Consumers used to choose types of flooring based on durability to heavy foot traffic and stain resistance. Now they also consider the toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process, the carbon footprint, and off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to indoor air pollution. Enter, eco-friendly options.
Sustainable flooring options offset the environmental impact of construction while also contributing to better indoor air quality and responsible resource management. The wide variety of sustainable options opens the door to create a fresh aesthetic appeal for your space.
1. Bamboo Flooring
$3 to $8 per square foot
Derived from the bamboo plant, this renewable resource grows much faster than traditional hardwood trees.
- Being grown more widely making it an increasingly sustainable choice
- Often grown to reduce other environmental impacts
- Harder and more durable than many hardwoods
- Resistant to moisture and insects
2. Cork Flooring
$3 to $10 per square foot
Cork floors are made from the bark of cork oak trees. It's a sustainable material that can be harvested without harming the tree.
- Renewable and biodegradable material
- Some cork flooring is recycled from raw materials in the wine industry
- Soft and comfortable underfoot
- Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and pests
3. Silestone
Pricing varies by format, thickness, and application
This low-silica mineral surface is a durable option perfect for floors indoors and out. It's made by Cosentino, a company with intensive sustainability initiatives. The product uses the patent-pending Hybriq technology that leverages recycled content, and it's made in a facility that uses renewable energy and recycled water.
- Silestone is available in two formats (306x140 cm and 325x159 cm)
- Great for minimizing joints
- Scratch and impact resistant
- Stain resistant
- Low maintenance (cleans with just soap and water)
- Worth considering if you want a consistent look across the floors, up the walls, and even as countertop surfaces
4. Recycled Glass Tile
$10 to $20 per square foot
Recycled glass tile flooring is made from post-consumer or post-industrial glass, diverting waste from landfills and reliance on natural resources.
- Environmentally friendly responsible choice
- Wide variety of colors and styles
- Highly durable and resistant to stains
5. Linoleum
$2 to $5 per square foot
Linoleum flooring can be made from natural materials such as linseed oil, pine rosin, wood flour, wood dust, and cork dust.
- Biodegradable and recyclable
- Antimicrobial properties
- Durable, long-lasting, and a familiar, friendly flooring choice
6. Reclaimed Wood
$5 to $15 per square foot
Recycled materials like a reclaimed wood floor are salvaged from old buildings, barns, and other structures, giving new life to existing materials.
- Provides real hardwood floors but reduces the demand for raw materials
- Unique character and patina
- An ideal choice to add historical charm
7. Concrete Flooring
$2 to $10 per square foot
Concrete is durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Thermal mass benefits lead to an energy efficient space (an excellent choice for hot weather climates)
- Polished concrete or a naturally stain offer
- Low maintenance and resistant to water and stains
8. Rubber
$4 to $12 per square foot
Rubber flooring is made from recycled rubber tires, providing a durable and cushioned surface for various applications.
- Recycles tires, reducing landfill waste, and offsetting environmental impacts
- Shock-absorbent flooring material that is comfortable to walk on
- Resistant to water, stains, and scratches
9. Recycled Plastic Bottle Carpet
PETPremier™ is an innovative carpet from Mohawk Flooring made sustainably from a high-grade polymer found in recycled plastic bottles. The finished carpet is both durable and long-lasting.
- EasyClean™ technology offers enhanced resistance against stains
- Pet-friendly, kid-friendly
- Available in over 100 colors
- All Pet® Protection and Warranty
10. Wool Carpet
$5 to $15 per square foot
An eco-friendly carpet made from natural fibers obtained from sheep, offering a renewable and biodegradable flooring option.
- Agricultural byproduct (sustainable and renewable material) with numerous benefits
- Naturally resistant to stains and dirt
- A natural insulator that improves indoor air quality and reduces energy costs
11. Terrazzo Flooring
$10 to $20 per square foot
Terrazzo flooring consists of recycled glass, marble, or other aggregates mixed with cement or epoxy resin.
- This eco-friendly flooring utilizes recycled materials, reducing waste
- Versatile design options and customizable patterns
- Long-lasting and low maintenance
12. Hemp Flooring
$4 to $10 per square foot
Hemp flooring is a natural product made from the fibers of the hemp plant.
- Multi-use, sustainable crop that reduces carbon dioxide among other environmental benefits
- Grown easily without harsh chemicals
- Durable and resistant to mold and mildew
- Naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
13. Engineered Hardwood
$3 to $7 per square foot
This popular choice offers a degree of sustainability while being easy to source. It appeals to homeowners who want solid hardwood floors but with more water resistant properties. Some brands, like Mohawk, are even working to simplify installation.
- Traditional hardwood flooring alternative that minimizes amount of lumber used by combining with synthetic materials
- Lack of fibers and grout hold less dust mites which improves indoor air quality
- Comes in a wide range of colors and styles.
- An ideal flooring option if you want the look of wood floors in spaces subject to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.
The flooring company's SolidTech R takes sustainability a step further with a high performance core made from natural stone and 100% recycled single-use plastic. Designed to be both durable and easy to maintain, the flooring offers a next-generation solution for eco-conscious consumers.
“For SolidTech R, Mohawk kept the stone but replaced all the PVC with 100% recycled single-use plastic. So, we really developed a next-gen core,” shared Adam Ward, Mohawk's vice president of product management, resilient.
- Core made with 100% recycled PET from single-use plastics
- Stone creates a durable floor, while being an abundant, and stable base
- This type of flooring was engineered for 100% waterproof performance
- Enhanced dimensional stability for long-term use
- Easy-to-maintain surface ideal for busy households
14. Porcelain Tiles
$10 to $20 per square foot
A timeless classic of flooring products.
- Made from natural materials such as clay, feldspar, silica
- Durable and low-maintenance
- Has seen manufacturing changes to increase energy efficiency and commitment to sustainability
15. Recycled Ceramic Tiles
$10 to $100 per square foot (depends on the type of ceramic)
A recycled material from demolition projects to add to sustainable flooring options whilst reducing environmental impact.
- Regular ceramic tiles are made from clay
- They are often painted artistically and used in conjunction with other tiles or stone flooring
- Countless varieties
