The First Eco-Friendly Engineered Wood Floor?

Until very recently, engineered flooring (wood veneer over plywood platform) has inherently been a non-eco friendly product thanks to uncertified veneers, glue and finish toxicity. A wood flooring company, Pioneer Millworks, is poised to re-engineer the industry with the introduction of what is claimed to be the first, fully-eco engineered floor to hit the market.

“For years, we’ve resisted producing this type of floor, it just goes against our eco principles,” say Pioneer Millworks President, Jonathan Orpin. “Since our customers have increasing requested engineered options, we decided to do something green about it.” Now, after more than a year of development and testing, Pioneer Millworks is launching what they believe to be the most eco-friendly engineered floor on the market:

• Wear Layer: FSC certified fresh sawn or 100 percent antique reclaimed
• Platform: largest mix of FSC certified material (70 percent plus); no added formaldehyde
• Pre-Finish: oil and wax UV cured, made from all natural ingredients
• Packaging: made from 100 percent post consumer materials, using water-based inks
• Sourced and manufactured in a way that’s healthy for customers, our employees and the environment

“Our customers choose us again and again because we make absolutely gorgeous floors, when they learn our floors are as healthy for the environment and people as they are beautiful, it’s the ultimate close,” adds Jennifer Young, marketing manager. With an ever-increasing amount of LEED projects, Young expects this new product will be a “platinum” hit with architects and designers.

Why the growing need for engineered floors? For starters, they’re easier to install, especially when pre-finished. What’s more, engineered flooring is often the best option over concrete slabs or in subterranean applications like basements. They can be glued-down or floated, giving condo or apartment residents a less permanent hard wood option. According to the National Wood Flooring Association’s 2007 Wood Flooring Market Profile, engineered products are estimated to account for 46.6 percent of total U.S. wood flooring square foot shipments during 2007. From a manufacturer’s view, an engineered floor increases yield. “Profit aside, it allows us to cover more square feet with rare antique species like Chestnut,” says Orpin.

Since 1989, Pioneer Millworks has manufactured quality products in their Nork York 13 acre facility — a reclaimed bowling alley — using alternative energy sources such as 100 percent wind power, bio-diesel and reuse of scraps. Their products offer ecologically conscious homeowners, designers and builders an alternative to non-sustainable flooring without compromising quality, character or selection. Pioneer Millworks is a FSC certified chain of custody manufacturer in three categories: reclaimed, mix, and pure. Their products are good for you and the earth. All products LEED point eligible. [Pioneer Milworks]

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