Deconstruction
Getting to the Bottom of Sustainable Wood Flooring

I recently took my family on a road trip that made me reflecton my own industry's use of wood in construction.

We traveled up the California coast into northern California and then to Yosemite National Park. As always, it was a relaxing experience to connect with nature. We especially enjoyed seeing all the magnificenttrees, the redwoods in northern California, the majestic Sequoias in Yosemite, and the old pines everywhere.

Being surrounded by beautiful old trees made me mindful that our forests are diminishing because of construction. I would like to believe that average homeowners don't realize the impact of their personal housing choices have on our forests.

Educating homeowners on how to choose sustainable options for their homes is an important part of my business and an essential part of being socially responsible. Fortunately, more homeowners and builders are demanding sustainable wood options, so more suppliers are offering them.

Flooring is where homeowners typically consider wood and where sustainable options have greatly increased in the past few years, in part due to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The FSC is an international organization formed in 1990 to promote responsible stewardship of the world's forests that has set specific international standards for forest management. The organization accredits third party organizations that follow their standards, and they award forest managers with the FSC product label. Consumers need only look for the FSC trademark to easily identify products that conform to their standards.

FSC flooring has become so commonplace in today's market that, in addition to traditional maple, oak and walnut, exotic woods such as rosewood, Brazilian cherry and Brazilian teak can be found with the FSC label.

In addition to FSC certified wood, bamboo has become a popular sustainable flooring option since the rapidly growing plant is harvestable in four to six years, making it a highly renewable resource. However, not all bamboo floors are created equally. The market has been flooded with poorly manufactured products because of bamboo's increased popularity. Homeowners need to learn the qualities of top-grade bamboo flooring.

Many bamboo mills use immature stalks that are insufficientlydry. This results in a floor that is not as hard and durable as it could be. Another issue is the adhesives used. A poor quality adhesive will contain urea-formaldehyde, which emits gases. Look for a bamboo floor that contains formaldehyde-free adhesives.

Bamboo mills will sort their pieces to use the best pieces for their longer planks. As planks are typically available in three- or six-foot pieces, it is safest to buy the six-foot planks to ensure a better quality of bamboo flooring.

Reclaimed wood is another sustainable flooring option. This wood is re-milled from lumber salvaged from deconstructed buildings and from fallen trees in forests. It has a unique look due to its natural streaking, nail holes and rustic character.

No matter the home style, consumers now have a number of sustainable floor options that are both beautiful and durable.

By choosing a sustainable building product, you'll appreciate the scenery on the next road trip, knowing you are doing your part to keep it intact.

Jared Boudreaux owns Artisan Restorations, a construction business specializing in construction management, historical preservation and eco-building. Send questions to artisanrestorations@cox.net.