Latest Interiors: Totally floored
Latest Interiors looks at the options for updating your floors and finds a myriad of sustainable choices
If you want to update your floors, it makes sense to shop around for a finish that ticks all the right boxes: something that will look good and last for ages; a product that won’t break the bank or – importantly – damage the environment. Happily, there is a fast-increasing range of natural floor finishes to choose from, your only problem will be making your mind up. This week, Latest Interiors nudges you in the right direction with the lowdown on all forms of natural flooring.
Beach Hut Stripe: from Kings Carpets & Rugworld, 01273 721444
Green, green grass
There are several natural floor finishes made from grass and plant fibres. Sisal (traditionally used in ropemaking), for example, is extracted from the Agave Sisalana plant and farmed in the sub-tropical regions of Mexico, Brazil and East Africa. Well-suited to heavy domestic use in hallways and living areas, it can be also dyed for different colour finishes. Coir – manufactured from the fibres of coconut husks (usually in Southern India) – has been used as a hardwearing, inexpensive floor covering for years. The best quality coir has been handpicked, softened in sea water, and then pounded with stones to remove any remaining shell. Another good allrounder, it can take the wear and tear of a hallway or living area, while maintaining its natural beauty. Seagrass and jute are both finer in texture, and better suited for medium to light use. In all cases, check that the product you’re buying has been made from sustainable produced materials, and that workers have been paid a fair price.
Natural wool carpets
Real wool carpets have been enjoying a bit of a renaissance of late, largely because of their fabulous insulating properties and general cosiness. Wool is, of course, a completely natural, sustainable, biodegradable product. It is also hardwearing and responds well to cleaning, although different weaves and textures are appropriate in different parts of the home. Put away your doubts and check out some pure wool carpets before you make your final choice – you may be pleasantly surprised.
Wood is good
Of course, wood is probably the most popular natural floor finish, and for good reason: Hardwearing, warm under foot and very beautiful, a good quality wooden floor could last as long as your home. French oak, maple and cherry are among the most popular finishes, although darker woods like walnut are becoming fashionable once more. Reclaimed floorboards, or wood harvested from well-managed FSC-approved forests, are the greenest options here.
Rubber, paper and bamboo
Often overlooked, rubber flooring and linoleum are also natural products. Both are chic, inexpensive and hardwearing, and come in a vast range of colours, textures and finishes. Some types of rubber flooring are suitable for outdoor use too – as a colourful, child-friendly alternative to decking. Paper can be also be transformed into a hardwearing floor product, with a clean, crisp definition and texture. If neither of these flick your switch, what about bamboo (good looking, sustainable and great value), stone, or even leather? You’ll never look at laminate again.
