Laying Out the Benefits of Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring has been put into buildings for centuries. It is timeless, versatile and elegant. But, there are so many more benefits.

  • With a skilled craftsman, the right selection of species, cut, preparation, housing condition and finishing technique, it can be put into almost any environment.
  • Trees are cut and planted sustainably when used by certified manufacturers, making sure there will be forests for the generations to come.
  • Even when cut and turned into flooring, lumber will store carbon dioxide indefinitely.
  • Solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished roughly 3-4 times in its lifetime with the appearance being changed completely to the liking of its owner.
  • Solid flooring can easily last as long as 200-300 years. Engineered will simply not due to its construction and the deterioration factor of adhesive components.
  • Engineered floors with a thin wear layer (1-2mm) cannot be resanded, and its appearance cannot be changed. Sadly, what starts as an organic, sustainable product is turned into a throw-away consumable.
    • Thicker wear layer engineered products (4-6mm) can be resanded similar to solid wood flooring but will not outlast solid flooring in its lifespan due to its construction and materials used.
  • Due to its production (mostly overseas); transportation, energy, heat, adhesive use, the carbon footprint of engineered flooring can be up to twice as high as domestic solid hardwood flooring.
  • Solid hardwood floors typically add 3% to 5% to a home’s resale value and offer a high return on investment (ROI). Homes with hardwood floors frequently sell for up to 10% more and sell faster compared to homes without them, making them a preferred feature for 80–90% of buyers.

Keep in mind, mankind has been using wood for centuries long before adhesive and plastic were invented. We explored this world on wooden ships and carts, so durability can’t be questioned. Solid hardwood floors can be responsibly recycled at the end of its (very long) lifespan, making it a win for your home and then for the world thereafter.