Clearly, the production of hardwood floors is not without some environmental cost. When installing and sealing your floors at home, always make sure that you use products without volatile organic compounds in order to minimize the environmental and health risk. If you want to make sure your home decor is an ethical choice, then keep reading. With real hardwood floors, it is possible to prioritize both interior design and sustainability. Because these trees never go dormant, they tend to grow faster. Therefore, softwood forests can be replenished much faster. Obviously, machinery is used in this process. What Are the Differences Between Hardwood and Softwood? Their seeds will be covered in a shell or fruit. It is not necessarily easy to get FSC approval. The advantages of mahogany wood furniture -- beautiful appearance In the essence of mahogany wood furniture, mahogany is a prefer high temperature , drought resistant, solid and light material; From the appearance of it , mahogany wood has beautiful, rich and varied pattern s . Most mahogany is grown in the Caribbean or South America. These criteria vary widely and include the following: This is just the start, and you can see that the criteria are diverse and specific. This is compounded by the fact that kwila takes nearly 80 years to mature. To reproduce, hardwood trees will flower. There are some reasons to opt for pre-finished floors. This creates far less waste than other materials like carpet. After shipping the lumber, it must be dried. Wood waste can either be burned or manufactured in new ways. While tile and stone can last as long, their appearances cannot be altered. While the wood is workable when green, it hardens with age to such a degree that normal woodworking tools are no longer effective. If you are interested in using beech, then be sure to look for beech with the coveted FSC certification. Electricity must be used for the machinery, and there is a significant amount of sawdust output. Having grown up in the Midwest, She has a keen appreciation for the integrity of the environment, and she has taken an active interest in environmental issues. Even if the wood is too damaged for flooring, it can be given new life in a different building context. Its timeless look can be refinished time and again. There are some concerns during the finishing and installation of any floor. Disadvantages/cons Expensive : The Jerrah wood is quite expensive because of its is distributed from Australia throughout the world. While most hardwood floors are made from American standards like oak, maple or hickory, there are many other options. Hardwood or softwood will both contract in cold weather and expand in warm weather. This has to do with the way softwood grows. For this reason, it should never be used next to light wood, concrete, or light-colored tiling which can easily be stained. Toxicity : During the Manufacturing process the dust of the Jerrah wood can cause the eye and the skin allergies in human beings. Disadvantages: shrink more across width when drying more likely to warp and cup collapsed timber more difficult to recondition Quarter sawn timber Growth rings … If you liked this article, then you don’t wanna miss out on upcoming posts. For this reason, mahogany has been widely used in making furniture, instruments and more. By taking the right precautions, you can also make sure it is a timeless choice for the world. Don't miss out - get the latest on eco-friendly lifestyles and products straight to your inbox - with our free newsletter! eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'citizensustainable_com-leader-2','ezslot_2',644,'0','0']));Because of its limited growth area, its sustainability is questionable. Here, most beechwood has a PEFC certification. Odor: No characteristic odor. In 2005, this number had gone up dramatically to 556. Eco-Friendly Swimwear: Guide to Sustainable Swimsuits (& Best Brands), Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags – the 5 Best Reusable Grocery Bags, 15 Innovative Solutions To Our Garbage Problems, Is Jello Biodegradable? For example, beech production in Armenia may bring in a lot of money, but it has also depleted Armenia’s forest cover substantially. Deciduous trees lose their leaves annually. As mentioned previously, softwood comes from conifer trees. It simply has a timeless look that will never go out of style. However, the most common types for flooring in the United States are listed: Although the name suggests the difference is all about strength, you need to look at the biology of the hardwood and softwood trees to grasp the distinction. Long lasting deep red grain, uniform colouring, Naturally resistant to rot, termites and weather. Learn about a variety of commonly used wood types, their advantages, disadvantages and applications. The FSC is the industry standard for sustainability. To address deforestation concerns, modern forestry has taken great strides in sustainability. Therefore, stone and tile are more likely to be replaced for aesthetic reasons. They serve an important purpose in the flora make-up of the country. For years, it has been sought after for its rich coloring. Jarrah decking and Merbau decking are two very popular options. This allows damaged floors to be transformed into like-new condition. While the wood is workable when green, it hardens with age to such a degree that normal woodworking tools are no longer effective. Cypress is built on a new architecture and runs in the same run-loop as the application being tested. Hardwood is also made to last. While carpet absorbs noise, it only bounces off wood. Hardwood has other key sustainable features. However, the guidelines for SFI forests are less stringent than the guidelines for FSC forests. A timber … Jarrah turns, glues, and finishes well. While this breakdown reveals the numerous points of potential pollution or waste, it must be taken in context. The look and functionality of hardwood are certainly important, but there are other things to think about when choosing your flooring. Finishing a floor will add in additional factors. However, there are serious concerns about the sustainability of kwila. Jarrah originates in Australia, and it has a limited growth area. In previous sections, it was explained how hardwood has a dormant season. However, the production of hardwood floors compares well to other types of flooring. Firstly jarrah decking does require more maintenance than other commonly used hardwood decking materials in Australia. These range from brown, through to light brown, fawn and white. Here’s What You Should Know, Is Hair Biodegradable? In fact, it is imperative to accurately assess the potential drawbacks of hardwood before you install it in your home. Our staff are all healthy, our showroom is still open & spacious for private appointments or walk-ins and all current orders are on track. What are the disadvantages of composite decking? Old growth has been diminished dramatically in recent years. In cool and damp weather, the wood is more prone to swelling, but in a warm and dry room, it has the tendency to shrink. Wood must also be shipped, manufactured and processed before it ends up in your home. While there are risks to the environment when importing products, there are also some specific reasons why some of these hardwoods are worth the cost. In addition to this consumption of resources, the process also produces some air emissions that include volatile organic compounds. This led to rapid deforestation in the area. So when someone installs hardwood, it is likely to wear better than comparable softwood installations. On top of that, hardwood floors are easy to maintain. In 2005, there were 15.5 million acres of woodland certified by the FSC in the United States. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'citizensustainable_com-sky-1','ezslot_22',626,'0','0']));The most common softwoods are listed: Unlike hardwood seeds, which are naturally protected, softwood seeds are completely exposed. Close grain wood retains its natural colouring for longer. This causes the tree to grow slower. It is an adaptable tree that grows in both jarrah and karri forests in the state's southwest, from north of Geraldton to Cape Riche and inland beyond Narrogin, and can also be Therefore, even though hardwood trees take more than 50 years to mature, the harvest rate is still less than the growth rate. Softwood – Which Is More Sustainable? It is also an option for your floors. Here is an overview of both to help you make the right decision. When finishing takes place at a factory, there should be safeguards in place to deal with the gas outputs. Most hardwoods score higher on the Janka scale.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'citizensustainable_com-box-4','ezslot_28',194,'0','0'])); This means that hardwood is less prone to damage. Its appearance is often smoother than other woods. This can make it difficult to maintain your floors in some cases. So today we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of mahogany wood furniture. By most measures, it seems that hardwood floors can be both a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for your home. If you are searching details pertaining to Board/4998 Disadvantages Of Suspended Timber Floor you`re on a best site. Exotic simply refers to woods that are not forested in the United States. As Europeans came through these areas, the trees were logged and shipped back to Europe where they were used for furniture. For this reason, wood is not typically recommended for kitchens and bathrooms. What about installation? Namely, the durability of the floors is of the utmost importance. Namely, not all wood is sourced or processed in the same way. Please enter an email address to help us locate your BUILD account. All of these steps lead to certain risks to the environment. We are still open for business! Only 10 percent of hardwood stocked by most retailers is approved by the FSC. It is important to understand the unique qualities of each hardwood floor when making a selection. This gives beech a lighter, more uniform look, which can be incredibly attractive in your home. It is essential for consumers to do their due diligence when picking hardwood floors. It is estimated that Armenia loses 1 million cubic meters of trees every year. When it comes to selecting the flooring during building or renovation, a timber floor is often recommended as the best choice for many reasons. In general, hardwood sources grow slower because they have a dormant season in the winter. In all, there are 57 criteria that must be met. Obviously, this is subjective, but there is a reason hardwood has traditionally been the go-to choice for flooring. This certification is far less stringent and carries far less weight than the comparable FSC label. This is why most hardwood is denser or harder than softwood. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'citizensustainable_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',643,'0','0']));Exotic hardwood may sound very fancy, but the term can be a little misleading. Therefore, consumers must be careful when perusing their options. About 80 percent of all timber comes from softwood. Jarrah floors are often burgundy in color with black streaks. Oak has the tradition of strength and beauty. (+Its Impact on the Environment & Your Health), Is Zero Waste Actually Sustainable? This is not quite the case. It has become popular because of its distinctive color and noticeable grain. The best news is that the FSC guidelines seem to be making a difference. Cypress is a front end automated testing application created for the modern web. Hardwood is also good for people with allergies. Help someone by sharing this article – sharing is caring ! This means the wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Hemlock and Western Red Cedar serve purposefully as creative cladding interiors and exteriors. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'citizensustainable_com-leader-4','ezslot_4',632,'0','0']));The newly dried wood must then be planed. Information about various Western Australian grown timbers. While hardwood is more popular for flooring, softwood is more commonly used overall. These haulers do have some environmental output, and that amount may vary depending on the distance from the harvesting site to the mill. This is a faster and safer installation method. Moreover, hardwood has a distinctive seed. There are a few key reasons why hardwood is often preferred for flooring. The debate on hardwood’s sustainability starts with wood’s status as a renewable resource. While this is typically true, it is not always the case. Because hardwood floors can be refinished, they can stay in homes for decades or even centuries.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'citizensustainable_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',195,'0','0'])); eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'citizensustainable_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_13',630,'0','0']));There are few other types of flooring that can perform like this. We have served complete info about what you are looking for. (What You Should Know). While there has been a lot of action taken to mitigate this problem, it is still something to keep in mind. In this sense, wood sources do not have to be depleted when harvested responsibly. This durability is very important in living spaces. This is why most hardwood is denser or harder than softwood. Because of this, most mahogany forests were dramatically impacted by colonialism. Disadvantages of Merbau Timber It’s important to not be swayed by only the positives of merbau decking and to consider the whole picture. Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring The disadvantages of wood flooring are generally not well known, but it is usually affected by humidity and fluctuations in temperature. Because it is a solid surface, hardwood does not harbor allergens like carpet. If wood must be disposed of, it has minimal impact on the environment. Disadvantages/Cons Despite wide advantages of maple wood, it has few limitation/ cons too. Jarrah is a unique Australian hardwood renowned for its versatility. Natural stone takes decades or centuries to form, but wood grows much faster by comparison. Other factors like processing and manufacturing would carry similar risks and benefits. Hardwood is so durable that it can even be reused. It is classified as a hardwood and is naturally termite and decay resistant. Therefore, it takes longer for a hardwood tree to be reforested once it has been cut down. The only other consideration when comparing hardwood to softwood goes back to durability. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'citizensustainable_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',624,'0','0']));The name implies that hardwood is harder than other variations. There are usually under 10 trees in every hectare. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'citizensustainable_com-netboard-2','ezslot_18',625,'0','0']));Specific types of hardwood vary dramatically. What other benefits are there to merbau decking? eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'citizensustainable_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',638,'0','0']));In this aspect, softwood is more sustainable than hardwood. The below publication outlines the description, density, drying and shrinkage, workability, durability, strength properties, availability and uses for timber grown in Domestic hardwood comes from American soil, but exotic hardwood must be imported. Wood is fully biodegradable. Mahogany is a beautiful wood. Jarrah is a very strong wood and ranks high on the Janka scale. Once planks of wood have been created, there is more trimming to complete. Jarrah can even be used in the construction of hot tubs or spas, thanks to the fact that it's so resistant to rot. Fortunately, many hardwood floors are now floating. This number was a huge improvement over the 1.4 million acres documented in 1995. It is a lightish timber, but with a great range of colours. With the evidence so far, it may seem like hardwood floors are a sure thing for any space. Accordingly, mahogany is a very endangered wood. It scores decently high on the Janka scale, coming in above popular floors like oak. The market for sustainable lumber is growing, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Most studies agree that wood is a low-carbon emission product. The other layers are made from cheaper composite materials for the look of wood at a fraction of the cost. Beechwood also has a distinctive, fine grain. Care is required when nailing to avoid splitting. Jarrah and spotted gum offer weather, fire and termite resistance, making either a great option for outdoor uses including wharf and bridge construction. Therefore, you are more likely to hear every noise in your house when you have hardwood floors. Many proud owners of jarrah timber decks argue that the additional maintenance is balanced out by the attractive red, brown and burgundy hues of the timber. Natural wood floors feature planks made from a single piece of wood. Planing ensures that the lumber is a uniform thickness. While it is easy to build up hardwood as the perfect environmental choice, there is one caveat. Even so, reforestation efforts are ongoing. While this starts with air drying, it typically finishes with a kiln. Mahogany was one of the key resources targeted by early European explorers and settlers because of the high price it would fetch. Marri is a hardwood and when the timber is The problem also extends to areas in the United Kingdom and France. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'citizensustainable_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',628,'0','0']));Sustainability is a dynamic concept that looks at how something fulfills needs today without compromising the needs of the future. Jarrah is a native Australian eucalypt found in Western Australia. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'citizensustainable_com-portrait-1','ezslot_20',629,'0','0']));This means that wood can be replenished quickly and effectively. Studies have shown that hardwood floors in these areas do not perform as well as alternatives like laminate, stone or tile. We are top Hardwood & Fijian Mahogany Decking suppliers in Toronto. Join our free newsletter today and be the first to know about the best healthy products, truly sustainable companies and an eco-friendly lifestyle! In this way, hardwood trees play a role in pollination. Hardwood is a timeless choice for your home. This makes it very desirable for outdoor applications like decks and pergolas, especially around wet areas. Some of the beech forests in Europe are so established that they are actually protected as World Heritage Sites. This does not mean that beech is immune to supply problems. Read the advantages and key features of Mahogany. Fortunately, if you source your floors responsibly, both hardwood and softwood can be smart, sustainable options. To work with mahogany legally, it must have approval from the FSC. However, there are some defining characteristics of hardwood. More energy and fossil fuels are used during this process, and there is typically waste. Simple sweeping is often all that is needed on a regular basis. Hardwood sources grow slower because they have a dormant season in the winter. It also gives homeowners the ability to makeover their space without wasting money on new floors. Old growth has been diminished dramatically in recent years. It will not get dinged or marked as quickly. Jarrah Decking. There are many options for reclaimed wood floors. It's broad, flame-like patterns are easily recognized. Another option is to look for hardwood floors certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. In this case, only the top layer is made from real wood. Disadvantages of walnut wood: – high price – not weather resistant – low occurrence in native forests. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'citizensustainable_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_10',641,'0','0']));The biggest disadvantage to remember is that wood is affected by temperature changes. Therefore, the question of sustainability is not as easy to delineate. Eco-friendly and sustainable wood flooring certainly does exist, but it is not a guarantee. The analysis detailed above looks at unfinished floors exclusively.