Is An Eco-Friendly Wood Flooring Possible?

Eco is from the word ecosystem meaning a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. Therefore, eco-friendly, as defined by the dictionary online, means not harmful to the environment. Eco-friendly wood flooring might sound conflicting to many because it may damage forests and reduce farmers resources. Worry no more greenie for a well-managed forest already exist, where there are strict selective cutting practices that allow enough time for trees to regrow. This makes SOME hardwood flooring sustainable and gentler to the environment. Only some? Yes! Hence, you must be careful in choosing your supplier. Bear in mind that there is still a lot of illegal loggers everywhere putting our environment in danger.

Wood, A Sustainable Source

Trees are planted, harvested and can be planted again. Because trees can be regrown, wood is considered a sustainable flooring as long as it is harvested and managed properly. Modern harvesting techniques reduced the fears of terminating biodiversity. Sustainable harvesting has improved so much that trees are growing faster than the rate they are being harvested.

Trees are essential to our life. Well-managed forest makes sure that after a tree is cut down, a new one is planted. Younger trees produce more oxygen and absorb more carbon dioxide which helps reduce global warming.

Durable wood flooring is possible when it is cared for properly. It can even last a lifetime which means replacing your floor will not be necessary, unlike carpets that need replacing every five to ten years. So what can help you find the right wood? Check for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate. Wood with FSC logo means it has been thoroughly checked and you can be sure that your flooring is truly eco-friendly.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

What is FSC? It is a global not-for-profit organization that sets the standards for what is a responsibly managed forest, both environmentally and socially. They make sure that the product is made from responsible resources. Therefore, FSC certification aids forests remain flourished for more generations to come.

There are two types of certificate. One is for forest owners and managers, forest management certification is a guarantee your processes and operations meet FSC standards. Second is for businesses manufacturing or trading forest products, chain of custody certification verifies that products are handled correctly at every stage of production – from forest to shelf.  This certification system provides close monitoring to ensure that the company is complying with the requirements of the FSC. Certification can be withdrawn if there is any malpractice.

List Of Sustainable Wood

1. Oak

Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree and can also make good flooring. The bark regenerates within three years for harvesting anew, which makes it a particularly renewable resource. Because it is dense and a little spongy, cork is particularly good for rooms where you might do a lot of standing or where you need some noise absorption, like kitchens and basements.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that is popular for consumers who aim for both beauty and durability without the possible environmental impacts from harvesting forest. The plant fiber is naturally anti-bacterial, water-resistant and tough.

3. Reclaimed Wood

This comes from sources like an old warehouse, underground piers, dismantled houses, and even logs pulled from river bottoms. Though they are recycled, it is more expensive due to the extra labor required to clean, restore and refinish the wood as compared to new hardwood. This is one of the most eco-friendly options for it keeps the wood from ending up in the landfill and lessens the need to harvest more trees.

4. Engineered Hardwood

The reason engineered hardwoods are considered sustainable is that less hardwood is used, which reduces the harvesting of slower growing hardwood trees but still getting the natural floor covering that you desire. It also lasts longer than other solid woods because it is more resistant to climate and humidity changes. The longer the flooring lasts, the less wood will be needed to meet demand.

Finding an eco-friendly wood flooring is not the end of protecting the environment. You may want to consider extra steps like asking your supplier about the eco-friendly method on hardwood flooring installation. Also, think of how to properly dispose of your old floor. Once your new floor has been installed, be mindful of what products you should use to keep it looking at its best. Some products can cause danger to our ecosystem. Remember that going green will not just benefit you and your family but also the generations to come.