Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Natural Flooring?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

As more people become interested in making their homes as green as possible, interest in natural flooring options has increased significantly. Fortunately, there are a number of flooring options that will fit just about any décor while still offering durability and beauty. Here are just a few of the natural flooring options that may be of interest.

Wood floors are easily one of the most popular of all natural flooring options. Hardwoods are often preferred, with oak being one of the most popular. Pine flooring is also considered a great option. Flooring types such as bamboo floor or a cork floor are also much more popular than in years past. Homeowners can choose to go with a laminate surface to an existing floor, or start fresh with a wood floor made with planking or sections that are adhered directly to the floor joists.

Hardwood flooring.
Hardwood flooring.

Along with the various options with wood floors, some people prefer some type of stone flooring. A stone floor is a great option, in that it is likely to show very little wear and be easy to maintain. Marble floors are often a good option for rooms with high traffic, such as a dining or living room. The slate floor is another example of natural flooring that can work well in just about any room of the home, including bedrooms and kitchens.

Bamboo is often used to make natural flooring.
Bamboo is often used to make natural flooring.

While many people don’t think of a linoleum floor as being an example of natural flooring, the fact is that flooring types of this nature are made from natural components. The typical linoleum floor is created with the use of linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. This combination of natural elements is mixed and spread over a burlap or canvas backing and pressed to create a smooth surface. Linoleum floors created in this fashion work just as well as floor coverings made from all synthetic materials and are available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Mild detergent can be used to clean natural flooring.
Mild detergent can be used to clean natural flooring.

Choosing the right natural flooring for your home will depend on the colors and textures you wish to introduce into your space. Wood flooring can be stained to provide darker floors that lend themselves well to more formal décor, while woods with a lighter stain often work well for a more casual setting. Stone also tends to be a better option for a relaxed setting, while marble is often viewed as being more classic and formal. However, the selection of natural flooring should be determined by your individual tastes and which of these flooring options will provide you with the greatest degree of satisfaction.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Hardwood flooring.
      Hardwood flooring.
    • Bamboo is often used to make natural flooring.
      By: Maceo
      Bamboo is often used to make natural flooring.
    • Mild detergent can be used to clean natural flooring.
      By: picsfive
      Mild detergent can be used to clean natural flooring.
    • Cork flooring has a supportive and springy surface.
      By: Elenathewise
      Cork flooring has a supportive and springy surface.
    • Bamboo flooring has become particularly popular in recent years.
      By: eugenesergeev
      Bamboo flooring has become particularly popular in recent years.
    • The lumber harvested from maple, oak, and other hardwood trees is often used to produce hardwood flooring.
      By: Wollwerth Imagery
      The lumber harvested from maple, oak, and other hardwood trees is often used to produce hardwood flooring.
    • A stone floor is likely to show very little wear and be easy to maintain.
      By: mimadeo
      A stone floor is likely to show very little wear and be easy to maintain.
    • Linoleum is made of linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour.
      By: Popova Olga
      Linoleum is made of linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour.