The choices we make to protect our environment include the materials and accessories we choose for our homes. We’ve all heard of green appliances, but what about green flooring? Yes, it’s a thing. Green flooring refers to flooring made with materials selected for both environmental and health benefits. Green flooring uses sustainably harvested wood and creates products made without toxic chemicals common in some building materials. The Canadian flooring manufacturer Lauzon checks all the boxes when it comes to green flooring. They’re known for their commitment to protecting forests and for high-quality materials made without harmful chemicals. Sustainability and innovation often come with a higher price tag. But the environmental and health benefits make it 100% worth it for many households.
Protecting Forests Through Sustainable Harvesting
Sustainable harvesting is one of the primary components of green flooring. Lauzon is well-known for its commitment to protecting forests and modeling environmentally responsible production practices. The company manages its own forests in Quebec province in eastern Canada. Through thoughtful selective harvesting practices, the company uses less than 30% of trees per 2.5-acre plot on a 25-year rotation.
Lauzon has voluntarily signed on to the ISO-14001 international standard that specifies requirements for environmental management systems. The company is a member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, an international organization that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests and works to hold member companies accountable. Lauzon is also known for environmentally responsible practices in its manufacturing facilities. They work to get the maximum number of planks out of each log to reduce waste, using 80% of each log harvested (compared to an industry standard of around 45%). The company’s zero-waste policy means they power their facilities’ dryers and heating systems with shavings and sawdust: pretty innovative and impressive.
Healthier Homes Through Innovation
Another essential component of green flooring is improving health and air quality by avoiding toxic chemicals. Lauzon makes flooring materials without solvents, volatile organic compounds, or formaldehyde. But they go way beyond producing non-toxic flooring. They use cutting-edge technology to remove toxins from the air, protecting your home and family. Lauzon finishes its flooring with titanium dioxide and integrates its exclusive Pure Genius air-purifying compound into the finish. The light activates the titanium dioxide finish, and when air circulates in the room, nanoparticles decompose toxic contaminants in the air. So your floor is actively purifying the air in the room. As Lauzon puts it, installing one of their floors is like having three trees in the room.
Will Green Flooring Give Me The Selection I Want?
When you choose green flooring from Lauzon, there’s no sacrifice of performance and looks. The company offers an extensive and attractive selection of both hardwoods and engineered woods. Your choices include high-quality hardwoods like Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Yellow Birch, and Hickory– and gorgeous colors, including pale brown, gray, and black, along with natural finishes. Lauzon offers several collections ranging in quality, including a budget line with their Essential Collection.
Is Green Flooring Durable?
When you make excellent quality hardwood and engineered wood flooring from sustainably raised trees, durability is part of the package. Lauzon’s signature titanium finish also adds extra protection and durability to the flooring. The company offers warranties from 25 to 35 years, depending on the collection.
Should I Expect to Pay More for Green Flooring?
At $6 to $15 per square foot, Lauzon flooring is pricier than average. But for many environmentally conscious and health-conscious homeowners, it’s worth paying a little more for the peace of mind that sustainable sourcing and air quality benefits bring.
Going Green With Loudoun Valley Floors
At Loudoun Valley Floors, offering our customers quality and value with plenty of choices is standard practice. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch products from a range of trusted suppliers to help each individual achieve their flooring dreams. For some clients, the green component is a priority. And we’re here to support them with excellent products from a truly fantastic supplier. Remember, unique products like Lauzon flooring aren’t available in big box stores. This supplier works with the best flooring companies in North America to get their products to like-minded customers. If going green is a goal for you, let us show you what we’ve got.