Compared to solid wood floors, engineered hardwood flooring requires less material to produce. This means fewer trees are cut down, and less waste is created in manufacturing. Engineered wood floors are also less sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture. However, spills should still be wiped up immediately to avoid water damage. Harsh cleaners should also be avoided, as they can dull the finish and void warranties.
Sustainable Forestry Practices
Because only a thin layer of solid wood is used for the veneer on engineered hardwood floors, more flooring can be produced from fewer trees, which helps to minimize deforestation. Additionally, many manufacturers of engineered hardwood like SOEN Hardwood use reclaimed or recycled materials in their products, which further reduces the need for new materials. Hardwood trees also store carbon for their entire lifecycle, so when they’re harvested for flooring or other uses, that carbon is retained and isn’t released back into the atmosphere. Sustainable forestry practices that promote tree selection are essential for maintaining forest health, and many environmentally conscious consumers look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification to support responsible forestry. FSC-certified flooring is sourced from forests managed according to ecological and social principles. These forests are monitored for compliance with sustainable forestry standards, which include replanting trees to replace those harvested and maintaining biodiversity. Additionally, FSC-certified flooring can be made from reclaimed or recycled materials that reduce waste.
Recycled or Reclaimed Materials
Reclaimed or recycled materials are the way to go if you’re committed to the environment. These flooring options use wood that has already served a purpose in another building, like the side of an old barn or the lanes of an aging bowling alley. They also don’t require the cutting down of new trees. The manufacturing process for engineered hardwood is less harmful to the environment than its solid-wood counterpart, as manufacturers cut only a thin layer of the wood species for the veneer. This reduces the demand for pristine, old-growth trees and minimizes waste. The plywood or fiberboard core of engineered hardwood is often made of recycled materials, further reducing the environmental impact of this type of flooring. Many manufacturers now use low-VOC or low-formaldehyde adhesives for the glue that bonds the veneer and core layers to minimize emissions. This is an excellent alternative to traditional adhesives that emit toxic gases into indoor air.
Low-VOC or Low-Formaldehyde Adhesives
Many traditional hardwood floors contain chemicals that emit volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde. These toxins are harmful to humans and pets. They also hurt the environment, depleting natural resources and polluting indoor air.
However, engineered wood floors are much less likely to emit these toxins. This is because the veneer of an engineered hardwood floor only consists of natural solid wood. In contrast, the core of an engineered hardwood product can be made from renewable materials like recycled wood fibers or reclaimed lumber. This efficient use of timber allows manufacturers to produce more flooring from fewer trees, minimizing waste and the need for pristine old-growth forests. It also encourages using smaller or less perfect pieces of wood that would otherwise go unused in traditional solid wood production. Furthermore, some engineered wood products use adhesives that are low in VOC and formaldehyde emissions. This helps to reduce indoor air pollutants and contributes to a healthier home for you and your family.
Renewable Materials
Compared to carpet, linoleum, and tile flooring, engineered wood floors require less manufacturing energy and fewer harmful chemicals. When sourced responsibly, it also sequesters carbon, reducing the impact of global warming. Using a thin layer of natural hardwood as the top veneer allows manufacturers to produce more floor from fewer trees, preventing deforestation. Most manufacturers use fast-growing species that grow back quickly, alleviating pressure on slow-growing species and old-growth forests. Engineered hardwood floors can use renewable, non-petroleum adhesives that minimize environmental impact. Look for a product certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or Greenguard. Avoid adhesives that contain VOCs or formaldehyde, which contribute to indoor air pollution and waste. Additionally, consider choosing a product with a core made from natural, sustainable materials like honey mesquite. This native US hardwood is durable and holds up to humidity changes, minimizing the need for replacement and lowering energy consumption. It can even be sourced locally, reducing the transportation sector’s environmental footprint.
