Green Flooring – A Sound and Ecological Investment For Singapore Homes

Green flooring, also known as eco floor covering is one of the latest trends in the Singapore consumer flooring industry. The popularity of this option is rapidly increasing among Singapore homeowners due to the loud call for environment preservation, energy conservation and a low-cost flooring option. Homeowners in most Singapore cities such as Serangoon, Tampines, Bukit Batok and many more are becoming aware of the green initiative floor coverings.

The following are some of the most recommended green flooring options in Singapore. 
Cork flooring 
Cork is a renewable natural resource which is extracted from the outer back of cork oak trees. Cork is naturally soft but has an innate elasticity. Being dust repellent, it qualifies as the most ideal option for people with respiratory problems. This flooring option usually comes in the form of tiles or planks, which can easily get replaced in the event of damage. Cork flooring option presents numerous benefits for Singapore homeowners. Firstly, the material has natural built-in air pockets that ensure it feels soft and comfortable to step on. Secondly, cork is known to provide thermal and noise insulation. This is the reason why homes that have cork flooring will be more quiet and tend to hold heat for longer periods of time compared to traditional flooring options. It’s also water resistant and as a result, cork floors are preferred to be used in bathrooms and kitchens. Thirdly, it’s a durable option that can last longer than conventional floors. Lastly, cork flooring is sustainable as it’s harvested from the bark of cork oak tree that replenishes itself. 

Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a viable eco-friendly flooring material extracted from the Bamboo plant. Bamboo flooring is among the most green flooring options as it is harvested in 5 to 6 years. This makes it a highly sustainable natural material that replenishes easily. When bamboo trees are cut down , the roots remain intact and grow very fast into another plant for harvest within a 5 to 6 years. Bamboo flooring is a low-cost option that lasts for a lifetime if well taken care of. Bamboo floors do not scratch easily as they are more resilient than maple and red oak. With top-notch treatment, bamboo resist mildew unlike traditional flooring options. 

Linoleum flooring
This is another preferred flooring option made from boiled linseed oil , sawdust, sap , powdered cork, pine resin. It’s recyclable, easy to clean, long-lasting and biodegradable. Linoleum is an inexpensive flooring option. This natural flooring is soft and highly durable as well as easy to maintain and clean.

Wool carpet
Wool is a natural and hypoallergenic material that has been woven by the Singaporeans for centuries into both carpets and rugs. This material is stain-resistant, renewable and recyclable. Apart from its durability, wool is fire retardant. It’s well known for its durability, beauty, warmth and sustainability. Additionally, natural plant fibers such as jute, sea grass, abaca and coir are worthy flooring options especially in high moisture areas. 

Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a combination of marble, concrete, stone or glass. It can also be made out of recycled products. Although it’s a costly option, it’s resilient and stands up to years of use. 

Concrete
Concrete is renowned for its durability, ease of cleaning and can be easily integrated into Singapore homes with radiant heating systems. Moreover, it can be stained, patterned and colored to bring out a customized look. Concrete floors come in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns. This flooring option is safe on the health of your family and pets as it is free from glues and finishes with chemicals. A floor made out of concrete gives a sharp natural look that is thoroughly modern. 

What are some of the advantages of green floors?
Green floors allow for elimination of sanding away part of the wood surface or using harmful chemicals found in stripping products. This allows homeowners to keep the floor intact and maintain its original beauty and luster. With a green floor, you only need to scratch it gently and it will be as good as new. Apart from guaranteeing safety for the occupants of a home , green flooring in Singapore a low-cost dustless flooring alternative to traditional refinishing. 

Easy installation
Installation of green floors is relatively easier and will take a few a days. Unlike traditional flooring options whose installation is time consuming, this flooring option can be completed within a few days when handled by a professional flooring expert. 

Greater design opportunities
Green flooring options are ideal for modern, traditional, and transitional styles. 

Truly refined look
Green flooring options are recommended by architects and designers in Singapore for being exceptionally beautiful and unique. 

Other advantages of green flooring options include:
· Meticulous construction
· Refined finishes

What are some of the factors to consider when choosing green flooring option? 
Renewability 
Is the flooring material renewable? How long does it take to replenish itself? Bamboo is the most renewable source as it takes approximately 5 to 6 years to grow back again. Hardwood species like oak and maple take as long as 50 years to grow again. 

Recyclable
Is the flooring material you’re considering to use recyclable , or is it the kind to be used only once and cannot be re-used? It won’t be really an environment friendly initiative to replace your flooring material regularly and end up filling landfill with the discards. It’s important to choose a flooring option that does not exploit virgin environmental resources in Singapore. 

Life cycle
The life expectancy of a particular flooring option matters a lot. For example, regular carpet has the least life expectancy. It requires the homeowner to replace is regularly. Choose a flooring material with a significantly longer life expectancy than the standard conventional flooring.

The best way to take care of green floors is using environment friendly detergents. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals or detergents. There are many harmless cleaning products that can be used to clean green flooring options. Environment friendly detergents will ensure the safety of your family and kids. Besides, they have nice aromas.

Generally, green flooring options are good for the Singapore ecology. With a plethora of choices, you can choose the right flooring option which, not only blends well with your home’s decor, but also suits your budget.