Many people buck the environmental trend of green flooring, thinking that it's too expensive and/or requires more work and upkeep than other flooring types. Green flooring, in actuality, can be a cost-effective and practical choice for many homes.

Almost all floors can be made from recycled materials, and sometimes these recycled alternatives can be cheaper than buying a floor made from new products. For example, you can purchase tile, rubber and concrete made from reclaimed materials. Hardwood flooring can also be made from reclaimed lumber; however, this can be pricier than purchasing new hardwood as dismantling and preparing the wood can be a costly process.

If you're looking for new flooring that's environmentally friendly and fair-priced, look no further than linoleum flooring. Linoleum is made with pine rosin, linseed oil and jute - materials that are sustainable and biodegradable. Linoleum flooring is a popular choice as it offers a wide range of looks and is generally made with adhesives that are free from VOCs*.

Another green flooring myth is that floors made from sustainable products are not as durable as new flooring. In actuality, a number of floors made from reclaimed materials are actually more durable than new flooring. Reclaimed hardwood is comprised of wood that's been exposed to wind, rain and humidity for a much longer time than new wood. Thus, reclaimed wood tends to be stronger and less likely to warp once installed.

Heard of any more myths about green flooring? Feel free to post them to the end of this blog!

* VOCs (short for volatile organic compounds) are carbon-based chemical compounds that can be found in certain flooring materials, adhesives and cleaners.