Vinyl flooring: Everything you need to know

Vinyl flooring has been around a long time, it was invented in the 1930s and became hugely popular in homes during the 1950s.  Its come a long way since then thanks to technological advances and remains a solid, affordable choice for any house.  If you’re thinking about choosing vinyl flooring, there are a multitude of reasons to pick it.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is constructed of layers of different synthetic materials, typically PVC vinyl, fibreglass and a plasticizer.  The multiple layers mean it is durable and has a bit of ‘give’ underfoot.  It is thicker these days than when it was first invented, up to 5mm, so often is completely waterproof.

This flooring is available in sheet, plank and tile formats; this refers to how the flooring is installed.  If you want a stone or wood effect, plank or tile is ideal.

Printed vinyl sheet and tiles have a clear wear layer on the top that acts like a barrier to stop stains and spills from being absorbed.  It is therefore very easy to clean and keeps its finish well.

Sheet vinyl is a really budget friendly option as it can be mass produced in large rolls.  It is also the best option if you are looking for completely a waterproof floor as there will be few, or no, seams.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring has a stunning finish and is durable.  It has superior acoustics and excellent soundproofing qualities.  Easy to maintain, slip and spill resistant and extremely hard-wearing, it stands the test of time while maintaining a luxurious look.  A wide range of design options are available which give a realistic look of natural stone or wood in an affordable price range.  They are most suited to medium to low footfall areas.

Vinyl flooring comes with an AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating which indicates resistance to abrasion, impact, and stains.  Generally the rating is from AC1 to AC5; the higher the number, the more durable the flooring is.  For a busy family home, a rating of either AC3 or AC4 is suitable.

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What are the advantages of vinyl flooring?

It has remained the most popular type of resilient flooring material because it is low cost, low maintenance and water resistant or in many cases, waterproof.  As it is durable and has a slip-resistant finish, it is perfect for busy areas of the home, pet friendly and maintains its finish well over time.  Another advantage is good sound insulation, so it is also suitable for the areas where sounds can echo and travel, as it minimizes noise.

It is comfortable under foot as it has some give when you walk on, it combines firmness with a bit of spring.  This makes it much easier on the joints than hard surfaces when you are standing on it for a period of time.

Technology has made a whole range of stunning, high-quality finishes possible, from realistic wood to stone and marble.  This authentic textured surface means you can have a stone imitation floor but with a warmer material than stone.  As a cost effective alternative to expensive natural materials like wood, it is hard to beat.

It is easy to install as well, most manufacturers offer self-adhesive vinyl so you can just peel off the backing and press it onto the subfloor. When vinyl flooring is properly installed and maintained, it can last for a couple of decades or even longer.  As always, the more you invest initially, the longer you will feel the benefits.

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Which rooms is it best in?

Considering all the above advantages of vinyl, it is perfect for almost any room. Bathrooms, kitchens, playrooms, garages and laundry rooms all benefit from this multi-purpose, moisture resistant flooring.

The hard wearing properties of vinyl combined with its softness underfoot makes it ideal for children and there are so many designs now that are perfect for play areas.  This comfortable surface is also great for any areas where you are standing for long time, like the kitchen and laundry room.

It is one of the best flooring choices for any room where moisture is an issue, like the bathroom.  Sheet vinyl is a good choice for hygiene as there are no seams for bacteria to grow in. If you have asthma and/or allergy sufferers in your family, vinyl is a smart option as it will not harbour dust or particles like carpet can and is very easy to clean.

The enormous range of designs and patterns now available make this flooring easy to fit into any room.  If you are not a fan of carpet, you can get a beautiful imitation wood grain or stone effect finish for the bedroom.  It has a warmth that hard surface flooring does not and is much more cost effective.

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How easy is it to maintain?

Flooring doesn’t get much easier to clean than vinyl.  All you need to do is regularly sweep or vaccum away the dirt and dust. Mop around once a week, with warm water and a mild detergent.  There is no fear of warping with vinyl flooring.

Simply wipe away any spills when they occur with a damp cloth.  Stains are also easy to deal with, spot clean them as soon as possible with a nylon pad and a neutral detergent, working from the outside in.

To keep vinyl flooring looking good for even longer, place protective pads under the legs of heavy furniture and any rubber bottoms (as these may stain).  Avoid walking on it in any rubber soled footwear.

Unlike hard surface flooring such as wood, vinyl flooring does not need to be polished or waxed.

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Herts Carpets has a vinyl flooring range available in hundreds of colours and patterns to suit your budget.  Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Which flooring is best for the bathroom?

Choosing the best type of flooring for your bathroom requires a bit of thought.  You want flooring that makes the room look clean and relaxing whilst also being durable, practical and easy to maintain.

What type of flooring is best for the bathroom?

There’s a whole range of options that are suitable for the bathroom.  Here are some of the best;

Vinyl flooring is durable with a good level of water resistance and a slip-resistant finish.  It is resistant to both dents and scratches and very cost effective as it lasts a long time.  It is very easy to clean and doesn’t fade much over time.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring combines a beautiful finish with durability.  It has excellent soundproofing qualities and great acoustics, perfect for anyone who loves a long, relaxing bath.  LVT is also easy to maintain, slip and spill resistant and will stand the test of time while maintaining its luxurious look.  There is a wide choice of finish and design options to get the ideal look for your space.

Laminate flooring has a high quality wear layer (that protects the photographic layer beneath) making it scratch and dent resistant.  It is easy to maintain, hypoallergenic and stain resistant. Plus thanks to its shock absorbent qualities, it is also comfortable underfoot .  It does not absorb moisture so no mold or bacteria can grow in it.

Ceramic tiles are also perfect for use in the bathroom as they are waterproof and stain resistant, with a stylish finish.  Smaller tiles make the floor less slippery when wet, as the grout between the tiles acts as a non-skid surface.

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Is wood suitable for bathrooms?

Engineered hardwood is the best option for bathroom floors if you want wood.  Solid wood floors tend to buckle with water exposure and can be an issue with mould as well, from the moisture in the air.

If you want that warm, elegant wood look in the bathroom then engineered hardwood is the right choice.  It is constructed of thin, glued-together layers of derivative wood products, giving it stability and a plywood base that can hold up to moisture.  It is also a more affordable option and can look just as good as solid wood, as it has a veneer of actual hardwood.

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Is carpet in the bathroom a good idea?

Unfortunately, carpet is not the best choice for the bathroom as it is such a damp, moist environment.  Yes it is nice and cosy underfoot, but can be a breeding ground for mould.  Water can even seep through the carpet and damage the sub floor.  If you have existing carpet in a bathroom, use mats by the sink, bath and toilet to catch as much water spillage as possible and make sure you dry-vacuum regularly.

What works with underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating (UFH) is becoming increasingly popular as it heats the room evenly, giving a lovely cosy environment (with no cold spaces!) and can be energy efficient.  Once installed, it requires very little maintenance and can save on your heating bills and increase the value of your home long term.

Both water and electric UFH can be used in the bathroom.

Hard flooring like engineered wood and stone are great with underfloor heating as they effectively transfer the heat to the surface, they are the most thermally conductive.  Vinyl and linoleum are also good choices to use with UFH as they conduct heat well, plus they will stay cool during the warmer months when heating is not needed.

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Which Flooring Options Are The Easiest To Maintain?

No one wants to spend more time than they have to cleaning bathrooms, so it’s a good idea to bear maintenance in mind when choosing bathroom floors.

Waterproof and water-resistant options like vinyl and LVT are by far the easiest to maintain in the bathroom.  A schedule of regular sweeping and mopping is all that is required for these flooring types.

An engineered hardwood floor will need more maintenance as it is best to wipe up any spills straight away.  A good alternative is LVT flooring, with a realistic wood effect which is easier to maintain and more budget friendly.

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Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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How to choose living room carpet

The living room is one of the most important spaces in your home; it’s where you spend time with family, relax and entertain.   So you want the flooring to look good while being practical and easy to maintain.

Carpet is always a popular option as it is soft underfoot.  It has a welcoming feel and it absorbs sound and retains warmth.

When you are choosing a new living room carpet, you want to make sure you are getting something that looks and feels good, fits in with your existing decor and is durable enough to last.

There is a lot to choose from with a whole range of carpet types, colours and prices so you need to put some thought into it, as it’s likely you’ll be living with it for many years to come.

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How do I choose?

With so many options available, it is important to know what you need and what will suit your home.

The most important factors in choosing are; foot traffic (how busy the room usually is), if you have children and/or pets, your budget, how soft you want it to be, how easy it is to clean and of course the colour that you want.  Usually, the living room is the busiest room of the house so you need a carpet that can stand the test of time and hide dirt and stains well.

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What type of carpet is best for living room

The living room is a high traffic area for footfall so the carpet needs to be durable, ensuring it will last for years to come and retain its appearance well.  The durability is dependent on the material and the pile; this is the surface of the carpet – loops of fibre are attached to the backing of the carpet and the loops are either left as they are (known as cut or loop pile) or cut at a length and/or angle (cut pile).  A loop pile is robust, which makes it ideal for high traffic areas.   It does not show footprints and will hide dust and dirt well.  The tighter the loops, the more it can resist crushing from heavy footfall. Loop pile is not as soft underfoot as cut pile though, and if you have pets it is best avoided, as snagging can occur.

There is also a mixed option; a cut and loop pile, which makes a softer carpet that still hides dirt and stains well.

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When choosing the material, there are both natural and synthetic options available, or a mix of both.  Natural fibres like wool and sisal feel luxurious and give unrivalled softness underfoot.  They are resilient so have a longer life and are environmentally friendly.  Synthetic materials like nylon and polypropylene are stain resistant, easy to clean and durable.  A popular choice is a mix, or blend, ie wool and synthetic, to provide natural benefits with functional qualities.

Manufacturers in the UK give usage ratings which let you know the durability, with heavy or extra heavy domestic suitable for a living room with high footfall.

Which material is cheaper?

If you are budget conscious, synthetic materials like nylon and polypropylene are the most affordable options.  They offer a range of benefits including stain, fade and crush resistance, are easy to clean and soft to tread on. These man-made fibres are very family friendly as they are hard-wearing but have a softness as well.  Carpets that have been treated with Scotchgard or Teflon are a good choice as they prevent stains from setting into the fabric.

If allergies are a concern, a carpet made from Nylon is the most effective allergy-controlling option.  Nylon repels allergens and has the added benefits of being a long lasting, durable carpet that keeps its colour and shape well.

Natural materials like wool are more expensive but do tend to have a longer life.  Wool has many advantages like its luxurious feel and great thermal insulation, so it keeps the room warmer. It also has good resilience, so it keeps its shape longer and even improves the indoor climate.

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What color is best?

There are many colours and designs available, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find the perfect match for your interior design scheme.  Take into consideration the colour of any existing fittings and furniture, and choose a colour that co-ordinates, that is from the same colour family.  Flooring that is a couple of shades lighter or darker than the walls always looks great.

Neutrals are very popular right now, like greys and beige, with bursts of colour from accessories such as rugs and cushions.  Also on-trend are natural, earthy colours like browns, terracota and rusty pink.

Darker colours will give a cosier atmosphere and of course help to hide stains and spills better, whilst lighter colours will make the room appear larger.

Patterns are also an option; from tartan to bold geometrics to floral, there is something to suit every taste.

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Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Hardwood or carpet for the bedroom?

How do you choose between hardwood or carpet for the bedroom?  Whilst carpet is the most common choice, there has been a steady rise in popularity of hardwood floors.  There are advantages to both and of course, varying price ranges.

Things to consider include whose bedroom it is, how warm or cold your house is and your ideal aesthetic.  There are plenty of choices to suit whatever your needs are.

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Is it better to have carpet in the bedroom?

Carpet has many advantages like absorbing sound, it is a great insulator and quieter than wood when you walk on it. It is much gentler on the joints so may well be the best choice if you have any joint pain. Also, if there is any risk of falls, it is much softer to land on.  Carpet gives warmth to a room and soft, cosy cushioning for bare feet which certainly makes a difference in winter, especially with a plush or saxony cut pile.

You can choose your carpet with both practicality and design in mind as there are so many options available.  Adult bedrooms tend to have a much lighter footfall than other areas of the house so a luxury, opulent carpet made from wool is a popular choice with a style like saxony for a deep and lush pile, for an indulgent feel underfoot.

For a child’s bedroom, a more resilient and easy to maintain man-made, ‘family friendly’, fibre (such as polypropylene) is great as it is highly stain-resistant.  This type of carpet is hard-wearing but has a softness as well, for the best of both worlds.  If you have pets, carpet may well be the most practical option as claws tend to scratch hardwood floors.  It is best to choose a cut pile type of carpet as snagging can be an issue with uncut.

There are styles and patterns of carpet to fit whatever design scheme you want to achieve in your bedroom.

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Wood flooring on the other hand, has a timeless, elegant look and it certainly has designer appeal.  If you are looking for aesthetics in your bedroom, there is nothing like the beautiful finish of a luxury wood floor which explains why it is becoming increasingly popular.

There are a range of colours, styles and species on the market to suit your interior design scheme. Many types of hardwood are compatible with underfloor heating if temperature is an issue, and you can always add an area rug if you want extra warmth and comfort.  This will also reduce any scratches on the floor if you position it partly under the bed.  An added benefit is that wood flooring is easy to maintain.

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Is hardwood flooring more expensive?

Hardwood flooring may well be more expensive initially if you are starting from scratch but it has longevity. It can be refinished over the years to restore its stunning look and last for a lifetime.

If your budget does not stretch to a hardwood floor, there are other options to get the look you want.  Engineered hardwood, constructed of thin, glued-together layers of derivative wood products, is a more affordable option and can look just as good as solid wood as it has a veneer of actual hardwood.  Laminate flooring is also an option if you want a realistic wood look without the price tag.

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Carpet is always seen as the cheaper option, at least to start with.  You will have to replace it in the future though, as it does not last as long as hardwood even with proper maintenance.  If you like to update the look of your rooms, this may well be an advantage to using carpet in the bedroom.

Which is healthier, hardwood or carpet?

If you look for the healthier choice on anything coming into your home, or if allergies are an issue, the good news is that it doesn’t need to affect your choice when it comes to hardwood or carpet.  You can choose whichever you prefer and still have a flooring that meets your requirements.

Wool is always a great choice for carpet as it significantly improves indoor air quality, by absorbing common pollutants and it is naturally flame retardant.  This environmentally friendly choice is sustainable, renewable and biodegradable and also looks and feels luxurious.

If you have allergies, you need to make sure you choose the right carpet.  A carpet made from Nylon is the most effective allergy-controlling option, as it repels allergens and has the added benefits of being a long lasting, durable carpet that keeps its colour and shape well.  Carpet with tightly woven strands is ideal for those with allergies as the fewer the strands, the less places there are for pollen to go. It is also important to maintain the carpet properly with regularly cleaning, so it does not harbour dust.

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If you prefer a hardwood floor, it is easy to keep clean with a regular routine of sweeping and wiping with a dry cloth to keep dust, dirt and pet hair at bay.  There is nowhere for dirt to hide on a hardwood floor.  It doesn’t trap mould or allergens which is perfect for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma.

If you are looking for a green option, choose a manufacturer that uses 100% sustainably sourced wood.  FSC certified wood comes from forests that are environmentally conscious, responsibly managed and socially beneficial.

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Both hardwood and carpet work well in the bedroom, so it really is personal style, preference and budget that need to be considered.

Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your hardwood or carpet needs. Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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What does carpet pile mean?

When you are choosing a new carpet, you need to consider the fibre (there are options from natural ones like wool to man-made like polypropylene) and the pile (or construction) that you want, so what does carpet pile mean?  It refers to the surface of the carpet – the loops of the fibre are attached to the backing of the carpet; these loops are then either left as they are or cut at a length and/or angle.

What types of carpet pile are there?

There are two type of carpet pile to choose from; loop pile and cut pile carpets.  Quite simply, the loop is left intact on loop pile and cut on cut pile carpets.

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Loop pile

This type of pile is left in its woven form with the yarn loop intact, it is also known as ‘uncut’.  This makes a robust, tough carpet with a natural appearance, that is ideal for busy areas in family homes and commercial usage.   As well as being a hard-wearing choice, loop pile does not show footprints and hides soil and dirt well.  Spills tend to sit on the top of the loops, making it an easy-clean option.  The tighter the loops are, the more the carpet will resist crushing from heavy foot traffic.

When all the fibre loops are the same length it is called ‘level loop’.  Berber is a popular style of level loop pile which is usually made using thicker yarns made into chunky loop tufts. Versatile and durable, it is most often a lighter colour with flecks of darker shades.

When the fibre loop are of varied lengths, it is called ‘patterned loop’, ‘high-low loop’ or ‘multi-level loop’.  Usually two or three different heights are used, creating a variety of textured appearances.

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Cut pile

Unlike loop pile, the yarn loop is cut leaving an upright pile that is softer, denser and more luxurious.  Cut piles are available in a range of different lengths and thicknesses.  To help it stand up it has a twist which also resists matting and crushing. Popular styles are twist, saxony, plush and freize.

Twist pile is highly twisted with a textured finish, as the loops lie in different directions.  This style is good at maintaining its appearance and hiding shading and is easy to clean.

Saxony is a traditional style which has a smooth finish.  The fibres are longer and twisted to give them more body.

Plush, also known as velvet, is thick and soft underfoot.  This luxurious option is soft and dense with shorter cut lengths.

Freize has long, twisty fibres and is sometimes referred to as ‘modern shag pile’ or ‘California shag’.  Though shorter than traditional shag pile, freize has long cut fibres that are then twisted together and kinked.  Cosy and comfortable underfoot, it hides stains well and doesn’t show footprints and vacuum lines.

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Which carpet pile is best?

Which carpet pile is best will depend on the room you are carpeting and how much it is used.

Loop pile carpet is the most hard-wearing and durable so is ideal for commercial spaces and busy household areas.  It hides dirt and dust well, but it lacks the softness underfoot of cut pile.  There are very durable cut pile options if you want a carpet that is both tough and soft, like freize cut pile.

The other option is a combination of both; a cut and loop pile. This has both cut and uncut fibres, giving it the best of both worlds, with softness and the ability to hide dirt and stains well.

If you are choosing carpet for children’s rooms and/or pets, it is best to choose a cut pile type of carpet as snagging can be an issue with uncut.

For a luxurious option, best in a room with light footfall, both plush and saxony cut pile styles are opulent and each have a gorgeous finish.

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Does the carpet pile make a difference when vacuuming?

Yes it does, ideally you will use different vacuums for loop and cut pile.  For loop pile, use a cylinder vacuum with a suction head and for cut pile, an upright with a beater bar and brush.

Whatever fibre and pile you choose, it is always important to look after your carpet with regular, thorough vacuuming.

Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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How to choose the right carpet

When it’s time for a change in your home, you need to know how to choose the right carpet.  With so many options available on the market now, here are some thing you should consider.

What is the best type of carpet?

The best type of carpet depends entirely on your household; if you have children and/or pets, how many people live in the house and how busy it is, your budget, allergies and how you would you like it to look and feel.  It is also important to consider where the carpet is going as some types of carpet are more suitable for the living room and others for bedrooms, depending on their durability.

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For the busiest parts of the house (those with the highest traffic) choose a durable, easy to clean and practical carpet that will stand the test of time and keep its appearance well.  It’s worth investing as you want a carpet that will last for years to come.

Nylon, polyester and wool are all durable fibres that can stand up to high footfall.  Manufacturers give usage ratings to their carpets so it is easy to see if they are made for light or heavy usage.  The texture of the carpet is important too; berber, loop and cut pile are all good choices for busy areas as they are strong and can maintain their shape. The pile of a carpet refers to how the loops of the fibre are attached to the backing of the carpet; these loops are then either left as they are or cut at a length and/or angle.

When you are buying a new carpet, have a look for the Tog rating as well – this calculates the thermal insulation, so the higher the Tog rating, the warmer the carpet will be.

Man-made fibres such as polypropylene, are great ‘family friendly’ fibres as they are highly stain-resistant.  They are also hard-wearing but have a softness as well, for the perfect floor.  Carpets that have been treated with Scotchgard or Teflon are a good choice as they will prevent stains from setting into the fabric.

If allergies are a concern, a carpet made from Nylon is the most effective allergy-controlling option.  Nylon repels allergens and has the added benefits of being a long lasting, durable carpet that keeps its colour and shape well.  Carpet with tightly woven strands is ideal for those with allergies as the fewer the strands, the less places there are for pollen to go.

For those rooms where you have the option of a luxury, opulent carpet, like adult bedrooms, wool is a popular choice with a style like saxony for a deep and lush pile, giving that indulgent feel underfoot.

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What colour is best?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the choosing the colour; what room the carpet is for, who will be using it and how much light it gets.  For kids’ rooms, it is best to go for a darker colour when they are younger as it will hide the inevitable spills and stains better.  As they get older, lighter colours are more viable.  If you have pets you may want to have a darker carpet to hide dirty paw marks and pet hair; fleck patterns are a great option for hiding these as well.

Light colours make a room look bigger and brighter, but bear in mind that they will show up any dirt or stains, so they are a better choice in rooms that are not used very much.  Bright colours are cheery and welcoming but they may fade in a room that gets a lot of sunlight.  Very dark carpet can make a small room seem even smaller but are great in large rooms, especially media or game ones.  Neutrals like browns, greys and tan strike a great balance between bringing light and warmth to a room and hiding any dirt, which is why they are so popular.

If you want the best of both worlds, a patterned, striped or bright staircase or stair runner is a good way to bring character to your home while choosing a practical colour for the majority of your home.

If you are looking for an on-trend colour, soft, textured grey carpets will be popular, like this luxurious Elements London Wall Street Whisky Sour carpet (pictured left).

One of the two Panetone colours for this year is ‘Ultimate Gray’ and all of the colour predictions for 2021 include shades of grey. All neutrals like greys, browns and greige (a mixture of grey and beige) will continue to be in favour for the foreseeable.  Bold, bright colours are coming into style too, as people design their interior colour schemes to reflect their personalities with decadent, vibrant jewel toned carpets.

Can carpet be eco-friendly?

Yes, there are many eco-friendly carpets available. Wool carpets are a great option as they are durable, luxurious and improve indoor air quality.  Wool is a sustainable source which is renewable and biodegradable. Herts Carpets work with a number of wool carpet specialists like Axminster Carpets; they support The Campaign for Wool, raising the profile of wool as a natural, sustainable fibre.  Axminster Carpets locally source wool to further reduce any environmental impact.  Alternative Flooring also have a hand woven collection of wool carpets which is both ethically and environmentally friendly.

Other sustainable, natural fibres such as seagrass, organic cotton, jute, bamboo coir and sisal make wonderfully textured, luxury carpets which are becoming increasingly popular.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Eco-friendly flooring

What does eco-friendly mean?

Eco-friendly means that a product or process is not harmful to the environment, it is ‘earth friendly’.  In most cases, this refers to products that contribute to green living, prevent contributions to pollution, like air and water pollution, and practices that help to conserve essential resources such as energy and water.  In order to be completely eco-friendly, a product must be non-toxic, with sustainable practices, fibres and/or ingredients used and both environmental and human safety should be taken into consideration.  Many people are becoming increasing concerned with environmental issues and are looking to make their homes more eco-friendly.

What flooring is eco-friendly?

When it comes to flooring, you need to bear in mind two main factors; what is is made from and how was it made?  Here are some of the options available.

Wood

Wood is an eco-friendly flooring option because it is natural and also because it is long lasting and recyclable.  Choose a manufacturer that uses 100% sustainably sourced wood.  FSC certified wood comes from forests that are environmentally conscious, responsibly managed and socially beneficial.  Most new wood floors from Ted Todd are FSC or PEFC certified, and they have been FSC compliant since 1997.

Reclaimed wood

Wood that has been used as flooring or in structures like historical buildings, can be repurposed to make beautiful, environmentally friendly flooring.  It is both reusing an old product and preventing the need to cut down more trees.  As the wood has been used previously, it has a tight grain which makes it more durable and hard-wearing.  Ted Todd offer a range of ethically sourced reclaimed wood including oak and pine.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood can be a great eco-friendly choice, from a manufacturer that uses sustainable wood (ie FSC certified) and practices. It is constructed of mostly high-quality plywood, with a top layer of solid wood.  This means less waste during the manufacturing process, which is very efficient.  It is more versatile and stable than hardwood flooring and can be used with underfloor heating.   Plus it has a very natural finish and conducts heat well, reducing the energy you need to heat your home.

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Bamboo

This is a tough, durable option that has a realistic wood finish, although bamboo is actually a grass rather than a tree.  It has a much faster growth rate than trees so is a very sustainable option (3-5 years as opposed to 25-125 with hardwood).

Bamboo is extremely versatile, suitable for most areas of the home, including the kitchen.  Another plus is that bamboo has natural anti-bacterial qualities, great for family homes.  Alternative Flooring use bamboo in their collection as well as other natural fibres like coir, which give a rustic look that is very on-trend.  They use products from sustainable natural resources.

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Linoleum

Linoleum is made from natural materials; linseed oil, which is combined with resins and wood fillers to make tiles.  It is both biodegradable and recyclable. Also anti-static and hypoallergenic, linoleum is a great choice for eco-friendly flooring.  Added benefits are its fire-retardant and stain-resistant qualities.  It is durable and versatile, suitable for use in high footfall areas like hallways and kitchens.

Though it has not been an on-trend flooring for many years now, it is making somewhat of a comeback due to its green qualities and there are a range of modern designs available, with wood, ceramic and stone looks and a variety of patterns.  These days, linoleum can be a stylish and affordable choice in green flooring.

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Cork

This hard-wearing option is both biodegradable and recyclable. Cork is made out of the bark of the tree; initially a cork tree takes 25 years to mature then can be harvested every 14 years, making it a very renewable resource. Recycled cork floors are also available and can be made using the cork from wine bottles.

Cork is also warm and soft underfoot, anti-bacterial and fire resistant. This durable flooring is an excellent sound and thermal insulator and it is both dirt and mold-resistant.  Though it can be dented it has elasticity, so is springy and will return to form.

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Eco-friendly carpets

Although carpet has not traditionally been seen as eco-friendly, there are now many manufacturers that use sustainable materials and practices.  When choosing a carpet that does not damage the environment, wool and other fibres such as bamboo, seagrass, jute, organic cotton and sisal are great options.  You can still have a soft, luxury carpet that is not harmful to the environment.

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Many manufacturers such as Alternative Flooring, Miliken and Axminster Carpets have sustainable, environmentally responsible policies and end of life options for carpet.

Another alternative is recycled carpet.  This is manufactured from pre- and post- consumer plastics.  PET carpet is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

For our guide to eco-friendly carpets, see here…

Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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