The Environmental Benefits of Engineered Timber 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.

Less hardwood is used

Although hardwood is sought after for it’s beautiful aesthetic and unique character, it’s also slow growing which means replacing the wood that’s been used can take some time. When you choose engineered flooring over solid floorboards, you’re using a product which has only a thin hardwood veneer on top compared to a solid hardwood floorboards. This means that you get the most out of the hardwood as you’re only using it to supply the top layer of the floorboard. The remaining layers of the engineered flooring is generally comprised of sustainable plywood.

FSC certified options

Given that engineered flooring uses slow growing hardwood as the top layer, you want to be confident that this wood has been sourced ethically. Luckily, there are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved options which ensure the responsible management of the world’s forests. With FSC approval, it means that the timber has been sourced from a forest and supply chain which is managed responsibly.  FSC certification helps you determine engineered timber options which are environmentally, economically and socially responsible.

How do I make the right choice?

When you’re choosing your engineered timber flooring supplier, remember that not all companies have a focus on sustainability. Ask questions around how their timber is sourced and manufactured so you can be confident that you’re opting for flooring which both looks amazing and is kind to the environment.

At Melbourne based Kustom Timber, our sustainable oak timber flooring is sourced from renewable FSC approved oak trees. We personally oversee the manufacture of our products to not only ensure the highest quality but to also ensure that our timber supports our focus on sustainability. For professional end-to-end service, speak to our team today.

For engineered timber flooring Melbourne, contact Kustom Timber today on (03) 9645 3857.