Natural Wood Floors

About Our Wood Flooring

Natural wood floors are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses due to their timeless beauty, durability, and versatility. Here’s some information about natural wood floors: 

Types of Natural Wood:

There are various types of wood used for flooring, including oak, maple, cherry, walnut, birch, hickory, and pine. Each type has its own unique characteristics, such as color, grain pattern, and hardness. 

Solid Wood Floors:

Solid wood floors are made from a single piece of solid wood throughout the plank’s thickness. They can be sanded and refinished multiple times, offering long-term durability. Solid wood floors are typically nailed or glued down and require a stable subfloor. 

Engineered Wood Floors:

Engineered wood floors are composed of multiple layers. The top layer is a real wood veneer, while the core layers are made of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). Engineered wood floors are more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making them suitable for areas prone to these issues. They can be glued, nailed, or floated over various subfloors. 

To maintain natural wood floors, it’s important to: 

• Avoid excess moisture and clean up spills promptly. 
• Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches. 
• Avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor. 
• Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to minimize wear and tear. 
• Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning products and methods. 

It’s worth noting that wood floors can be an investment, and it’s essential to choose a reputable supplier or installer to ensure quality materials and proper installation techniques. 

Are natural wood floors environmentally friendly?

The environmental friendliness of natural wood floors depends on several factors, including the sourcing of the wood, the manufacturing process, and the maintenance practices. Here are some considerations: 

Sustainable Wood Sourcing

Choosing wood from sustainably managed forests is crucial for the environmental friendliness of wood floors. Look for certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR), which ensure responsible forestry practices like reforestation and biodiversity conservation. 

Renewable Resource

Wood is a renewable resource, as trees can be replanted and harvested. However, it is important to ensure that the rate of harvesting is balanced with the rate of regrowth to maintain the long-term sustainability of forests. This is why engineered wood flooring is more sustainable as its using less timber, compared to a solid wood floor. 

Carbon Sequestration

Trees absorb carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere during their growth. Wood floors, especially those made from solid wood, store this carbon throughout their lifespan. This carbon sequestration can help mitigate climate change by reducing the overall carbon footprint.   

Energy Consumption

The manufacturing process of wood flooring can involve energy-intensive procedures, such as cutting, drying, and finishing. Opting for manufacturers that prioritise energy-efficient production methods can reduce the environmental impact. 

Chemical Treatments

Some wood floors may undergo chemical treatments, such as staining or finishing with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution. Choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC finishes and adhesives can minimise the impact on indoor air quality.  

Durability and Longevity

Wood floors are known for their durability and long lifespan. When properly maintained, they can last for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements and the associated environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal.   

Recycling and Reuse

At the end of their life cycle, wood floors can be recycled or repurposed. Recycling options include grinding the wood into wood chips or using it for energy production. Reusing wood planks for other purposes, such as furniture or decorative elements, is another environmentally friendly option, this is where reclaimed wood flooring is a highly sustainable option as its reusing timber.   

Responsible Maintenance

Proper maintenance practices, such as using environmentally friendly cleaning products and avoiding excessive water usage, can contribute to the overall environmental friendliness of wood floors. 

It’s important to note that not all wood floors are equally environmentally friendly. Engineered wood floors, for example, can involve more energy-intensive manufacturing processes but uses less timber compared to solid wood floors. Additionally, unsustainable logging practices and the use of exotic or endangered wood species can have negative environmental impacts. Therefore, it’s essential to research and choose wood flooring options that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.