Bharat SainiLast Updated on May 25, 2023 by Bharat Saini
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword in the construction industry as it has become an important consideration in construction or home improvement projects. Contractors and homeowners want to ensure their projects cause as little harm to the environment as possible during construction and in the future. Because of this, they typically choose sustainable materials for different projects, including new flooring ones. Homeowners who want to keep the environmental impact of their flooring projects as low as possible should consider the following wood options.
Bamboo Flooring
While bamboo has been used for centuries as a building material in some parts of the work, it has recently become a popular option. The main reason is new manufacturing processes that have improved its performance and appearance.
Bamboo is renewable because it grows quickly and can be harvested partially or completely in as little as three years. Typical bamboo is harvested at 40 to 80 feet, and new stalks regrow from the same plant, meaning it can be harvested multiple times.
Homeowners should know that some companies use harsh chemicals when treating and preparing bamboo for flooring applications. Therefore, it is best to source yours from companies with third-party certifications that prove they do not use such chemicals.
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir is a softwood flooring option used in residential and commercial settings. Despite being a softwood, it is a dense and durable wood with good resistance to wear and tear and is less susceptible to scratches and dents than other softwoods. However, you can improve its durability even more by finishing it and ensuring proper maintenance.
Douglas fir is a sustainable option for home improvement and renovation projects because the wood is harvested from fast-growing trees without harming the environment.
It is a popular option used in Dinesen flooring projects as it has a beautiful light brown, grey, or reddish-pink appearance, which gives it its distinct and luxurious appearance. It can also be fashioned into long planks that are laid to create beautiful patterns due to the wood’s long and beautiful grain patterns.
Dinesen floors, whether using oak or Douglas fir, require a lot of understanding and planning during installation and finishing. For the best results, hire a Dinesen Flooring Approved Contractor to ensure the installation is done right.
Cork Flooring
As with bamboo, this flooring material has been around for a long time and has recently become popular due to an increased demand for sustainable flooring options. Cork is a natural material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. Since these trees are grown specifically for this material, it remains a very sustainable flooring option.
Cork flooring has various advantages, including being much cheaper than hardwood flooring, although its price is on a par with bamboo. Installing these floors is also relatively easy, meaning you can install one yourself and save lots of money.
Cork flooring also has excellent insulation and is easy to clean with a map or vacuum cleaner. However, homeowners should know that cork flooring is prone to staining, so they should wipe spills immediately.
Cork can also warp if there is a water leak or too much humidity in the air for sustained periods. Lastly, some cork flooring options scratch easily, so you might have to ensure your pet’s nails are always trimmed, and you do not drag heavy furniture over them.
Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Reclaimed wood is salvaged from an old building, barn, or structure and then repurposed for use in flooring projects. Since this wood is reused, it reduces the demand for new wood, which necessitates trees to be cut down for flooring projects. This is what makes it a very sustainable option.
Reclaimed wood has a certain charm and aesthetic that new wood cannot match. However, you should check it for termites and pests if it has been sitting unused for a significant period, as you want to avoid bringing them into your home. If you cannot treat it yourself, you can always buy reclaimed wood from businesses that do this for you.
Wood is one of the most sustainable flooring materials, but it can be less so due to how it is grown, harvested, and treated. It is a good idea to research to find out where the wood you are buying or using is coming from. The exception is reclaimed wood you already have that you repurpose for your project.
