Not only do wooden floors enhance the appeal of your home, such flooring also provides a number of lesser-known benefits that stretch much further than your front door.
The environmental advantages of timber flooring range far and wide. Did you know up to 50% of the dried weight of your solid timber floor is carbon that has been absorbed from the atmosphere while the trees grew?
The carbon sequestered in wooden flooring is stored for life, lowering the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, helping mitigate climate change. During the production of material flooring carbon emissions from hardwood production are less than 2 tonnes of CO² equivalent. In comparison, steel frames are equivalent to 11 tonnes, concrete’s equivalent to 12 tonnes, and ceramic tiles are equivalent to 5 tonnes!
But using timber instead of other flooring materials also delivers other environmental and health benefits beyond carbon storage.
5 Advantages of Wooden Flooring
#1 When timber products are disposed of, they breakdown naturally, whereas vinyl, carpet or tiles do not.
#2 A timber floor is harder and more durable than other surfaces. It can last a lifetime meaning less waste from renewing your flooring (unlike carpeting, which has a lifecycle of 10-15 years).
#3 Hardwood is more energy-efficient than other flooring surfaces and is a sustainable resource.
#4 The Planet Ark Wood – Housing, Health, Humanity Report released in 2015 also found numerous health benefits of timber flooring including lowered stress levels, heart rate and blood pressure, improved levels of self-expression and emotional state, and improved air quality through woods ability to moderate humidity levels.
#5 And when it comes to maintenance, hardwood is easier to keep squeaky clean compared to most other flooring surfaces.
A Naturally Better Flooring Choice
As you can see, the environmental (and health) advantages of wooden flooring are numerous, so if you’re thinking of revamping the floors of your home, or you’re starting a new home build from scratch, consider the sustainable, environmentally-friendly choice.
Get Expert Advice Before You Choose a Timber Floor
Wooden floors are an investment that adds value to your home so make sure you get it right the first time by contacting the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA).
ATFA is the peak body for all things timber flooring, representing manufacturers, retailers, contractors and suppliers nationwide.
The organisation can ensure your wood flooring is sourced and installed correctly, pointing you in the right direction to get you started, advising you on who to use and assisting you through the complete flooring process so that you too can enjoy the many benefits of timber flooring in your home.