Wood is regarded as a sustainable flooring material, chiefly due to the uptake of carbon by the trees. Hardwood trees also have a relatively slow growth rate, but the renewal rate for wood depends on the type of tree and type of wood flooring. In general, hardwood trees can take several decades or more to mature.
When used to make flooring material, hardwood can easily last four decades or more. But at the same time, one should not forget the environmental impact of transportation, forestry management, and processing of the wood for environmentally friendly wood flooring.
The key factor that determines sustainability is the durability of the wood. For example, most hardwood flooring will easily last four decades or more, and it is very unlikely that the homeowner will need another flooring replacement in their lifetime.
This means that with fewer flooring replacements, fewer trees are cut, and this is a win-win situation for both the homeowner and the forest. The homeowner saves money in the long run, and the forest is sustained because fewer trees are cut. This is what is meant by environmentally friendly wood floors.
WHICH TYPE OF HARDWOOD IS THE MOST SUSTAINABLE FOR FLOORING?
According to flooring experts, the most sustainable hardwood species are pine and Douglas fir, chiefly due to their rapid growth rate. In addition, maple, oak, and black cherry are also sustainable, environmentally friendly wood flooring options because of their abundance and durability.
For consumers who are seeking environmentally friendly wood floors, the key thing they have to remember is that the type of wood species they select should not deplete the natural resources.
AVAILABLE SUSTAINABLE TYPE OF WOOD FOR FLOORING
There are about a dozen types of hardwood species that are harvested in a sustainable manner, thus making them environmentally friendly wood flooring choices, and they include the following:
- Douglas fir
- Pine
- Maple
- Oak
- Western cedar
- Black cherry
- Black walnut
- Hickory
- Cork
- Bamboo
- Engineered wood
FEATURES OF SUSTAINABLE HARDWOOD TREES
One key feature about these hardwood trees is that they are extremely strong and durable, which makes the environmentally friendly wood floors last many decades. This means that flooring replacement is rarely required, which results in fewer trees being cut down.
Most hardwood trees thrive in the North American climate. There is an abundance of these trees in many parts of the country, which makes it less likely that the forests will be depleted anytime soon. Some of the hardwood trees, like Douglas fir, have relatively rapid growth, and thus the supply is rarely diminished.
The majority of the hardwood species are naturally resistant to decay and rot. In addition, many of the trees have a natural resistance to insects and other pests, which increases their longevity. Many hardwood trees grow in areas where access is relatively easy, making transportation less time-consuming. This also lowers the negative impact on the environment.
Bamboo
Bamboo has been used to make furniture and flooring in Asia for many years, and now it is gaining popularity in North America. The key reason why bamboo is sustainable is because of its very rapid growth rate and ability to self-propagate.
Unlike hardwood, bamboo can mature in just a few years, meaning it is one of the most sustainable species of wood on the planet. Bamboo is exceptionally strong and will last many decades. In addition, bamboo has a natural resistance to pests and rots.
Bamboo is more durable than most hardwood species and is moisture resistant. The material will not swell or shrink due to changes in temperature and will last much longer than most hardwood species. For homeowners who want environmentally friendly wood flooring that will last forever, bamboo is the wood of choice.
Engineered Wood
Recently engineered wood has become a popular choice for flooring. Homeowners who prefer environmentally friendly wood floors simply will not go wrong with engineered wood. Engineered wood is made by using adhesives to adhere strips of recycled hardwood, followed by adding a surface veneer layer. Because of the way engineered wood is made, there is minimal waste. In addition, engineered wood is very durable and will easily last four decades or more.
Unlike traditional wood, no trees are usually cut down to make engineered wood. More importantly, engineered wood is more moisture-resistant than traditional hardwood and less prone to warping and swelling. Engineered wood is also ideal for installation in the kitchen and basement areas. For those seeking environmentally friendly wood floors, the key is to select engineered wood that is made from recycled hardwood planks.
WHICH HARDWOOD SHOULD YOU SELECT FOR FLOORING?
With at least a dozen species of hardwood to select from, here are some tips on choosing the best wood for your environmentally friendly wood flooring needs.
- In general, domestic wood is more likely to be made in an environmentally friendly way compared to tropical hardwood. The reason is we have established quality controls and regulations in the forest industry in how we process and manufacture flooring from wood.
- Always check if the hardwood has a sustainable certificate, such as the PECC or FSC.
- Avoid hardwood from areas of deforestation in tropical rainforests.
- If possible, select a manufacturer who makes flooring from recycled or salvaged hardwood.
- Most hardwood species are durable, and the life span of flooring in many decades, but try to select the one with the longest lifespan. This will save you money in the long run, as you will most likely never have to replace the flooring again.
- Go for quality instead of cheap imitations. Paying more initially for the right type of hardwood will save you money in the long run.
- Speak to an East Coast flooring expert to learn more about sustainable wood flooring.
CONCLUSION
There is no question that there are plenty of environmentally friendly wood flooring options. Besides Douglas fir, one also has the option of selecting maple or oak, which are not only durable but have excellent aesthetics. If money is no object, nothing beats bamboo. For those with a limited budget, engineered wood is another option for environmentally friendly wood floors. Finally, look for manufacturers who recycle wood and have a sustainable certificate, such as the PECC or FSC. Contact a professional at East Coast Flooring & Interiors.