As a natural resource that has been used by mankind for thousands of years, there can be little doubt about the sustainability of hardwood as a floor covering.
Beyond this obvious green fact, the U.S. wood flooring industry has jumped to the forefront—in helping the world better manage this precious resource as well as create green manufacturing processes—that make it a favorite among consumers, designers and specifiers.
The following are a few of the numerous qualities that make wood flooring and the companies that make it one of the more environmentally friendly interior decorating products:
• Wood floors are durable and could last as long as the house or building in which they are installed.
• While trees are replanted to replace those that are cut for flooring there should be an endless supply of wood flooring, making it a highly renewable resource.
• Selective cutting is a way of harvesting without destroying the forest. Because trees are a living entity each one reaches a point when it begins to stagnate and die. Prudent management is to harvest these specimens at or near that juncture in their lifetime.
• Studies show these practices to be sustainable as there is more standing hardwood today than there was 50 years ago. Compared to 1952, the total volume of wood in the U.S. is 25% greater.
• Wood floors can be resurfaced and used numerous times before the end of their useful life.
• Wood flooring is biodegradable or can be used as fuel since it does not contain harmful chemicals and additives.
• The wood flooring industry has been way ahead of the curve when it comes to ensuring its products are responsibly harvested and made. Most manufacturers have not had to change how they source or produce their products as a result of recent federal and state regulations, namely the Lacey Act and CARB (California Air Resources Board).
• Wood floors are carbon neutral: Oxygen is produced during its growth cycle while carbon is stored during its service life.
• Mechanical locking systems are starting to be used more and more by wood companies, with approximately 20% of today’s floors now incorporating some form. This reduces the need for various resources, from glue to nails to staples as well as the tools required for them.
• Many wood floors come with a pre-applied, factory finish that is cured into the product so no harmful sanding or applying of chemicals need to be done in the home.
• Wood is naturally warm to the touch. Inch to inch, it is 16 times more efficient as an insulator than concrete. Even so, engineered wood flooring is a perfect fit for energy efficient radiant heat systems, thus helping to lower utility bills.
• Modern wood floor finishes do not require the waxing and polishing like older floor finishes—only sweeping or vacuuming and dust mopping is needed to maintain today’s hardwood products.
