Three Sustainable Flooring Choices

The feeling of walking across wool carpet is one of pure luxury, but is wool sustainable. In short, it’s a smart choice, with Flooring Xtra wool carpets sustainably sourced from New Zealand. Wool is a natural product and one that is renewable and biodegradable at the end of its life. Wool carpet is also a natural insulator and fire resistant, making it a very useful carpet to live with every day.

There are many beautiful wool carpets but wool rugs are another great option worth considering. They add warmth, texture and interest with less environmental impact as some other fibre styles.

Carpet adds warmth, softness, and comfort to any space, making it a cosy and inviting choice for your home. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sinking your feet into plush carpet! To keep your carpet looking and feeling its best for years to come, regular care and maintenance are essential. Just like hard flooring, preventative upkeep will help maintain its beauty and longevity.

Proper care for wool carpet comes down to three key steps:

• Frequent, thorough vacuuming – Helps remove dust, dirt, and allergens while preserving the carpet’s appearance.
• Prompt spill cleanup – Acting quickly prevents stains from setting and keeps your carpet looking fresh.
• Periodic professional cleaning – A deep clean every so often revitalises the fibres and extends your carpet’s life.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the luxurious feel of your wool carpet for years to come! For more detailed care information, you can read our Carpet Care Guide.

Timber flooring is an excellent flooring choice for many reasons and is popular due to its distinct and authentic characteristics. Nothing compares to the beauty of real timber, and with care, it can last many, many years. Caring for timber floors may take a little more effort than its timber-look alternatives, but they can also be repaired and restored successfully too (read more about care tips here). Think of all of the beautiful period homes with the original, albeit repaired timber floors!

Flooring Xtra timbers are sourced sustainably from carefully managed Australian and international forests. They also require less energy consumption during the production phases than timber-look products making it an efficient choice.

With proper care and maintenance, your flooring will stay looking great and last for years. Follow these key tips to protect your floors from damage and wear.

Preventative Care

• Try to keep shoes outside – This prevents dirt and stones from scratching the floor.
• Regular cleaning – Vacuum (with bristles down) or use an electrostatic mop to remove grit.
• Mop with care – Use a damp mop only, avoiding excess water. Never use steam mops, wax, or polish.
• Clean spills immediately to prevent staining or damage.
• Use door mats at entrances to trap dirt—avoid rubber-backed mats to prevent discoloration.
• Protect against furniture damage – Never drag furniture; use felt pads under heavy items and protective mats under office chairs.
• Limit impact damage – Stiletto heels, pet nails, and worn shoe soles can cause dents and scratches.
• Control environmental factors – Maintain ventilation, protect from direct sunlight, and manage humidity to prevent fading or warping.

Often overlooked, but carpet underlay itself is a sustainable material, extending the life of your carpet. Quality carpet underlay creates a layer of protection between the underfloor and the carpet, cushioning it for extra softness underfoot and lessening everyday wear and tear on the carpet itself. The longer your carpet looks and feels great, the less frequently it needs to be replaced and minimising waste by extending the life of your flooring.

EnviroTred is a unique product created by Dunlop. It’s manufactured using 90% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable, considering the product’s entire lifecycle. It works to absorb the impact of everyday use, allowing for less wear and tear on your new carpet. Best of all, it’s proudly Australian made ensuring that we continue to support our local economy. You can read more about the EnviroTred product, and their collaborative commitment to Planet Ark.

Are timber floors high maintenance?

Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, which is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.

How do I clean wool carpet rugs?

Rugs need care just like carpet. Vacuum frequently and clean up any spills and marks promptly. You can read our Rug Care Guide for more information.

Where can I buy carpet?

Flooring Xtra have a wide range of carpets across varying price, fibre and style categories, with stores conveniently located Australia-wide! To find your nearest Flooring Xtra store you can use our Store Finder.