An ever-growing sense of environmental awareness is changing the narrative in various ways. For example, functionality and aesthetic appeal are not the only major yardsticks for determining quality flooring solutions today.
Eco-friendliness is also in the mix, which has led to conversations about whether or not Engineered Timber Flooring is eco-friendly and quality enough. Read on as this article discusses how it passes as eco-friendly.
The Green Credentials of Engineered Timber Flooring
Broadly speaking, there are two classes of goods that can be considered eco-friendly. The first are outright eco-friendly products. They are every bit environmentally sustainable while the second option consists of products that significantly reduce the damage caused to the environment through their use.
Engineered timber flooring belongs in the second category, especially if it is top-quality. Some of the reasons why it deserves to be considered as eco-friendly include the following:
1. Durability
Engineered timber flooring products have impressive features. These include features that help them fare well in the face of moisture, temperature fluctuations, and a lot of harsh conditions. Furthermore, they are usually better than solid wood flooring solutions in this regard.
These impressive features due to their very reliable properties are why they are very durable. They can last for between 20 – 40 years and even more.
The fact that several factors influence its durability is why this range is very much. By the way, some of the factors that influence its durability include:
- Core Material
- Thickness of the Wear Layer
- Finish Quality
- Wood Species Used
- Installation Method & Quality
- Maintenance
- Manufacturer’s Quality
- Subfloor Preparation
- Acclimation
- Environmental Conditions
The good news is that a lot of them are within your control. So, you can extend the lifespan of this flooring solution as much as possible. This would take purchasing engineered timber quality flooring and having it installed by the right team. Of course, maintenance is also paramount.
2. Efficiently Used Resources
It would be pushing things too far and even lying to say that hardwood is not used in making this flooring solution. However, the point of eco-friendliness is the amount of hardwood used during its manufacturing process.
What is used is a lot less than what is used in making solid hardwood floors. The bulk of what makes engineered timber flooring is eco-friendly as only a thin hardwood layer is used for coating the eventual product.
3. Significant Reduction in Deforestation
Deforestation may seem economically profitable in the short term. This is because it generates revenue and materials for some people. However, its cons far outweigh the pros that it offers. Some of the dangers of deforestation include:
- Water Cycle Disruption
- Loss of Biodiversity
- Depleted Natural Resources
- Increased Possibility of Natural Disasters
- Ecosystem Service Disruption
- Poor Air Quality
- Adverse Economic Impact – In the short and (especially) long term
- Dislodged Indigenous Communities
- Soil Erosion
- Climate Change
The use of engineered timber floors plays a part in avoiding all of these adverse effects and several others. The reason is that it significantly reduces the need for deforestation. This is because only a small amount of hardwood material is required for making these floors compared to solid floors.
4. Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of solid wood floors requires so much energy. Besides the huge financial cost involved, there is also the issue of significant environmental impact.
However, it is a lot better in the case of engineered timber floors. Besides the significantly reduced energy consumed during its manufacturing process, there is also the point of possibly using waste materials and by-products during its manufacturing process. This further proves that it is a very eco-friendly option.
5. Low-Emissions
Still, on the subject of its manufacturing process, carbon emission is significantly reduced compared to the case of solid wood flooring. This is largely because of the kinds of finishes and adhesives used to make it. Overall, it is safe to say that these finishes and adhesives are non-toxic options.
6. Recyclability
A lot has been previously said about how it is bound to last a very long time. However, its status as a very eco-friendly solution is further enhanced by the fact that it can be recycled for the production of new products and even entirely different products. Some of the entirely different products that can be produced include:
- Art & Crafts
- Decorative Items
- Furniture
- Construction Materials
Making the above-listed and several others out of engineered timber flooring products that have even reached the tail end of their life span is good for environmental sustainability. However, it calls for greater awareness and strategies that ensure such are recouped. This is instead of being inappropriately disposed of.
Conclusion
In light of conversations about flooring solutions that are fit to be categorized as eco-friendly and otherwise, this article has discussed engineered timber flooring solutions. This is by sharing 6 important reasons why they pass as eco-friendly.
So, they are ideal enough for people bent on using eco-friendly flooring solutions, which is important. However, it also calls for purchasing them from the right source and having them properly installed.
