Beyond Wood: Investigating Other Floors
Flooring is important in any room and it can be a great way to express yourself or make a statement.
There are many lifestyles where hardwood would not work. It’s expensive, scratches easily, and isn’t waterproof.
Sustainability and style have never had more possibilities than with alternative flooring materials. Let’s take a look at what we’ve got.
Sturdiness
Whenever someone is thinking about what kind of material to put on their floor, the first thing they should think about is durability; because lets face it- floors get used every single day whether you have pets running around with muddy paws or heavy furniture being dragged across them- they need to hold up against anything life throws at them!
The good news is that technology has made flooring more durable over time as we become more environmentally conscious about our choices too. So now there’s also this growing demand for eco-friendly options which are also visually appealing. One example would be HempWood; made from compressed hemp fibers mixed with FSC-certified plywood and soy adhesive – these planks are super strong but still give off those woodsy vibes thanks to an added photographic layer imitating traditional wood or stone floors.
Eco-friendliness
People are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of living sustainably, so it’s no surprise that eco-friendly homes have been popping up left right and centre recently – even when selecting what kind of flooring you want!
When harvested, certain types of wood can harm the environment through deforestation if they have to travel long distances before being cut down; this results in higher greenhouse gas emissions due to increased transportation energy consumption during these journeys which could otherwise be avoided by practicing sustainable forestry closer home. Using domestically sourced FSC certified hardwoods ensures ethical harvesting methods were used while reducing environmental impact associated with waterborne/oil modified urethane finish systems which release less VOCs into indoor air quality thereby conserving both water resources and energy; additionally recycled/reclaimed floors help reduce waste generation as well as utilization of otherwise wasted materials.
Beauty
Wooden floors are known for adding value to homes with research showing that houses featuring them tend to spend less time on sale while fetching higher prices than their carpeted counterparts. Whether you’re a homeowner or professional designer, nothing beats the look of real wood flooring – from intricate parquet designs to classic herringbone patterns, it’s a timeless favourite.
Why not switch things up by exploring different types of hardwoods or even going beyond traditional ideas altogether? There are plenty more beautiful options out there waiting for us such as eye-catching patterns made from exotic woods which can be combined with environmentally friendly features like using reclaimed timber sourced under FSC guidelines ensuring sustainable use while preventing further deforestation; so don’t worry- there is something for everyone!
Adaptability
If you want a house that is free from allergens, bacteria and smell then go for hard floors. This makes it perfect for people who have breathing problems or those looking to live greener lives such as sustainability.
Lighter colours of natural wood work well with any interior design style; whether old fashioned country cottage chic through sleek contemporary minimalism et al., they brighten up rooms by reflecting increased amounts of ambient light thus creating an illusion of expansiveness.
Customisation
A contemporary look can be achieved by using hardwood with wide planks to suit any room in your home; alternatively, more sophisticated designs may be employed such as herringbone or chevron patterns which give an air of exclusivity. Moreover, being able to sand and refinish it over the years does not only enhance its beauty but also adds character to this product. Additionally, enduring popularity serves as a testament of quality thus raising resale value by connecting houses with their storied pasts and skilled artisans.
Hardwood is versatile
The best thing about hardwood floors is that they are flexible enough – one can easily change her space into anything she wants just by doing a little bit of work on her boards. This means that with sandpaper and some paint you could make your sitting room appear warm or cool simply by altering the colour tone used during finishing stage.
Cork flooring is cheaper than timber yet it still gives an elegant finish while being sustainable too. Besides, cork’s ability to withstand moisture makes it suitable for recreational areas located below ground level like cellars.
Bamboo can be used as an alternative material for real wood because it grows quickly thereby saving trees; in addition, bamboo works well in different environments due to its various species varieties available worldwide although most tend towards light shades.