How to pick eco-friendly kitchen floors
Published: August 15, 2019
During kitchen remodeling projects, we hear a lot of different reasons why people want “go green” with their flooring selection. Choosing eco-friendly has become more than just a fad.
For some customers, it’s an extension of their environmentally conscientious lifestyle. Others feel it’s their patriotic duty to consume less energy so that the U.S. is less dependant on fossil fuels to heat their homes. Some opt for eco-friendly kitchen flooring because they love the look and durability. Health-focused folks love the fact that it absorbs carbon emissions and creates good indoor air quality.
Whatever your reason is for exploring eco-friendly kitchen flooring options, keep reading this post. We’ll help you get up to speed on which products will provide the best advantages for your kitchen flooring renovation.
Eco-friendly kitchen flooring options
The list of available flooring materials for eco-friendly kitchen floors used to be limited, but today’s manufacturers offer a wide range of long-lasting, beautiful products. The four most popular materials include:
- Glass, including sustainably produced porcelain tiles created from post-industrial recycled content (such as recycled household glass jars)
- Natural flooring, including flooring made from renewable resources like cork and bamboo
- Area rugs, including options made from wool and or recycled plastic bottles (P.E.T. Berber)
- Hardwood, including local, Forest Stewardship Council-certified, and reclaimed wood options
Glass
Looking for something with a slightly raised-relief feel? Wanting tile floors with a faux slate or wood appearance?
No matter what you need, manufacturers, like Shaw, now offer several collections that are eco-friendly and perfect for kitchens.
Glass tile works well in kitchens because they look good, are easy to maintain, and won’t scratch or stain. Splatters, spills, and splashes won’t cause you concerns when you choose eco-friendly glass tile flooring.
Learn about what to expect during the installation of new tile »
Natural flooring
Available in planks or tiles, natural flooring materials like cork and bamboo—when installed in a kitchen and treated with a proper sealing agent—are versatile, durable, and water- and moisture-resistant.
Area rugs
Most people choose not to carpet their entire kitchen because carpeting can stain, and it’s harder to keep clean. Many homeowners, who want some comfort and warmth underfoot, choose to add area rugs to their kitchens.
Area rugs are also an excellent way to protect hard surface kitchen flooring from dents while allowing you to add a pop of color and texture.
In terms of eco-friendly area rugs, there are a variety of options. Rugs made of wool and choices made from P.E.T Berber are great products if you want to incorporate more “green” flooring into your space.
Hardwood
Many homes over 100 years old still have their original floors because solid hardwood flooring, when properly taken care of, will last for generations.
If you’d prefer to go with a recycled hardwood product, reclaimed wood flooring planks are a great choice. They are sanded, refinished, and customized to your specifications.
Plus, reclaimed wood flooring comes with a naturally-aged look. Not bad for an eco-friendly flooring option that prevents waste!
One word of caution: When you have hardwood kitchen floors, you might not notice water damage before it penetrates and causes more significant problems. For instance, when water gets under the finish of your hardwood floors, it sometimes causes unattractive stains in the wood’s grain or causes buckling.
Which type of new flooring you pick for your kitchen is a crucial decision when you’re making plans for your dream home. Kermans is here to help with your kitchen flooring project from start to finish.
