Who said that classic wooden or ceramic tiles are the only options for flooring? Allow us to introduce you to unique, exciting, and sustainable alternatives to conventional flooring techniques. For information ranging from the characteristics of non-traditional flooring types to the significance of eco-friendly options, we have you covered.

Exploring the New Age Flooring Options

More homeowners are exploring sustainable flooring alternatives to traditional materials like carpet, tile, and vinyl. Eco-friendly options like cork, bamboo, and leather can provide many benefits. Considering alternatives like these natural materials allows homeowners to reduce their environmental impact.

The production of cork, bamboo, and leather generally uses less energy and water compared to manufacturing synthetic flooring. Choosing these renewable or recycled materials helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. Homeowners concerned about health can also appreciate that many alternative flooring options don't emit harmful VOCs. Exploring greener options can allow homeowners to make an ethical, eco-conscious choice for their homes.

Cork Flooring

Appearance

Cork flooring comes in a variety of natural tan and brown shades that give a warm, earthy look to a room. It is available in tiles or planks that can be arranged to create different patterns. Cork has a distinctive texture with slight variations in color that add visual interest. It often has small pores scattered across its surface. Cork flooring can be stained or finished to produce different shades from light to dark. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone. Overall, cork flooring offers an organic, natural aesthetic with subtle patterns and texture.

Durability of Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is known for its durability and resilience. The cellular structure of cork makes it able to withstand compression and bounce back to its original shape without damage. Cork is also naturally water-resistant and anti-microbial. Cork flooring can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. It is resistant to wear from foot traffic, indentation, and scratching. Cork does not fade or discolor from sunlight over time. With routine cleaning and recoating of the protective finish, cork floors can maintain their beauty and performance for many years. The natural durability and longevity of cork make it a wise choice for long-lasting flooring.

Cost & Investment

Cork flooring can be a more expensive flooring option compared to materials like laminate or vinyl. However, it offers some advantages that can make the extra cost worthwhile. Cork is a natural and renewable material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. This makes it an eco-friendly flooring choice. Cork also provides natural sound and heat insulation. It is comfortable to walk on and has a unique visual texture. The cost of cork flooring can vary based on the quality of the material and thickness of the planks.

Overall, cork flooring provides a natural, attractive look that can justify a higher price point for many homeowners. Evaluating factors like durability, longevity, and environmental impact along with budget can help determine if cork is the right investment.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo: Give A Natural Feel to Your Decor

Bamboo flooring comes in several different looks and styles. The most common is horizontal bamboo flooring, which has planks laid out horizontally to create a look similar to traditional hardwood floors. Strand woven bamboo flooring is made by compressing strands of bamboo together. This creates a unique look with visible bamboo fragments throughout the planks. Bamboo floors also come in different plank widths, thicknesses, and lengths. Wider planks create a more dramatic look, while narrow planks give a more traditional appearance. Many bamboo floors have a light tan or caramel coloring that creates a warm, natural aesthetic.

Sustainability Factor  

One of the biggest benefits of bamboo floors is their sustainability. Bamboo is a very renewable resource since it grows rapidly and matures in just a few years. Bamboo plantations can be replenished faster than hardwood forests. Bamboo also has a lower environmental impact than wood floors. It requires fewer resources like water, pesticides, and fertilizer to grow and harvest. Bamboo is biodegradable and can be easily recycled. Overall, bamboo is considered a green, eco-friendly flooring choice.

Durability and Maintenance

Properly manufactured bamboo flooring is very durable and long-lasting. It holds up well to foot traffic and can last decades with proper care. Bamboo scores very high on hardness tests compared to many woods. It is naturally resistant to moisture. However, bamboo floors do require some regular maintenance. Sweeping and vacuuming is important to remove grit that can scratch the floors. The floors should also be mopped occasionally with the proper cleaners. Bamboo floors are susceptible to dents and water damage, so care should be taken to avoid these issues. But with proper maintenance, bamboo floors will remain beautiful for years.

Bamboo Flooring Cost Considerations

Bamboo flooring has a wide range of costs but is typically comparable to premium hardwood floors. Prices can range from $3-8 per square foot installed. Generally, stranded bamboo is the least expensive, while wide horizontal planks are more costly. The cost depends on factors like plank style, quality of manufacturing, and overall hardness of the bamboo species. Bamboo can be an eco-friendly flooring alternative to expensive exotic hardwoods. Bamboo prices have decreased in recent years as manufacturing techniques have improved. Ultimately, bamboo offers homeowners a durable and sustainable flooring option.

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Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum Flooring Patterns

Linoleum flooring comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles to fit any decor. You can choose solid colors, speckled designs, or graphic prints to match your style. Linoleum is available in both sheets and tiles, so you can get creative with patterns on your floor. The variety of options makes linoleum a versatile flooring choice.

Linoleum's Long Lifespan

One of the biggest benefits of linoleum floors is their long lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, linoleum can last upwards of 30 years. The durability comes from the materials used to make linoleum - namely linseed oil, pine resin, wood flour, and coloring. Thanks to its longevity, linoleum is a great value flooring option. You won't have to replace it nearly as often as other types of flooring.

Maintenance & Care

Linoleum is relatively low maintenance compared to many other flooring options. It doesn't require regular waxing or refinishing like wood flooring. Simple sweeping or mopping is sufficient for cleaning linoleum. Spills and dirt wipe up easily. You can also use linoleum in high-traffic areas because it stands up well to heavy use. The minimal upkeep makes linoleum floors simple to care for.

Cost Comparison

When it comes to price, linoleum is generally cheaper than other flooring like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile. The affordable cost makes it a budget-friendly option. While prices vary by quality, on average linoleum costs between $2-$6 per square foot installed. This compares favorably to materials like hardwood ($4-$12 per square foot installed) or natural stone ($5-$15 per square foot installed). With its lower price point, linoleum provides an attractive and durable floor for less.

Leather Flooring

Hide Types and Appearance

Leather flooring is made from animal hides, most commonly cowhide but sometimes goat, sheep, pig, kangaroo, or even fish skin. The look of the flooring depends on the type and grade of hide used. Full-grain leather has the most natural look, with some scars and marks visible. Top-grain leather has the outer layer sanded down for more consistency. Corrected grain leather is heavily processed and embossed with an artificial grain pattern. The most luxurious leather floors use large, uncut hides for a dramatic, rustic aesthetic.

Best Rooms to Install Leather Flooring

Leather flooring works best in rooms that do not get excessive moisture. Bedrooms, living rooms, studies, and dining rooms are ideal. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens should be avoided, as frequent water exposure can damage leather. Rooms with stable humidity levels around 45-55% are recommended. Frequent dramatic fluctuations in moisture should also be avoided with leather flooring.

Sensitivity to Moisture

While leather is not as moisture-sensitive as wood, it still requires some care when cleaning. Excessive water should be avoided, and spills should be wiped up quickly. A slightly damp mop is OK for cleaning leather floors, but not soaked. Special leather floor cleaners are recommended over multipurpose cleaners. Do not use steam mops on leather floors. The high heat and moisture can damage the material.

The Cost of Leather Flooring

Leather flooring is one of the most expensive flooring options, typically ranging from $6-15 per square foot installed. The specific type of leather and quality of construction significantly affect the cost. Hand-scraped, full-grain leather floors are on the high end, while corrected-grain leather tiles are more affordable. The look and feel of real leather come at a premium price, but many homeowners find the natural beauty and luxury worth the investment. Proper care can help leather floors last for decades.

Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Home

There are several eco-friendly and durable flooring alternatives to traditional materials like carpet and vinyl. Overall, both consumers and the environment can benefit from choosing an earth-friendly flooring option that will stand the test of time. When selecting new floors, it pays to look beyond just carpet and vinyl to the many greener alternatives now available.

At The High Performance Home, we specialize in innovative and long-lasting home design and construction. We can provide advice and other services for alternative flooring options that will have your home looking amazing. Contact us today to find the best flooring solution for your new build or remodel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How durable are alternative flooring options?

Materials like cork, bamboo, and linoleum are quite durable for residential use. Leather has a shorter lifespan. The lifetime and durability of any flooring depends on the quality of materials used and proper installation, care, and maintenance over time. Consulting flooring specialists can help choose an option suitable for each home's needs.

Does alternative flooring add resale value?

Some eco-friendly flooring may appeal to buyers. But higher-end wood tile increases value more. Evaluate costs vs. ROI.

How long does alternative flooring last?

Cork and bamboo lasts 15-25 years. Linoleum lasts up to 40 years. Leather flooring typically lasts 5-15 years.