Sustainability is a pressing concern for most Australian homeowners. This is largely due to the growing understanding on how the materials and design used to construct a home negatively or positively influence the natural world. The concept of sustainability can be applied whether you're renovating an older home or building a brand new home.
Choosing sustainable building materials is increasingly easy with many companies now manufacturing products that meet the required credentials. Among these products is a great selection of flooring materials to choose from. Here are two of the best sustainable flooring options to consider for your home.
1. Timber flooring
Timber is certainly not a new idea for flooring. It's been used for centuries to create beautiful, sturdy and durable floors for homes all round the world. However, it still has an important position as a sustainable material for modern construction. As well as being sustainable, timber flooring provides a timeless elegance and natural warmth to any home.
The main reason why timber is a sustainable choice is because it's a natural, renewable material. Its production and processing doesn't have high energy requirements and has a very low carbon footprint, particularly if you can source locally grown timber. Often, timber can be carbon negative, with more carbon being trapped in the growing tree than is produced to manufacture the finished building material.
Timber is also completely recyclable, which is another important feature of sustainable building materials. Recycled timber can also add charm and character if you're renovating an older home or you'd like to soften the look of a new home.
2. Concrete flooring
Concrete may not be the first building material that springs to mind when you're thinking about sustainability. However, it's becoming increasingly recognised as a great choice when building with sustainability in mind. It also looks beautiful, contemporary and unique.
One of its most important eco-credentials is its strength and durability. Concrete floors will last for a lifetime and beyond, which keeps resource use to a minimum during a home's lifespan. Adding crushed, recycled concrete as aggregate can also increase its sustainability.
Another reason why concrete flooring is being used more widely in sustainable homes is its ability to act as a thermal mass. During the winter, concrete absorbs and retains internal heat, helping to keep your home warm and reduce the use of heating appliances. Conversely, in the summer months, concrete helps to insulate your home from the heat that rises out of the hot ground.
Share29 December 2018
Welcome to my blog, my name is Kate. My parents lived in a very old home which still had its original flooring. I loved the pattern of the Victorian bathroom floor tiles, the glow of the timber wood, and the smooth ceramic kitchen floor. I would spend many hours sitting on the floors, feeling the surface as I played with my toys. When I bought my own home, the first thing I installed was new flooring to re-create the wonder of my childhood. I have decided to start this blog to pass on my passion for flooring with the rest of the world.
