Factors that Make Hardwood Floors a Sustainable Choice  | Enoak
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Factors that Make Hardwood Floors a Sustainable Choice 

11/22/2022

The look and functionality of hardwood floors have made them a popular interior designing option for many centuries. However, there are many more advantages of using hardwood flooring over other types of flooring and sustainability is one of them. Sustainability is a unique concept that defines how something fulfils today’s requirements without compromising the future.  

Hardwood’s sustainability stems from the fact that it is a renewable resource. In simple words, this means that it can be replenished quickly and effectively. As a result, when they are responsibly harvested, wood sources do not necessarily get depleted. Also, the modern day forestry has taken significant sustainability measures to address deforestation related concerns.        

Before you make your sustainable home building choices, here are a few important features of hardwood that you must not ignore.  

  • As already mentioned, harvesting trees has almost no impact on the environment, provided it is managed sustainably. It is important here to ensure that the rate of harvest is never more than or equal to the average growth rate. In general, hardwood trees require around 60 years to mature. The idea is to make sure that the available supply globally is sufficient for at least the next 100 years so that there is adequate time for the newly planted trees to grow and mature.  
  • Floor manufacturing is a process that often leaves behind a lot of waste. These wasted raw materials may have a serious impact on the environment as well as the bottom line of the project. Wood production is sustainable in nature because has very little waste. Saw dust and wood chips resulting from the process are used to manufacture different composite products and paper. As a result of these waste management alternatives, 99% of each tree gets utilised in some way.  
  • Wood floors can last over 100 years with proper care and maintenance. If required, they can also be refinished and restained. Unlike many other flooring alternatives, hardwood is capable of hiding the signs of everyday wear and tear. Though it may not be the cheapest of options, these floors don’t need to be replaced within the lifetime of a homeowner.  
  • Wood is considered a carbon-neutral product because trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, and remains that way even after harvesting.  This is why sustainably harvested hardwood flooring has extremely low environmental impact. It has also been found that hardwood floors significantly improve a home’s overall air quality. 
  • Hardwood is amongst a few flooring options that can be reused for flooring as well as other projects. When the wood is damaged and can’t be used for flooring, it can be recycled for accent walls, furniture making, etc. Also, wood is biodegradable, and can be burned for fuel in some cases. 

At Enoak, we understand the importance of sustainability, and always treat our forest with the utmost respect. We only work with partners that are actively involved in the global sustainability drive and have signed the independent PEFC program. Therefore, when you deal with Enoak, your hardwood floor will be made of wood sourced from certified sustainably managed forests. Please contact us today to find out more.