The theme of the alternative flooring is broad. People have different ideas about what “alternative sex” means. For some, these are simply unconventional materials or materials that are usually not visible in floor coverings used in this way. For others, alternative flooring means "green", renewable / sustainable or environmentally friendly materials. In this article I will talk a little about how to give readers ideas and inspiration for various alternative materials for the floor that fall into any of these categories.
"Eco-friendly" types of alternative flooring
suberic - Yes, as in bottles of champagne! Cork is produced by removing the bark from the Cork Oaks without harming it. Since it does not harm the tree, if it is done correctly, and it will grow, it is considered a sustainable resource. Cork floors may look beautiful, but buyers need to be aware of their unique qualities. Soft, heat-absorbing properties allow you to walk comfortably, it is also an excellent sound insulation. Since it absorbs moisture, it is not suitable for bathrooms. As a rule, it is a low level of emissions of volatile organic compounds.
Recycled / Rebuilt - Regenerated wood is wood that is not created by shredding wood, but “returned” or reused from many different sources, such as old barns or warehouses, train cars, or even logs found in rivers. The floors of this tree can be very beautiful and are ideal for those who want floors that look a bit dated or even rustic.
Linoleum - Linoleum, which many people confuse with vinyl sheet, is probably my favorite alternative flooring. However, they are 2 very different products in terms of how and from what they are made. Unlike PVC sheet vinyl, linoleum is 100% biodegradable and made from fully natural and renewable resources such as wood resins and natural oils. Colors in linoleum, unlike sheet vinyl, do not disappear, because the pigments are embedded in the product, and not just applied to the top surface. It is also hypoallergenic and antistatic, therefore it is an ideal product for patients with allergies. Also easy to clean and maintain. Naturally, fire resistance too! Who knew?
bamboo Many people do not understand, but bamboo is not really a tree, but a very large grass. Since it is fast-growing and renewable, it has become one of the most popular types of alternative flooring. It is antibacterial, water resistant, durable, and now even more difficult thanks to new production technologies. Bamboo is generally easy to install, usually coming on reed and groove boards, and the price usually falls between foliage and laminate. However, check the product you are buying to make sure that it was made using natural adhesives!
Natural carpet -Confirm it or not, there is a huge selection of options for resistant carpets. These include wool, cotton, sisal or jute rugs.
Eraser - Genuine rubber floor made of rubber wood is a natural, renewable product. It is easy to install, has some other desirable qualities, including sound and vibration reduction, and antistatic. It is also easy to install and is ideal for rooms such as garages, laundry, mud rooms, utilities, etc. Just make sure that the product you get is genuine, not synthetic rubber, which is not a sustainable product .
"Non-traditional" types of alternative flooring
plywood - In my article “Plywood flooring”, “Very creative, affordable option” they talk about using ordinary plywood as an alternative floor covering. Cheap and versatile, it offers endless design possibilities.
concrete - I am a huge fan of concrete as an alternative flooring, and it does not always have to look cold and industrial. They can be polished and painted with almost any shade, making them warm and attractive. Easy care, more economical than most floors, they have a very high durability. Offering endless design options such as scoring, patterns, high gloss and even artificial finish, they are a very versatile and creative choice of flooring.
So think out of the box! Alternative flooring does not have to mean “expensive,” and many of these options cost the same or even less than traditional flooring options.
