Who knew you could help save the planet one floor at a time? As we move further into the world of smart homes and eco-friendly fit-outs, there are a number of ways to turn your humble abode into an environmentally conscious masterpiece. This is especially true when it comes to the various types of flooring available to homes across Australia. 

Opting for a sustainable solution not only leaves a smaller environmental footprint, it reduces your energy consumption. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s how to pick the right option for your home, and for Mother Nature.  

Think whole picture

Before you even start considering your flooring options, remember it’s not just the materials you choose that can have an environmental impact. Beyond the choice of timber, carpet, polished concrete, bamboo or otherwise, consider the energy required to install, repair and maintain your floor for decades to come.

While wood is a renewable and natural option, not all types of timber ticks the enviro boxes. Investigate which option may work for your home and do your research into where that wood is coming from. The Greenpeace Good Wood Guide(opens in a new tab) can help ensure you’re using sustainable and legally obtained timber.

Shiver me timber

If you’ve decided you’d prefer wood flooring to carpet, you’ll also have to choose between hardwood timber or engineered timber. Timber hardwood floors are a traditional favourite because of their durability (we’re talking at least 50 years) however they struggle in damp environments. This can cost a pretty penny or two if there’s a water issue down the line.

Engineered timber, on the other hand, is a man-made product that consists of a number of layers of materials that are all bonded together. The top layer of natural hardwood is treated in protective coating, which gives the same look and feel as solid timber. Bonus? It’s less likely to warp over time if kept dry.

If neither of these options float your boat, you can upcycle old timber flooring by sanding it down, resurfacing and sealing it yourself. 

Keep in mind, longer lasting flooring materials are more environmentally friendly because they use fewer resources over time, which makes hardwood floors great for green homes even if they’re not necessarily recycled. Timber flooring is also anti-allergenic and easy to clean.

Magic carpet ride

From its comfy texture to its ability to tie a room together (and keep it quiet for that matter), carpet (opens in a new tab)is always a lush option. While materials like sisal and wool are sustainable options, it’s important to remember that carpet can retain stains and smells, making it necessary to replace or clean with harsh chemicals throughout the years.

The good news is, modern tech has done its part to help make carpet more resilient and eco-friendly with the introduction of renewable carpets made from 37% natural corn sugar. They’re also stain resistant, colourfast protected, durable and super soft.

If you’re feeling wild, why not go the complete opposite direction and look into polished concrete flooring instead? It traps and releases heat, making it super energy efficient.