If you have a basement that you wish to turn into a trendy living space, going green with the flooring could be your pick. There is a wide range of eco-flooring options for you to consider and choose. Before you begin shopping for your basement flooring, investigate your basement for any moisture related issues or any other basement related concerns. Also, ensure that the foundation and basement slabs are structurally sound. Many eco-friendly homeowners are investing time and effort to make basement space look stylish yet durable with various eco-friendly options available in the market. Here are some varieties you can choose for your basement flooring.
1. Linoleum
Linoleum is a low-cost vinyl flooring material that offers a number of colors, patterns, and textures to its consumer. You can add a pinch of style with this eco-friendly flooring to your basement. This plastic material is resistant to mold and is non-toxic. The installation of this biodegradable product is usually quick due to the length of the sheets. Linoleum flooring should be fitted over the top of multi-ply board to increase its durability and life span. This cost effective flooring material can help you contribute your share in saving the planet and yet offer modern and trendy basement flooring design options.
2. Reclaimed wood
If you are a hardwood floor lover and eco conscious too, reclaimed wood flooring is for you. Reclaimed wood flooring is long lasting, durable, and versatile. This form of wood flooring is manufactured from wood that has been reprocessed from the discarded wood. For instance, wood found in an old building or at your backyard. However, make sure that you do not use reclaimed wood flooring that has been treated with formaldehyde or other substances, which are high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Such substances are harmful to the environment and human health and defeat the purpose of using eco-friendly flooring options. You should ideally opt for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood flooring. Reclaimed FSC certified wood is usually made from reprocessed barn wood, antique oak, white pine, or maple.
3. Bamboo flooring
This environment friendly option is suitable for many basements. Manufacturers are focusing on bamboo flooring as it easily grows back after being harvested. It is available in various shades and textures and is easy to maintain. Offering a great finish, it can add a lot of value to your basement house. Unlike trees, bamboo culms emerge from the ground and grow to their full length in about three to four months in a single growing season. Bamboo can be easily cut and transformed into sheets and planks making it easier to be used for basement flooring. Bamboo flooring is dense, durable, and long lasting.
4. Cork flooring
Cork is an attractive environment friendly alternative to hardwood carpeting. If you want some comfort, then cork flooring should be your choice. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak. Cork is usually sustainable and harvested in a way that does not damage the tree. Due to its shock absorbing properties, cork flooring is beneficial for basement flooring. It is fire resistant, mold resilient and anti-allergenic. Though little expensive, you should always buy cork flooring that has not been treated with formaldehyde to avoid promotion of any substances that harm the nature. Cork flooring also provides sound proofing facility to the basement and is one of few insulated flooring options.
5. Rammed earth
Rammed earth flooring offers great environmental benefits. Rammed earth floors are easy to clean and require low maintenance. Rammed earth flooring is a low cost option, which uses local materials where the dirt is mixed with water and stabilizing agents and rammed until it is hard. Rammed earth flooring is softer than concrete and can be easily repaired in case of any damage. It is durable and requires little energy to produce. It produces minimal construction waste and is a great way to add thermal mass to your home, which helps in reducing heating and cooling bills.
6. Recycled tile flooring
Recycled tile flooring is certainly the best option for basements. It offers its consumers a variety of colors, forms, and sizes. It is durable and long lasting. Recycled tile flooring can help you maintain a sophisticated yet a trendy look in your basement. Recycled tile flooring reflects light, which can help brighten your basement area. It is moisture and stain resistant, offering easy maintenance. Recycled tile flooring is a great way to reduce environmental impact and protect your family’s health without sacrificing beauty or durability.
