We’re so used to seeing hardwood floors that it’s easy to forget that there are other possibilities. If you’re seeking an alternative to wood, here are five choices of flooring materials.
Bamboo Floor Covering
Bamboo is a resilient and adaptable plant native to Asia. It can either be carbonized or have a natural color. For those who prefer the look of wood, bamboo is sometimes sold in the shape of boards, parquet floors, or floating floors. The installation of most flooring involves nails or adhesive, except for floating floors.
Finding a product with the FSC certification indicates that the manufacturers gathered the material in an eco-friendly manner. Eco-conscious shoppers will appreciate that it is a renewable and sustainable material. It would be best if you also gave a formaldehyde-free material preference. Items from China may incorporate them and perhaps other harmful products.
Additionally, bamboo flooring comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. In addition, it is a reasonably low-maintenance material that is resilient to insects and their accompanying risks.
It’s important to know that this flooring is more stain and water-resistant than hardwood, but it’s still not impervious to moisture.
Cork Floor Covering
Cork oak is the source of cork. Tiles, rolls, and floating floors are all options for this flooring material. There are instances when the cork coating will necessitate the installation of a vapor barrier underneath. To complete the cork installation, you’ll need special glue. This substance is water- and fire-resistant in conjunction with being biodegradable, environmentally benign, and long-lasting. Shock absorption and sound and heat insulation are excellent benefits of this material.
Additionally, cork flooring is allergic and water-resistant due to its waxy edges, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
Ceramic Flooring
Everything made from the solidification of minerals at high temperatures falls under the umbrella term “ceramic.” Tiles and porcelain are the most common options for floor coverings.
The more wear-resistant certain materials are, the higher their grade. This is used to rank and determine their resistance.
Concrete Flooring
The foundations of houses are frequently constructed from concrete. Decor and style magazines are showcasing this trendy building material right now. It looks great in contemporary and minimalist settings. Concrete has the remarkable property of retaining heat exceptionally well. When the slab is available, it can be highly cost-effective.
Linoleum Floor
Linoleum is a flooring created from renewable natural substances like flaxseed oil or cork powder. Retailers sell tiles and rolls. Protective coatings are often applied to the surface to keep it scratch-resistant. Linoleum is a long-lasting and easy-to-maintain flooring material. It is resistant to fire, has antibacterial and antiallergenic characteristics, and is easy to clean.
It’s usual for a strong odor and a yellowish hue to linger for a few hours after installation is complete; this will fade with time. Bumps and flaws, on the other hand, will be readily apparent during installation if done incorrectly. Also, linoleum that isn’t adequately preserved will fade when cleaned with specific solutions.