Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors made from reclaimed lumber can be more durable than
new hardwood flooring. Reclaimed wood is often taken from abandoned barns, factories and warehouses. The
downside is that reclaimed hardwood is often more expensive than new hardwood flooring. The extra cost is for the gathering,
dismantling and preparation of these used
materials.
On a positive note, some of the rarest wood types can only be acquired through this retrieval process, such as American
chestnut and longleaf pine. If you desire eco flooring made
with new hardwood, look for types that have been manufactured with wood from FSC–certified forests. The FSC, or Forest
Stewardship Council, is an international organization
that promotes sustainable forestry.
Pros
- Reclaimed hardwood flooring types are available
- Reclaimed lumber can be more stable and durable than new hardwood flooring as it has been exposed to changes in humidity for a longer period of time
- Radiant heating systems work well with reclaimed hardwood flooring
- Less energy is used to manufacture hardwood flooring compared to concrete
- The constant replanting and growing of trees in renewable forests helps to absorb carbon from the atmosphere
Cons
- Reclaimed hardwood flooring can be more expensive than new hardwood flooring since the wood must be taken apart, sorted
and prepared
- Reclaimed hardwood can contain metal (such as nails) which can make refinishing and leveling the surface difficult
- Some sealers and finishes used on hardwood flooring contain VOCs which can decrease indoor air quality
Green Flooring Tips – Hardwood
- Choose hardwood flooring that's made with wood from a forest that meets the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)*
requirements
- Instead of disposing of old hardwood floors, give them to a local hardwood reclamation center so they can be recycled
into new flooring
- Make sure your hardwood floors are installed with formaldehyde–free adhesives and glues
*Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an organization that verifies that the forest owner is carrying
out responsible forest practices on a social, economic
and environmental level. This includes maintaining the ecological purpose of the forest as well as respecting the rights of
local inhabitants.
