The Allure of Great Flooring

Creating a sustainable home is an increasingly important consideration for Australian homeowners. A sustainable home is one that limits its impact on the environment through energy consumption and the use of resources. If you're renovating your home, then making sure that any modifications and improvements you make increase your home's sustainability is vital.

Flooring is a major component of most home renovation projects and your choice of material can have a big impact on the green credentials of your home. Here are three beautiful, stylish and sustainable materials that you might like to consider.

1. Timber flooring

Timber flooring is a timeless and naturally beautiful option that has broad appeal. It's also a very sustainable material that is made from a completely renewable resource that's also able to be recycled. Timber also has the double benefit of removing and storing harmful carbon monoxide from the environment.

To further increase the sustainability of your timber floors, you can use recycled timber. If you opt for new timber, make sure that the timber is sourced from a plantation and not old growth forests. Opting for a locally grown and milled timber also cuts down on the environmental impact of your home.

2. Bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new material on the market but it's becoming an increasingly popular choice in sustainable design. Bamboo is a rapid growth plant that is renewable and requires very little energy output to produce.

Bamboo is an excellent and cost-effective alternative to timber. It has a tough and durable surface that requires little maintenance. It also comes in a wide range of colours to suit your personal tastes and the decorative style of your home.

3. Cork flooring

Cork flooring was a commonly used flooring option back in the '60s and '70s before falling out of style. It's enjoying a return to popularity recently, with the emergence of a new range of stunning and modern cork flooring options now n the market. It now comes in an array of attractive colours, ranging from pale creams to rich, dark browns.

Cork is a completely natural material that forms the outer shell of the cork tree. The cork is stripped off in layers which the tree then regenerates. This makes it a highly sustainable and renewable product. Cork has the warmth and beauty of timber but provides a softer and quieter floor that appeals to many people.