Choosing flooring for your home may seem like a daunting process as it requires you to strike a delicate balance between practicality, style and personal preference. There is a huge variety of products and materials available on the market, each with its own pros and cons. Our in-depth flooring guide examines sustainable flooring options to help steer you in the right direction
Rubber flooring
Rubber flooring is known for its durability, providing a non-slip surface, sound absorption, value and visual appeal.
Comfort
Rubber has a naturally cushioning feel.
Durability
Excellent durability. Water- and slip-resistant. Staining-, mildew- and mould-resistant.
Warmth/insulation
Year-round, warm, cushioning feel underfoot.
Cost
$120-$190 per sqm including installation.
Pros
- Rubber is a better ecological alternative to vinyl and is naturally slip-resistant.
- Resistant to fire and cigarette butts. In case of fire, rubber is non-toxic and won’t release carcinogenic fumes into the atmosphere.
Cons
- Not suitable for use in strong or direct sunlight.
- Solvent-based cleaners must never be used to clean rubber floors.
Ideal for
Kitchens, corridors and high-traffic zones.
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Cork flooring
The honeycomb-like cellular structure of cork gives flooring a cushiony feel underfoot. This feature also means cork absorbs vibrations and sound, and bounces back if dented.
Comfort
Cork is amazingly quiet and comfortable.
Durability
Highly durable. Resistant to mould & mildew.
Warmth/insulation
The natural insulating and thermal properties of cork ensure an optimal floor temperature all year round.
Cost
Ranges from $69.95 per tile for standard tiles to $130 per tile for customised finishes such as herringbone. Colour can also be customised for added cost.
Pros
- Ideal for anyone suffering from arthritis and joint pain.
- Safe in bathrooms as it’s non-slip.
- As acoustically insulating as carpet.
Cons
- Can’t be steam cleaned.
Ideal for
Bathrooms and living areas and for anyone suffering from arthritis or joint pain. Also great for commercial spaces, lobbies, foyers, restaurants and classrooms.
Tatami Mats
Tatami is a traditional Japanese flooring created by master craftsmen using techniques developed over 1400 years.
Comfort
The fragrance of the natural rush grass has a proven therapeutic effect.
Durability
All tatami is handmade from natural rush grasses with edging made from polypropylene finished with either a foam backing or a non-slip waterproof fabric, making it extremely durable.
Warmth/insulation
Tatami has a naturally insulating inner core, making it warm in winter yet cool in summer.
Cost
Small tatami (450 x 450mm) are around $290; large ones (900 x 2000mm) around $950.
Pros
- Sourced from natural, eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
- Absorbs nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde toxins known to cause ‘sick house syndrome’.
- Regulates humidity, deodorises and sterilises.
Cons
- Large cost difference between handmade tatami from Japan vs mass-produced synthetic products from China.
Ideal for
Flooring in all areas of the home, plus as seating, decorative rugs or wall coverings.
Bamboo flooring
This fast-growing, regenerating plant has the tensile strength of steel, which makes for a highly durable floor that resists swelling and contraction with changes in humidity. Bamboo flooring is pre-finished and engineered with tongue-and-groove joints, just like standard solid-wood flooring.
Comfort
Firm underfoot with no natural give like timber.
Durability
According to the Janka Hardness Test, which measures the resistance of wood to dents and wear, strand-woven bamboo flooring is the most durable product on the market.
Warmth/insulation
If you find hardwood floors cool underfoot then you will feel the same way about bamboo.
Cost
Around $110 per sqm.
Pros
- A rapid regrowth rate (reaching full maturity and hardness in about 7 years) gives bamboo a plus point in the eco-friendly department.
- It can be cheaper than more traditional hardwood flooring.
- Easy to keep dust-free, making it ideal for people who suffer from dust or pet allergies.
- Comes in a variety of styles and colours.
- Easy to maintain.
Cons
- Beware of cheap products as premature harvesting (as early as three months) doesn’t allow the bamboo to properly harden, producing soft, non-durable flooring.
- The darker variety of colours results from a special heat treatment that softens the bamboo making it less durable.
- Bamboo flooring cannot be refinished, so a dented, scratched or otherwise damaged floor must be replaced.
Ideal for
High-traffic areas, kitchens and bathrooms.
Words by: Annick Larkin.
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