There’s a misconception that wood flooring is not eco-friendly. However, it’s much more eco-friendly than alternatives like carpet. Wood is derived from natural resources rather than artificially manufactured, making it environmentally friendly. In contrast, flooring materials such as linoleum are sourced from fossil fuels, posing risks to the environment. Read more about why hardwood flooring is sustainable.
Contractors must do their part to educate eco-conscious clients about the environmental benefits of wood floors & where it actually comes from. When home and business owners understand their options, they may opt for more sustainable products and feel more confident with their decisions.
Choose a Domestic Species
When it comes to choosing between exotic and domestic wood flooring options, the more sustainable choice is to stick to locally-sourced, domestic wood products. Popular domestic options include oak, maple, cherry & hickory.
While exotic flooring is beautiful and adds value to any home, harvesting exotic wood from other countries can contribute to deforestation. When choosing a domestic product, you can ensure that it is properly regulated. Government regulations have been set to protect both the timeframe and amount of wood that can be harvested.
Look for FSC-Certified Products
The U.S. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) actively discourages deforestation and illegal logging, focusing on the preservation and promotion of sustainable forest practices. The organization oversees the management of diverse forests and the wood derived from them.
When looking for a more sustainable option, look for the FSC logo. FSC-certified products have a custody label that allows a plank of wood to be traced back to its source.
Choose Environmentally-Friendly Finishes
When choosing between oil-based and water-based finishes, water-based is the more environmentally-friendly option. Oil-based polyurethane finishes may contain higher levels of VOCs. You should keep in mind that water-based finishes tend to have a shorter lifespan and are often more expensive.
Keep in mind that you may also want to consider an eco-friendly hardwood floor cleaner for ongoing care.
Reuse or Recycle
With hardwood flooring, you have the option to update existing hardwood for a completely new look. Instead of having to tear out and throw away wood when it’s time for a new interior design, hardwood can be sanded and restained to transform into something fresh.
If hardwood does become too damaged to use again, it can be recycled to use for furniture or a decorative feature. When in doubt, you can recycle hardwood. Reclaimed wood is extremely popular and people are often looking to achieve the look of recycled wood that has imperfections.
Ready to Help Your Customers Go Green?
Contractors can also reiterate to their customers that the US EPA has found that hardwood floors improve indoor air quality. Carpet harbors allergens and pesticides that can be tracked from outdoors.
The team at City Floor Supply can help you pick the right domestic, sustainable flooring options for the job.
