Unlike most floor coverings, wood floors come from a natural resource that is sustainable. Long gone are the days when timber was cut down with little thought for the long term consequences on the nation's forests.

Today most timber is cut from forests that are carefully managed to ensure continued resources in the future. In fact, according to U.S. Forest Service statistics, almost twice as much hardwood timber Is added every year through new growth as is harvested.

Additionally, there is more standing hardwood timber today than there was 50 years ago.

Wood floors are produced with an efficient manufacturing process that wastes very little material. Oftentimes, by products such as wood dust are used to generate heat or electricity at the flooring mill. In addition, producers of engineered wood flooring make maximum use of lumber materials by using various grades of lumber for the different layers in the flooring.

Also available is reclaimed or recycled wood flooring. Instead of using the forest as a source for flooring materials, manufacturers of these products use wood salvaged from old buildings such as barns and factories, as well as lumber recovered from the bottoms of lakes and rivers.

Once in the home, wood floors not only improve the structural integrity of the building but also are one of the best insulating materials, helping to conserve energy resources.
Wood flooring is not a short-term investment. In 10 years it won't be taking up space in a landfill rather, it may likely last the lifetime of the building it's installed in.

If at some point the homeowner wants to dispose of it, it's a naturally biodegradable product.