YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH …

The Environmental Protection Agency recently conducted a study of pesticides used in gardens and homes and found that once tracked inside, these poisons accumulate on floors and other surfaces. While the poisons outside soon wash away, those tracked into your home may last for years. These poisons are then absorbed by your bare feet, by your children playing and your baby crawling on the floor.

The EPA suggests that wood flooring greatly reduces the amount of pesticides accumulating in your home because a simple mopping easily removes the poisons from your floors.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received many complaints of toxic fumes in homes, caused by new carpeting. Sadly, after the carpeting has been in your home for a period of time, dirt and mould may accumulate in its fibres.

A noted authority on indoor air quality states, “Carpet holds large quantities of dirt, only some of which is removed by vacuuming or carpet cleaning. This dirt contains various allergic, irritating and toxic components.”

Additionally, the active ingredient often found in carpet shampoos (which frequently leave residues) is a known human carcinogen. Other common carpet shampoo components have been found to cause such effects as liver and central nervous system damage from long-term exposure.

A solid wood floor is more than just a covering; it adds strength and stability to the floor system. A wood floor is a safe and healthful floor.

…AND WEALTH

A large majority of real estate agents surveyed stated that a home with wood flooring will sell more quickly and for a higher amount of money than a comparable home with any other type of flooring. Look through a newspaper or home sale publication and you’ll see “hardwood floors” listed as a top feature! They are in demand!

A sound investment, wood flooring can last the lifetime of your home, unlike other flooring materials, which require replacement after about seven to ten years.

There are floors today, dating back to Renaissance Europe that is still structurally sound and beautiful. In comparison, the stone steps leading up to them are deeply worn and irregular. Because it is a permanent part of your home, your wood floor’s value increases as your home appreciates in dollar value.

YOUR PLANET

European Forest Service statistics show that almost twice as much hardwood timber is added every year through new growth as is harvested. The forest from which your floor comes is replenished, not depleted.

A strong market for exotic woods will create an economic value for our endangered rain forests, which will encourage their protection. Currently, the majority of rain forest destruction is the result of forestlands being burned in order to convert the land to agricultural use. Maintaining the forests for selective cutting and natural harvesting (rubber, nuts, medicinal plants, etc.) makes far more sense than the burning of thousands of acres of these trees. By increasing demand for rain forest products, we will increase economic reliance upon the forests and promote their conservation.

It is estimated that 2% of the waste materials making up our landfills is rolls of used carpeting. This huge waste will take about 20,000 years for nature to digest. The life span of a hardwood floor can be well over 100 years and if it should ever be taken up and discarded, it’s biodegradable!

Many people love the look of antique woods, recycling old warehouses, barns, and other structures, giving these materials second lives.

Wood is a natural, earth-friendly product.

EASY CARE

Your grandmother probably spent many hours on her hands and knees, waxing her wood floors. No more! With today’s scientifically formulated finishes, you will spend little time keeping your floors shiny and clean. There are cleaning products specially created for wood floors, which will ensure that they sparkle and have a long and beautiful life. Manufacturers have developed durable finishes, able to withstand your family’s active lifestyle and keep your floors looking great.