"Green" Options for Hardwood Floors

Many homeowners are torn between the classic beauty of hardwood flooring and concern for the environment. Not wanting to contribute to deforestation, they believe that they must steer clear of hardwood flooring altogether. The fact is, the question of whether or not wood floors are "green" does not have a simple yes-or-no answer. There are actually many sustainable options for wooden flooring for those among us who want to enjoy hardwood floors without compromising our eco-friendly sensibilities.

When most people think of hardwood flooring, they probably imagine solid hardwood, in which each plank is made from a single piece of wood, solid all the way through. This is probably the least sustainable wood flooring option; however, it is also very long-lasting, which helps to balance its environmental impact.

Engineered wood is a "greener" flooring alternative. A single plank of engineered wood is made up of several thin layers. Only the top layer will be seen, so the other layers can be made using sturdy scrap wood that would not normally be used for flooring. This reduces the demand on the more popular ornamental wood varieties.

The choice between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood is not the only factor affecting the sustainability of your flooring. Another important consideration is the type of tree your hardwood comes from. In general, the rarer or more exotic the tree is, the less eco-friendly the flooring. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal of approval to mark hardwood flooring products that were harvested in a sustainable, ecologically responsible manner.