Want to increase your home value and help the planet at the same time?
Great news…
Sustainable flooring is one of the best investments you can make. The right eco-friendly floors can add up to 5% value to your property while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.
The problem is that most homeowners don’t know which sustainable materials will give them the biggest bang for their buck. They throw thousands at the wrong choices and miss out on thousands of dollars of resale value.
In this article you’ll discover:
- Why flooring matters for home value
- The best eco-friendly flooring materials buyers want
- How to choose flooring that gives you the best ROI
- Simple installation tips to protect your investment
Sustainable Flooring Is Pushing Home Values Up
Just take a look at this data…
According to recent data, 63% of homeowners would prefer to remodel their existing home instead of buying a new one. And when they remodel, they’re going sustainable.
Why? Because buyers are willing to pay premium prices for homes with eco-friendly updates.
And it’s not just talk. Homes with quality sustainable flooring like limestone tiles and other natural materials are selling faster and for more money than ever. Durability plus environmental friendliness equals exactly what today’s buyers are looking for.
But there’s one big problem with many sustainable flooring options…
They don’t actually drive up home values. Choosing “green” is great for the planet but many eco-friendly choices won’t increase your sale price. In fact, the wrong flooring can even subtract from value.
The key is to know which sustainable materials have the biggest impact. Some just won’t register with buyers while others will significantly increase your sale price.
Natural Stone: The Sustainable Floor Material with the Biggest Impact on Value
Take a good look at your flooring…
Natural stone immediately creates an impression of quality and luxury. Materials like limestone, travertine, and slate have been used for hundreds of years – and they’ll last hundreds of years more. That’s as sustainable as it gets.
And it works because of the following:
- Longevity – Expect 100+ years with proper maintenance
- Low maintenance – Don’t require frequent replacement or refinishing
- Unique character – One-of-a-kind with each tile
- Energy efficiency – Excellent thermal mass to help regulate temperature
Buyers get that. When they walk in and see natural stone, they know they won’t have to replace those floors for decades. That’s huge in today’s market.
Hardwood: The #1 Floor Material in Terms of Value Addition
Do you know what’s the best part about sustainable hardwood?
ROI. Simply amazing. The National Association of Realtors says that refinished hardwood floors offer 147% cost recovery and new hardwood installations 118%.
Not a typo. You make more money than you spend.
Now, not all hardwood flooring is created equal on the sustainability front. Opt for FSC certified woods from sustainably managed forests, reclaimed wood from older structures, or rapidly renewable species like bamboo. Choose locally sourced materials to reduce transport emissions, too.
The great thing about hardwood is that it’s a no-brainer with almost any buyer demographic. Millennials love it. Gen Xers want it. Baby Boomers see it as an investment. Quality sustainable hardwood is a win no matter who’s buying.
Bamboo: The Rapidly Renewable Choice
Wait a minute… Bamboo isn’t really wood, is it?
Correct. It’s grass. But that’s exactly what makes bamboo one of the most sustainable flooring options available. Bamboo reaches maturity in as little as 3-5 years, compared to 20+ years for traditional hardwood trees.
This means minimal environmental impact, continuous renewable harvests, and lower costs than hardwood. Plus bamboo is just as durable as traditional hardwoods like oak or maple.
Buyers who care about sustainability absolutely rave about bamboo. It has everything eco-conscious buyers want and still delivers the warm, natural look they desire.
Cork: The Overlooked Sustainable Winner
Let me tell you about cork flooring…
Homeowners overlook it at their peril. Cork has many unique benefits you won’t find in other sustainable flooring options.
Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without cutting them down, cork regenerates every 9 years, making it extremely renewable. Cork naturally resists mold, mildew, and insects too, a big plus in humid climates.
On top of that, cork has a very different feel. It has natural cushioning that’s comfortable to stand on for extended periods. Great for kitchens where people spend hours.
Luxury Vinyl: The Sustainable Material You Don’t Expect
Hang with me here…
Luxury vinyl planks have come a long way from your grandma’s old vinyl. The best modern LVP flooring is waterproof, durable, and often made with recycled materials today, with 20-30% recycled content, low-VOC adhesives, and phthalate-free backing.
It doesn’t command the same premium as natural stone or hardwood, but LVP can still increase your home’s value when done right. The key is choosing well-known brands with good environmental certifications.
Installation Is Just as Important as Floor Material Choice
Here’s how to protect your investment…
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the material choice is all that matters. Even the best sustainable flooring can fall flat if not installed properly. Professional installation is critical to ensure:
- Proper subfloor prep
- Correct use of low-VOC adhesives
- Minimal material waste
- Validation of warranty protection
It’s not the time to skimp. The difference between DIY and professional installation could be thousands of dollars in resale value.
Pick The Right Flooring for Your Local Market
Wait… but don’t all of these materials work well no matter where you live?
The truth is, no. It’s all about understanding what buyers in your area actually want.
Luxury markets go crazy over natural stone and hardwood floors. Mid-range buyers often prefer bamboo or high-quality LVP that looks like hardwood without the price tag. Budget-conscious consumers might be best served by recycled content tile.
Do your homework on your local market before buying into expensive materials. Talk to realtors. Visit open houses. Find out what’s moving and what’s not.
Long-Term Value and Maintenance Requirements
Buyers think about long-term when they shop for homes…
They don’t just want pretty floors today. They want floors that will still be beautiful in 10 years with minimal maintenance. Sustainable flooring materials have a big advantage here, because they’re designed to last.
Natural stone gets better with age. Hardwood floors can be refinished over and over. Bamboo scratches less than traditional hardwood. Cork’s resiliency means it springs back from dents.
This means sustainable materials command higher resale values. Buyers can see and feel quality that will serve them for decades.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re considering a flooring update, make sure it’s on this list.
Sustainable flooring has moved out of the niche category and into the mainstream. Smart homeowners know eco-friendly materials don’t mean lower value or aesthetics.
Quality eco-friendly floors and materials can boost your home’s value by 3-5% while tapping into a new market of environmentally conscious buyers. The key is choosing materials that balance sustainability with mainstream buyer appeal.
By selecting flooring that’s durable, renewable, and installed properly, you create floors that do double duty. They look fantastic but also command premium prices when you go to sell. Whether you pick natural stone, certified hardwood, bamboo, or new recycled-content choices, the right sustainable flooring is an investment that pays off in both your wallet and the environment.
Make the right choice today and you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come.
