Wood Floors, Are They Better For the Environment Than Carpet?

Up until the 1980's it was all about the synthetic materials. For whatever reason synthetics had been elevated to a higher standard than natural products. 20 years later and much of that has changed. We have become educated on the consequences of our actions and knowing those consequences many people have begun to make a shift back to the natural world. While some still disregard the need to move towards more sustainable practices, those who care know that every little decision adds up. In making those decisions it can be hard to balance practicality, cost and aesthetics when trying to improve your house. The desire between building a beautiful house and being conscientious of the environment often do not seem to overlap. Yet in some cases you can have both. One of those cases is wood flooring.

Wood flooring is a classic when it comes to home decor. With many beautiful colors like an earthy brown or a deep red, one can create the feeling of a cozy warm cabin while still looking modern. With numerous different grains of wood and new types of "wood" flooring being introduced into the market there are many options. So why wood over tile, carpet and vinyl? Unlike other options wood can be replenished. Yes, there are companies that illegally clear cut forests, but these days most activist groups like the Sierra Club have pushed lumber companies into sustainable practices. Trees can grow back, while something like tile mining will forever change the landscape. Vinyl and carpet are both synthetically made materials, usually with high amounts of plastics. Plastic is one of the most environmentally toxic products out there. Starting from production and ending with their disposal, plastics harm the environment in several different ways. Though being environmentally friendly is not the only aspect of wood floors.

Another quality that makes wood flooring a sound investment is the durability and life span of wood flooring. Wood floors usually last decades, something carpet and vinyl cannot compare too. A long lasting floor means an investment that retains its value for a long time. Wood floors offer other values that are not monetary, like being friendlier and more comfortable than tile flooring. It's much nicer to walk on a wood floor barefoot every morning than a tile floor! Wood is also cost effective and easy to install. And there are wood choices that are very environmentally safe, like bamboo which is considered a highly sustainable resource.

When it comes to making a flooring decision, look good and hard at the decision you are making. Outside of the normal questions like budget constraints, look and see if the product you are buying is environmentally sound. Is what you are buying made in a sustainable way? Does what I am buying affect the environment in a negative way? Be it wood or carpet, these are important questions to be answered before you make a decision. Of course it is obvious what we recommend, learn from the past when making decisions towards the future!