More and more homeowners are now prioritizing sustainability and the environment. Eco-friendly flooring products can help you reduce your carbon footprint and extend the life of your house. It can also add to your house’s value in the long run. If you’re looking for environmentally friendly options to create a more natural home, feel free to use this blog as your guide! Here are the 5 most popular eco-friendly flooring materials for bathrooms:
1. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a great option for wood – it’s durable, easy to install, and manage. Bamboo is a renewable resource that can be harvested environmentally friendly.
You may be wondering the difference between hardwood trees and bamboo trees. Bamboo trees grow incredibly fast, especially compared to hardwood trees. This makes it a perfect alternative to hardwood flooring.
Other advantages of bamboo flooring include:
- Versatility design: Bamboo can come in different grains, textures, and colours.
- Aesthetics: Great appearance that will work with almost every style.
2. Cork Flooring
Cork is a great option for eco-friendly flooring. It has natural anti-bacterial properties that can prevent dirt and germs.
Traditionally used in wine bottles, this material is on the rise in home renovation. Cork has the ability to repel allergens, making it perfect for regulating the air quality. Cork comes from the oak tree, making it a renewable source.
Other benefits of cork flooring include:
- Durability: Depending on the quality and maintenance of cork, it can last up to 30 years.
- Fire retardant: Cork is a safe material to use not only for bathrooms but for kitchens too.
3. Linoleum Flooring
Not to be confused with vinyl flooring – which is a synthetic material, linoleum flooring can be a great option for eco-friendly flooring. It’s made with renewable and biodegradable materials. Just like cork flooring, it’s fire-resistant which makes it a safe choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Another benefit to linoleum flooring is that it has a long shelf life. It’s durable against wear and tear, and that’s why it’s favoured by many contractors.
Other benefits of linoleum flooring include:
- Versatility design: Linoleum can come in different textures and colours.
- Easy to clean and maintain: It’s a waterproof material that doesn’t hold up so much dirt.
4. Terrazzo Flooring
Highly durable, terrazzo is a mix of glass, marble, and quartz. It has a relatively smaller footprint considering it’s made using scraps of other materials.
Terrazzo flooring is known to be a bit pricey, but sustainable. If you’re looking for a material that can increase the value of your house while being environmentally friendly, go with terrazzo!
Other benefits of terrazzo flooring include:
- Durability: Terrazzo is almost indestructible. It’s a high-quality material that can withstand years of wear and tear.
- Versatility design: Its beautiful shades and shiny finish make it a top choice for luxury flooring.
5. Recycled Glass Flooring
Last but not least, we have recycled glass flooring. Recycled materials are always great options for an environmentally friendly bathroom. Whether recycled glass or hardwood, old materials help reduce our carbon footprint.
Glass tiles are perfect for elevating the look of your bathroom. They can come in different sizes and colours. Once it reaches its lifespan, they’re easy to recycle again.
Glass can also be used as a backsplash. They are quite slippery, so you may want to avoid using glass in your shower. You may consider getting a non-slippery coating, but we don’t recommend glass to be used in wet environments.
Contact Opal Baths & Design to Discuss More Eco-Friendly Product Options
If you need a bathroom remodel in Oakville, Burlington, and beyond, contact us! Opal Baths & Design has over 70 years of combined experience in bathroom design and renovations. We’ve completed thousands of bathroom remodel projects, and worked with different spaces. Whether big or small, we can come up with a highly functional bathroom design that meets your needs.
Let’s brainstorm your next big project together! Keep in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram. Read our Houzz reviews! Contact us today!
