Flooring is an investment, and there’s a lot to think about when choosing the right material for your home. One factor to consider is sustainability.

1. Cork Flooring

How it’s made. Cork is harvested from a thin layer of tree bark, typically from cork oak trees, with care taken not to damage the tree. This thin bark is an impermeable, water-repelling material that is buoyant, elastic and fire-retardant.

To make flooring and other products, the bark layer is stripped into long, wide slabs that are then used to make wine corks, bulletin boards, flooring and other items. Binders are added for flooring applications to hold the ground cork together.

These binders vary by manufacturer, and therefore it’s worth researching which binders are used before purchasing a particular product.

Cork is a natural insulator and sound absorber and can be recycled. Cork trees live for 300 years and aren’t cut down to produce cork floors. This has made it a favourite of eco-conscious designers and homeowners.

Durability. Cork floors normally last longer than wood floors. They stand up to everyday traffic with the bonus of repelling water from spills. Cork is naturally resistant to mould, mildew and termites. It’s also anti-microbial. Over time, discoloration of cork floors may occur if the flooring is exposed to direct sunlight. For many fans of cork flooring, this is a patina they embrace as part of the overall aesthetic.

Where you can use it. Cork’s buoyant qualities make it soft underfoot and a great choice for rooms where you typically stand for long periods of time, like kitchens, laundry rooms and workshops. Its soundproofing qualities make it a wise choice for music rooms and apartments where noise may be a concern with neighbours.

Look and feel. If you want a warm, attractive flooring material with a comfortable, informal appearance, cork is the right fit. Since this material will develop a patina, it is probably not the best choice if you want a pristine floor material that will not change with time.

Cork is available in tiles and planks and in many styles, colours and sizes. Alternating shades of cork can be combined to achieve unique patterns and custom designs.

Care and maintenance. Due to its highly textured appearance, cork naturally masks small scratches and stains. Regular sweeping, vacuuming and mopping with a damp cloth will keep cork floors looking their best. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaner and any cleaning products with ammonia. A simple solution of four parts vinegar and one-part water is recommended.

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2. Linoleum Flooring

How it’s made. Linoleum is often confused with sheet vinyl, and as a result it is overlooked as a flooring option with positive attributes.

True linoleum is made of natural materials. Linseed oil is oxidized to form a thick mixture that is then cooled and mixed with cork powder (which gives linoleum its bounce and resilience), pine resins and wood flour to form linoleum sheets on a jute backing. Limestone dust may be added for hardness and durability.

Due to its natural makeup, linoleum is biodegradable and does not emit harmful VOCs. Linoleum comes in glue-down sheets and snap-together tiles. During the glue-down installation process, special care should be given to select adhesives that are free of solvents and labelled “no-VOC.”

Durability. Linoleum flooring can resist scratches and mask them well because its pigments are saturated throughout the material, not just the surface. Linoleum does, however, get dented by high heels and furniture legs.

Linoleum is water-resistant but not waterproof. It should never be fully immersed in water, as this can cause edges, corners or seams to curl. Much like cork, linoleum can also fade, or turn yellowish, when exposed to sunlight. When properly maintained, linoleum can last as long as 40 years.

Where you can use it. Linoleum has traditionally been installed in schools, hospitals and commercial spaces, but it is making a comeback in the home. It’s durability and versatility make it a good choice for many rooms. 

Not all manufacturers recommend linoleum in bathrooms, so check the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure the product you choose is suitable.

Look and feel. Linoleum flooring comes in hundreds of colours, from subtle to vivid, and can be installed in a wide range of patterns. Your only limit is your creativity. Sheets in a single colour work well for a modern aesthetic.

Unlike wood, which has joints, or tile, which has grout lines, linoleum offers the opportunity to create a nearly seamless appearance.

Care and maintenance. Linoleum can be swept, dusted, or vacuumed regularly. For a more thorough cleaning, the flooring should be wiped with a damp mop or cloth using a solution of one gallon of hot water, one cup of vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.

As with cork, avoid cleaning products with ammonia. Spills should be tended to immediately. Some manufacturers add a coating to linoleum flooring to protect it from scratches and fading. Without such a protective coating, linoleum should be cleaned and waxed every two or three years to maintain its lustre.

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This article via Houzz does not constitute advice; readers should seek independent and personalised counsel from a trusted adviser that specialises in property, a tax accountant and property design specialist.