Ecological responsibility has started to play a big role in the options homeowners make when furnishing, flooring, or building homes now more than ever. After all, the benefits usually go beyond the environment.
Creating a greener home can actually save money long term. That’s why most eco-friendly basement flooring options last for years without the need for maintenance.
If you are in the market for green flooring for your basement, you will want a floor that can stand up to challenges of below-grade installation like humidity and flooding.
In this piece, we will consider the recommended basement floors whilst respecting our environment. Continue reading!
1. Concrete
Concrete is the most natural option since houses are normally built on top of large concrete slabs – the foundation.
While it isn’t the most appealing flooring option in its untreated and natural state, you can change its color or stain it if you want. There are also a number of designs and polishing options that can make it look incredibly amazing in below-grade spaces or environments.
The best thing about using this basement flooring option is that no extra materials will be needed. You might be required to use chemicals in order to change the floor’s appearance; however, no additional flooring materials will be needed.
2. Natural rubber
Natural rubber is made from the rubber tree sap and is an entirely renewable source, which makes a waterproof, highly durable flooring that is excellent for basements.
Consider recycled rubber because it is more eco-friendly – it is created from tiles of an old vehicle that are normally pulled out of a landfill and given life again. It also shares moisture resistance, mold resistance, and durability, which rubber has.
3. Natural stone
Natural stone is a variety of materials that are durable, solid, and extremely hard. They are absorbent as well, therefore, vulnerable to all the dangers that a basement can present. If you want to overcome any danger completely, consider placing a water barrier underneath the natural stone, and sealing regularly.
4. Ceramic tile
If you prefer a floor that will look more appealing out of the box or do not want cement, then consider a ceramic & porcelain tile floor. Ceramic floors are mainly made from sediments and clay. The best thing about these floors is that they can be broken back down into their natural state after use. As a result, ceramic tiles are also eco-friendly options for basements.
In its raw state, it is very absorbent, and that is why you will find ceramics with a top protective glaze, which ensures the grout between remains sealed, protecting it from stains and moisture.
5. Brick
Bricks are made mostly from natural sediments and clay fired and baked to offer a weather-resistant and hardy surface. At first glance, it shares a number of properties with ceramics.
Sadly, bricks have issues with absorbency, and so it can be a hotbed or breeding ground for mold in a basement. As a result, brick floors aren’t the best choice unless you are dealing with a dry basement. You can, however, drastically enhance its water-resistant by placing a water barrier layer that should be sandwiched between the brick floor and the concrete foundation.
6. Cork
Cork is seen mostly on wine bottles, or on walls. It is new to the market and harvested from the cork oak tree bark commonly found in the Mediterranean forests. Keep in mind that trees aren’t cut down to harvest the bark, and it grows back every two to three years, which makes it a perfectly renewable source.
Cork has anti-microbial properties, which decrease allergens in the home, easy to maintain, acts as an insect repellent, and is fire retardant as well. Cork can be finished just like wood in a variety of stains and paints to suit any design style any color scheme. These floors are also durable (can last between 10 to 30 years) and can be used in all parts of the house.
7. Bamboo flooring
Bamboo is typically the king of eco-friendly designs and building materials. Even though bamboo bears physical similarities to those hardwoods, it is a tropical grass. While hardwoods can take 20 to 125 years to mature, bamboo takes roughly 3 to 5 years.
Bamboo is incredibly easy to install, easy to maintain, and durable.
Just like plastic decking boards or wood decking boards, they are extremely light and always available in several hues, which will work in any décor and settings. Its array of colors and varied grains give bamboo an edge over other traditional flooring options by allowing for customization not frequently found elsewhere.
8. Glass tiles
Did you know that beer bottles and wine bottles shipped to be recycled are normally converted into attractive glass tiles? The renewable source is quickly becoming an amazing option for kitchen walls, bathrooms, and floors – it has similar benefits to all the other green materials.
Glass tiles are non-absorptive and will not mold or mildew in a damp environment. It won’t stain, is easy to maintain, and comes in a wide array of patterns, finishes, and colors fit for any design scheme. Glass also reflects light adding an extra layer of light in a room.
9. Linoleum
Linoleum is made from a concoction of cork dust, linseed oil, ground limestone, pigments, wood flour, and tree resins. Just like cork, linoleum is water-resistant and fire retardant. It isn’t new in the flooring world; it was replaced by PVC-based products like plastic decking boards.
Designers and architects started to ask for it, and linoleum reemerged with a new sealer that protects it from stain and an array of vibrant colors. This flooring option will also hold up to a lot of tear and water.
10. Leather
This surprising material can also be used as an environmental-friendly flooring option. Leather is derived from the thicker, centermost of a cowhide – it is different from leather pieces used to create things like handbags, wallets, and belts.
The warm and soft feel of this material makes it ideal for closets, small areas with foot traffic, and bedrooms. Unfortunately, it isn’t the best material for moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Leather is highly durable and scratched, aged, worn leather usually develops a great personality and can be good to look at for decades to come.
Conclusion
There are many eco-friendly basement flooring options in the market. If you want a wood-look option, you cannot install hardwood floors in the basement, but there many other options that will look as sleek like wood decking boards.
