To be considered an engineered wood floor the decorative layer must be real wood. Engineered floors can only have a natural decorative top layer. Wood chips are used in the core HDF material, but there is no real wood used in the decorative surface.
Hardwood floors top many people’s lists of things they’d like to add to their store and offices. A hardwood feel instantly enhances the décor of any room, while adding long-lasting durability, beauty, and low-maintenance care. With so much demand for hardwood flooring today comes several choices on the market, from different wood species and finishes to different types of flooring.
Wood as a sustainable building material
When it comes to impact on the environment, wood is one of the most sustainable options. It’s a renewable resource which can be grown again and again and doesn’t require the same amount of energy to produce as many other building materials – you just let it grow! In fact, wood is the only renewable mainstream building product available. Wood also has the added benefit of being able to store carbon throughout its lifecycle. The carbon that is stored in the wood can help offset the emissions that are used during the manufacturing process, particularly if it’s from a sustainably managed forest.
Environmental Reasons To get Engineered Wood
Sustainable
Overall, wood production has become more sustainable using sound ecology principles with increasing forest areas and enhanced replanting. These increased forests have been producing more oxygen as well.
Engineered wood is a fantastic choice to have a natural home that has a small carbon footprint. And can use up most of the tree.
Engineered Wood Circulates the Heat
As well as reducing waste, engineered wood floors can also help the environment by better circulating heat. Due to their dense core, engineered wooden floors are excellent at conducting heat. This means, you won’t need to use as much energy to keep the home warm.
Reducing your monthly energy bills is a great additional benefit of installing engineered wood flooring. So, if you’re looking to do your part for the environment, while giving the home a luxurious look, engineered flooring is a great choice. Just be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer to see that they focus on sustainability in their designs.
Respectful
Engineered wood can use up more of the tree. Standard wood planks are traditionally 2x10s or 2x12s. Plus, standard wood planks need to be milled from trees of a certain size. Manufactured wood uses up the smaller pieces of wood and wood particles combined with low-toxicity adhesives.
And whatever can’t be put into, can be used for fuel for producing electricity or heat. Engineered wood uses 90% of the tree, and you can use smaller trees or parts of trees making it very eco-friendly.
Healthier
Engineered wood is healthier for you than some laminates, vinyl, and bamboo flooring because it uses low-toxicity glue during the manufacturing process.
