Why Natural Stone Flooring is the Sustainable Choice?
Examples of these are Midhurst Sandstone in Sussex, Purbeck Marble in Dorset and Ancaster in Lincolnshire. Local stones were historically used in their areas and it was possible in traveling across the country to clearly tell the differences.
As the world developed and it became cost effective to transport heavy goods at low cost across the world the situation changed. Labour costs outside Western Europe are a lot lower and it became possible to supply stone from further afield at a more competitive price than local stones. Most stone retailers can now boast material from far flung places such as Israel, India, China as well as others.
However the recent cultural change to environmental issues is causing this to change. Clients are now concerned with issues such as how far the stone has travelled, the working conditions of the people who have produced it and are starting to actively look for local stones again.
This is leading to increased demand for materials from the UK and is putting pressure on producers to increase quantities produced and lower prices. This situation has of late been assisted by the collapse of the pound against the euro and dollar, making it more expensive to import into the UK. Clients are looking to live in a more sympathetic and less destructive manner with their local environment, and it can certainly be stated that UK produced Natural Stone Flooring is the sustainable choice.
In comparison to other flooring materials stone also stands up as a sustainable choice. Porcelain and ceramics are produced overseas ( largely in Spain and Italy ) and therefore incur many miles to market to be sold in the UK. There are a whole variety of issues in producing wooden flooring such as sustainable forestry. Most of the wood that retails for flooring in the UK is again cut and soured overseas.
In the past price was an issue that put many clients of UK stone however this is becoming less of an issue. It is quite possible to pick up good quality English limestone from £65 per square metre whilst a good porcelain or ceramic will cost at least £50 – £55 per square metre.
In summary there are many reasons to choose a UK sourced floor. It will have a natural beauty that fits in the home. It will have been sourced locally, maintaining traditions and an industry which has been running for many years. It will also have a very short journey from production to your home.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For sustainable flooring, he recommends Martin Moore Stone, natural stone flooring specialists.
