Where The Love Of Tile Meets The Love Of Earth
At Westside Tile And Stone, we’re passionate about tile design in residential homes and commercial spaces that add beauty and function to any room. That’s why we also take special pride in offering tile materials that reduce the carbon footprint of your interior spaces. If you’re looking for some Eco-Friendly Tile Flooring solution for your kitchen or bathroom, we provide an array of styles in natural stone, ceramic, Saltillo, glass, and more.
Keep reading to learn more about our environmentally-friendly tile options or contact one of our friendly tile experts by dialing 818.704.9222 (Canoga Park) or 310.276.9222 (Beverly Hills).
What Makes Tile ‘Green?’
These days, “Going Green” is more than just a trend, and more and more homeowners, builders, and interior designers are opting for materials that use less natural resources and energy output to produce. Many people think a product or material is “green” if it is made from only natural stone, renewable substances. However, there are so many factors that contribute to whether or not a tile flooring material is eco-friendly. Here are some additional aspects to consider when trying to select an environmentally-friendly tile for your home or building:
- Is the material renewable?
- Is the material recycled or recyclable?
- Is the material mined and/or manufactured responsibly?
- How far does the material travel?
- Does the material release any toxins?
- Is the maintenance the material requires sustainable?
- What is the average life cycle of the material?
The Most Eco-Friendly Tiles On The Market
Our tiles specialists here at Westside Tile And Stone have compiled the most eco-friendly tile flooring options for when you are building or renovating any interior space. If you are looking for a cost-effective tile with a lower carbon footprint, you might be surprised at the wide array of styles and designs available that also promise quality. Read on to gain more inspiration for your new and improved, environmentally tile flooring!
Linoleum
Avg. Price: $2 to $5 per sq. ft.
Not to be confused with the vinyl flooring that imitates the classic look of linoleum, linoleum eco-friendly tiles are made from linseed oil, which occurs naturally in flax plants and is then oxidized. Due to its all-natural source, this tile is a readily available and highly renewable resource. Furthermore, the production of linoleum does not negatively impact the environment, and these tile floors can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years if maintained regularly. Also, linoleum tile can be recycled! When linoleum reaches the end of its life cycle, it can be burned as fuel, and the energy byproduct that results from burning one square foot of linoleum tile is equal to the energy needed to manufacture new linoleum.
Natural Stone
Avg. Price: $7 to $35 per sq. ft.
Although this tile can vary widely in cost, the stone is one of the most eco-friendly options for your flooring because it is a natural byproduct of the earth, which is continually renewed by means of natural tectonic processes. In addition to inflicting zero harm towards the environment, natural stone can also be recycled into other flooring projects. Keep in mind, though, that stone is a heavier material compared to other tile options, and the energy and cost to transport it will be greater than other alternatives.
Recycled Metal
Avg. Price: $30 to $70 per sq. ft.
More expensive than other eco-friendly tiles materials, recycled metal flooring is typically manufactured from scraps of aluminum, copper, or brass. Although these tiles come from a finite resource that is not necessarily biodegradable, using it in the form of tile flooring keeps it out of the landfill and preserves metallic substances in an efficient way that is non-harmful towards the environment.
Recycled Glass
Avg. Price: $35 to $100 per sq. ft.
Made from recovered glass waste such as discarded bottles, broken windows, and more, glass tiles might be a more expensive eco-friendly tiles material, but their use in flooring prevents the non-biodegradable material from ending up in growing landfills.
Cork
Avg. Price: $1.50 to $4 per sq. ft.
For a tile material that’s equal parts cost-effective and naturally renewable, cork is an excellent choice. Manufactured from the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows back after being harvested, cork tiles do not create any environmental waste and are great for adding insulation to protect your interior spaces against extreme temperatures. As a plus, this all-natural stone tile material is also great for repelling bugs, mold, and mites. Some cork tiles are even made from recycled bottle stoppers!
Concrete
Avg. Price: $2 to $3 per sq. ft.
Another cost-effective option for environmentally friendly floors is concrete tiles, which are among the most durable products for long-lasting structure and builds. Furthermore, concrete can also be customized with a wide array of stains, colors, and designs that beautify your home or building without sacrificing its structural integrity or comprising the planet and its natural resources.
Ceramic Hardwood
Avg. Price: $4 to $14 per sq. ft.
If you want the look of hardwood floors without using up the precious resource, ceramic hardwood tiles are a beautiful alternative that also guarantees ease and convenience in any living or interior space. Because ceramic eco-friendly tiles are moisture-resistant, they can be installed almost anywhere and will last longer in bathroom spaces than actual wood floors.
Sustainable Tile Material FAQ
At Westside Tile And Stone, we assist clients day in and day out with choosing the right tile that fits the requirements and specifications of their interior space while still expressing a unique aesthetic experience. For homeowners, builders, and designers looking for more eco-friendly tiles material, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive on the topic from both customers and callers.
Is ceramic tile eco-friendly?
From mining to installation, ceramic tiles are one of the environmentally friendly options on the market. Because the clay used for ceramic tiles is plentiful, easy to mine, and easy to manufacture, you are looking at an eco-friendly tile flooring material that is not only sustainable but also requires less fuel consumption in its manufacturing and transporting.
Is tile flooring better for the environment?
In general, tile flooring is much better for the environment than carpet or hardwood floors due to the fact that it is more durable, less toxic, and easy-to-clean. Not to mention, there are plenty of designs and styles available for recycled tile–to further decrease your overall carbon footprint. Aside from its well-known low-maintenance, tile flooring also does not release any harsh or carbon-based chemicals into the air.
Is ceramic tile non-toxic?
Absolutely! In fact, ceramic and natural stone tiles are the least toxic materials found on the market for modern construction and interior design.
Is porcelain an environmentally friendly tile material?
Similar to ceramic, porcelain tiles is a wonderful eco-friendly tile flooring option from the very start due to their simple manufacturing process. Also, like glass tiles, porcelain flooring is moisture-resistant and long-lasting, which only serves to make it more environmentally friendly in the long run.
Cleaning Your Tiles The Environmentally-Friendly Way
In addition to choosing the best tile material with the least amount of waste in energy and resources, how you maintain your tile is also a key aspect when it comes to its lifespan and eco-friendliness. We are the best eco-friendly tiles contractor serving Los Angeles and Southern California, recommending some of the most environmentally-friendly methods for cleaning and maintaining your tile flooring from our tile specialists to you!
Baking Soda Paste
Using a paste made from baking soda is one of the most simple, inexpensive, and efficient ways to clean any visible spots and/or build-up on your floor tiles. Just mix baking soda and water to create the cleaning paste, and incorporate vinegar to breakdown any excess scum. However, do not use a vinegar solution on natural stone tiles, as this will erode the material. For tougher spots, allow the baking soda paste to sit for a while before scrubbing it off.
Mild Soap
Believe it or not, any mild soap is an excellent way to clean natural stone eco-friendly tiles installed in your bathroom, kitchen, entryway, or etc. Just add a small amount of soap to warm water, and you can clean most tile and grout with ease. We also recommend that you are thorough when rinsing off the soap solution from natural stone since any residue can erode the tile. Also keep in mind that you should avoid any solutions or eco-friendly cleaning agents that are overly acidic, as this will wear away the material over time.
Tile Cleaning Professionals
Sometimes, no amount of scrubbing or cleaning will restore the tile and/or grout in your home or building. For sparkling clean floors that look brand new, you will need to hire cleaning professionals with eco-friendly supplies, equipment, and/or methods. Some tile cleaning specialists utilize low-pressure steam, which thoroughly cleans your tiles and grout while keeping the material intact–just be sure to ask the cleaning company about their process beforehand.
Better Tile, Better Planet
Do you have any additional questions about eco-friendly tile flooring options and/or maintenance? Feel free to contact our Southern California tile specialists with any inquiries or design ideas–because we believe better tile leads to a better home and planet. Call us today at 818.704.9222 (Canoga Park) or 310.276.9222 (Beverly Hills).