stone flooring

In many ways, the jury is out on stone as green flooring. These are among the positive considerations that come into play:

• It is made from abundantly available, natural materials.
• Its lifecycle is extremely long.
• It can be reclaimed when no longer wanted, in some cases.

On the other hand, negatives can be cited as well:

• Practically speaking, stone is not a renewable resource.
• Extracting and processing stone requires large amounts of energy (which contributes to global warming).
• Extracting stone creates concern about erosion and water pollution.
• Stone's weight increases the energy required for transportation. Major quarries are located in Italy, China, India, Canada, and Mexico as well as the United States.

If you decide on natural stone, consider using softer stone, such as slate or sandstone. These stones lie closer to the earth's surface, which makes the process of mining them easier and less energy intensive. In contrast, marble and granite come from deep inside the earth's crust and mining them is more expensive and more likely to produce pollution.

Another way to swing the pendulum in stone's favor is to choose local stone, which does not have to be hauled long distances to your home.

Alternatives to Stone Flooring – Other Green Flooring Options

If extreme durability of stone appeals to you, you might also appreciate:

• Concrete. Some manufacturers replace some of the Portland cement with fly ash to produce concrete with better marks for sustailability. It has the water resistance and durability of stone.
• Recycled Glass Terrazzo. Made of up to 95% recycled glass combined with either cement or epoxy, terrazzo can be a green choice. It lasts 40 years or more, requires little maintenance, and resists the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.