for sustainable carpets. These include carpets made from wool, cotton, sisal or jute.

Rubber– Genuine Toutle WA 98649 rubber flooring, made from the rubber tree is a natural, renewable product. Easy to install, it has some other desirable qualities including sound and vibration reduction, and anti-static. It is also easy to install, and is ideal for rooms like garages, laundry, mud rooms, utility, etc. Just make sure the product you are getting is genuine and not synthetic rubber, which is not a Toutle WA 98649 sustainable product.

“Unconventional” Types of Alternative Flooring

Plywood– In my article Plywood Flooring, A Very Creative, Affordable Option talk about using ordinary plywood as an alternative flooring. Cheap and versatile, it offers endless design possibilities.

Concrete– I am a huge fan of concrete as an alternative flooring, and it doesn’t always have to look cold and industrial. They can be polished and stained to virtually any hue, Toutle WA 98649 making them warm and inviting. Easy to care for, more economical than most floors, they have very high longevity. Offering endless design options like scoring, patterns, high gloss, and even faux finishes, they are a very versatile and creative choice of flooring.

So think out of the box! Alternative flooring doesn’t have to mean “expensive”, and many of these options cost the same, or even Toutle WA 98649 less than traditional flooring options.

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