Sustainable flooring, walls and counter materials are important in today’s properties for reducing environmental impact and improving indoor air quality. However, beyond their direct environmental benefits, such surface coverings are often more durable and long-lasting. They can also help increase property values. As the Toronto area’s top showroom for sustainable floor coverings, Sarana Tile will help pair your next project with the right material.
Why Sustainable Surface Coverings Matter
Today’s eco-friendly tile and floor coverings are as practical as they are sustainable, helping promote a healthier indoor living environment while also looking great in kitchens, bathrooms, foyers and elsewhere throughout properties.
Sustainability starts with how such surface coverings are typically sourced: responsibly. Hardwood, for instance, is often reclaimed or recycled, or harvested from initiatives focused on sustainable forestry or forest regeneration. Look for hardwood that’s either certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or that’s reclaimed. Tile and other hard floor surfaces are typically crafted with abundant raw materials such as clay, silica and feldspar that are abundant in nature and do not deplete natural resources.
Yes, sustainability and practicality are not mutually exclusive when it comes to flooring. They combine durability, ease of maintenance and premium aesthetics. In some cases, the hardness and durability of such options can help provide long-term cost savings.
Benefits and Applications of Environmentally Friendly Flooring
You can learn more about the benefits and applications of sustainable surface coverings when you stop in to Sarana Tile’s Toronto showroom. However, here are some of the basics to know as you’re weighing your decision:
Key Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Flooring
Aside from doing your part to protect the environment through sustainable sourcing and manufacturing, there are several other key benefits to installing sustainable surface coverings on your property. Such benefits include:
- Improved health and indoor air quality: Many eco-friendly options are hypoallergenic and don’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which directly affect indoor air quality and occupant health. Given that indoor air can be up to 5x more polluted than outdoor air and people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, making an effort to limit exposure to common pollutants is key. Many flooring options are also eligible for green building certification, which can help increase a property’s value and marketability.
- Durable and long-lasting: Sustainable flooring options are often better-made than conventional options. This means that they’ll hold up better for longer, potentially even representing a long-term cost savings when you factor in maintenance and replacement timelines.
- Hypoallergenic and safety benefits: Many sustainable hard floor options are non-porous, which helps them resist mold, mildew and bacterial growth. Some styles also resist dust and pollen buildup, making them an ideal choice for occupants with allergies. Furthermore, because sustainable materials are manufactured without chemical additives, they’re often more fire-resistant and safer than conventional flooring materials.
Eco Friendly Tile Applications
You can find inspiration by visiting Sarana Tile’s Toronto showroom. However, some of the ideal installation locations include:
- In the kitchen, both on the floor and as a backsplash.
- As flooring in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, foyer or other entryways.
- In bathrooms or wet environments due to their durability and non-porous nature.
- As accent walls in living rooms or bathrooms.
- Outdoor patios. Due to their durability, these materials are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Eco Friendly Tile and Surface Coverings to Look For
When you visit our Toronto showroom, you can browse from sustainable hard floor materials, including porcelain, stone and hardwood. Here’s a brief overview of each material to help you determine the fit in your property:
- Porcelain: A long-lasting and premium hard floor option, porcelain is available in a wide range of sizes, styles, textures and colors. It’s also a low-maintenance option that’s best cleaned with just soap and water.
- Stone: While very durable, stone is a bit more porous than porcelain, so it might not be the best option for bathrooms and kitchens unless it’s properly sealed. It’s an ideal high-end option for living spaces.
- Hardwood: Hardwood is strong and durable, but more susceptible to scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic environments. It still represents an ideal option for living spaces and bedrooms thanks to its warm, comforting vibe.
Sustainable Surface Coverings Solutions and Considerations
With “sustainability” among the top buzzwords today, one of the most important considerations is ensuring the surface coverings you’re considering are actually sustainable. Many manufacturers will throw around the term without the certifications or data to back up their claims in an attempt to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. As you’re shopping for sustainable surface coverings, be sure to look for professional certifications and data on the manufacturing impact to fully educate yourself on the option’s sustainability features. We’ll never give you the runaround on sustainability in our Toronto showroom.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
Interested in learning more about eco friendly tile and what options would work best in your property? Contact Sarana Tile today or stop into our expansive Toronto showroom to see our sustainable surface coverings collection for yourself. We’re always happy to explain what sets sustainable flooring options apart from conventional styles and show you that sustainability and premium flooring aren’t mutually exclusive. Contact us today to learn more.