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The Eco-Friendly Choice: Why Engineered Wood Flooring is Sustainable

The Eco-Friendly Choice: Why Engineered Wood Flooring is Sustainable

27th Nov 2023

As we become more conscious about the environment and the effect of our actions, it is important to opt for sustainable choices in every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s our daily routine or choosing materials for our homes, we can make a significant impact by going eco-friendly. One such choice that is gaining popularity among homeowners is engineered wood flooring. Not only is it a beautiful and durable option, but it’s also an environmentally-conscious choice. Let’s dive into why engineered wood flooring is sustainable and why you should choose it for your home.

Uses Less Natural Resources

Unlike solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring is made up of multiple layers with the top layer being the actual hardwood. This means that lesser hardwood is required, making it a smart and sustainable choice. Moreover, the core of the engineered wood flooring is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood, which is also created using less natural resources than solid wood. It’s a win-win situation for the environment and your pocket.

Produces Less Waste

During the manufacturing process of solid wood flooring, a lot of wood is wasted due to knots and other defects. However, engineered wood flooring is created using a variety of wood grades, which means fewer leftovers. Additionally, any offcuts or scraps can be reused or repurposed instead of being thrown away, which significantly reduces waste.

At The Wood Flooring Co., the factory where our wood flooring is manufactured is on track for climate neutral production by 2025 and has made a number of ecological commitments. These include heating the factory using sawdust generated during production, only using electricity from renewable sources, and separating waste at source so that 99% of it can be reused.

Low Emissions

Engineered wood flooring has low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, making it a healthy choice for your home and the environment. VOCs present in materials and products can have short and long term health effects, so choosing low-emitting products is essential. 

Products made from plasticisers and PVC, such as vinyl or LVT flooring is toxic in production and cannot be recycled (check out or 'No-Vinyl Tile' collection for an alternative). In contrast, wood flooring is biodegradable and made from natural ingredients that contain no harmful chemicals. Wood also helps to absorb carbon dioxide and can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Use of Recycled Materials

Another eco-friendly feature of engineered wood flooring is the use of recycled materials. Many manufacturers take pride in using recycled wood for the core layer of the flooring, reducing the need for newly sourced materials. When you opt for a wood floor, you are naturally making an eco-conscious choice for your home, since wood is a renewable, sustainable resource that can be used without depleting the environment.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Lastly, engineered wood flooring is incredibly durable and long-lasting, making it a sustainable option in the long run. Unlike some other flooring options, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a floor that will last for years to come. This means less frequent replacement and less wasted material and resources in the long term.

Choosing engineered wood flooring can be a sustainable and smart decision for your home. By using fewer natural resources, producing less waste, emitting fewer VOCs, using recycled materials and being long-lasting and durable, it checks all the boxes for eco-friendliness. So, if you’re looking for a flooring option that’s environmentally-friendly, beautiful, and cost-effective all at the same time, then engineered wood flooring is the way to go!