From Guest Blogger Liam Pettinger: Sustainable Benefits of Solid Wood Flooring

Environmentally Sustainable solid wood flooring

While looking at sustainable flooring, solid wood flooring is one option that immediately comes to mind. This may sound a little contradictory as wood is obviously derived from trees. However wood flooring can be a surprisingly good choice for the environment when compared to other flooring materials, as seen on HGTV through DirecTV.  For the best deals on DirecTV, visit DX3 and start saving today.

Environmentally sustainable

One might point out that wood being used for flooring leads to the cutting down of trees, which has a negative impact on the environment. However provided these trees are sustainably sourced then they are a renewable source of material.

Industry regulation has tightened up a lot over the last couple of decades for importers and exporters as well as the loggers themselves who have to follow stringent conditions in order to obtain and maintain licences. The wood flooring manufacturing processes tend to use less water and energy sources in their production than any other flooring option, increasing their sustainability credentials.

Less waste

Hardwood flooring also has the advantage of creating less waste. With the latest technologies and precision instruments, it is now possible to measure the boards accurately before installing them. All types of the wood are used with boards containing knots and character sold as rustic flooring and clear grained wood being sold as prime grade flooring.

Health advantages

There are environmental advantages to using hardwood floors with respect to health and general quality of life. Wood flooring ensures that indoor air quality is better because wood does not house allergens or irritants.

Wood flooring can be installed without the need for  chemicals, which makes it less harmful than other options. This kind of flooring is excellent for preventing pollen, dust mites, animal dander and fleas from settling in your home.

Greater flexibility

Wooden flooring also provides a greater flexibility than concrete or vinyl floors. Since wood is a renewable resource, it can be removed and used for other purposes. There is now a huge market for reclaimed wood flooring which means that flooring which was installed decades ago can now get a new lease of life in a new home.

There have been many examples where wood flooring has been recycled to create many kinds of new furniture. Since hardwood floors are natural each floor has a distinctive quality which cannot be duplicated. In addition, it can be made completely unique with the use of oils as well as laid in different patterns such as parquet.

Whatever new flooring choice you decide to go with its always worth asking your suppliers if their materials are sustainably sourced. This should be an easy question to answer for any company who source their materials with the relevant credentials.

This piece was written by Liam Pettinger, writer for The Heritage Collection an online store from Heritage Doors and Floors LTD specialising in the manufacture of environmentally sustainable flooring, doors and stair parts.