Forest-Friendly Floors

Trees are a very important part of our ecosystem. They provide us with oxygen, food, and many useful materials. As a flooring company, we especially have a deep appreciation for the beauty trees add to our homes through hardwood floors. In this blog, we’ll consider some sustainable (or renewable) wood species and wood substitutes that are safe for the environment and add beauty to any home.

One thing to look for when shopping for sustainable hardwood floors is the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) stamp of approval. FSC is an internationally certified system for forests and forest products that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. This means the wood species used is safely harvested and regrown.

Another option is picking a domestic wood species instead of an exotic one. Domestic wood species are more sustainable and economical. They are usually priced lower than exotics, and reforestation through FSC guidelines gives back to our environment, creates local jobs, and ensures ethical practices.

​Sustainable species to look for are: ash,aspen, birch, cherry, elm, hickory, bamboo and cork. All are available in a variety of textures, shades, and finishes sure to suit any decor. Bamboo and cork also come in a variety of styles and looks, some of which you won't find in hardwood.

If these options don't suit your needs, there’s a variety of wood looks in other products such as tile, WPC, laminate, and vinyl. Wood-look flooring has advanced leaps and bounds in recent years, and most can't even tell the difference.

To remember:
*Look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) stamp of approval.
*Domestic hardwoods are more sustainable and generally priced lower.
*There are plenty of beautiful wood substitutes to be found in tile, laminate, vinyl, and WPC.