Hardwood flooring is versatile, durable, and by far one of the most popular choices of flooring. However, this is not only because of how attractive and easy to maintain it is, there are also countless environmental benefits which is why many prefer it to other options. Interior designers tend to choose wood flooring as a preference due to the style and elegance, putting this on top of the extensive health and environmental benefits and the choice of hardwood flooring seems like a simple one – choose it whenever you can! 

The following environmental and eco-friendly benefits of hardwood flooring are some of the factors to consider when choosing your type and design in the future. 

• Wood is natural

Wood as a resource for flooring can be given great credit for its environmentally friendly properties. People who are attempting to cut back their carbon footprint may want to consider hardwood flooring as they’re often made from recycled materials. Plus, it’s durable and long-lasting so you can be sure that wherever it has been fitted won’t need the flooring replaced for a few decades. Hardwood flooring comes directly from trees and the only chemicals used is polish or lacquer for decoration, unlike some carpets and tiles, you don’t need to worry about the flooring being harmful to human health. 

• Energy saving

Hardwood flooring is known since it’s surprising energy saving qualities. Since wood flooring very rarely needs to be rejuvenated, it proves better for the environment than carpet (which typically is replaced every few years). Plus, wood and particularly dry wood is a natural insulator meaning it keeps rooms at a warmer temperature for longer. Therefore, if you’re contemplating this type of flooring it’s a great choice for keeping rooms and spaces properly insulated. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, wood floors use less energy and water to make too as there are no harmful emissions or chemicals going into the product at the factory stage. 

• Wood floors last hundreds of years

In terms of environmental benefits, as well as financial, wooden floors are the longest serving out of any other options. You can repair and restore damaged wooden floors and replenish them if need be too. This then means that they don’t need to be replaced as other flooring options too. Looking at older buildings and houses from many years ago, it’s clear to see that if wooden flooring is well looked after and is kept in a good condition, it can serve anyone well. Not replacing flooring is a huge benefit for the environment as it means you’re not wasting materials on something that is going to be changed or replaced in a matter of months or years. 

• Doesn’t retain dust or dirt

The likes of carpets are often a preferred family home flooring but if there are people living in the space who have allergies or are sensitive to dust then carpets shouldn’t be your top choice. This is because carpets retain allergens on a microscopic level and although you might feel as though your cleaning is doing its job, there will still be reminisce of the dirt or bacteria somewhere. However, with wooden flooring this isn’t an issue, it may collect dust, but this is easy polished away to reveal a smooth and shiny surface that doesn’t allow the dirt to bury itself underneath layers of flooring. Hardwood flooring is both better for human health and the environment for this reason.