What could the recent train derailment in Palestine, Ohio, have to do with your floors? Well, here at Chelsea Plank, we saw the connection right away. For years, as hardwood floors have fallen out of favor and vinyl has been regarded as the more “affordable” flooring product, we have stood by our 3/4” solid wood floors as the long-term best choice for your family, home, and wallet.

What most consumers may not realize about the choice of vinyl, is that vinyl tile or plank (LVT or LVP), all contain some degree of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. PVC is one of the most environmentally hazardous consumer materials produced. PVC is made with large quantities of toxic organochlorines such as dioxins and phthalates and releases them into indoor and outdoor environments. Both chemicals are bio-accumulative and toxic to humans. They are also considered forever chemicals because they are persistent and almost never break down. Their production and ultimate incineration in landfills generate some of the most hazardous pollutants known. Because vinyl flooring is designed with the latest trends in mind, it is often disposed of more frequently. Hardwood flooring can be refinished many times and is still in homes long after trends have come and gone, while LVP/LVT sits in landfills. As a sustainable and natural substance, wood is an environmentally friendly choice that helps to insulate the home and lower energy bills. Trees are a natural re-source that use the sun for energy. “During their growth cycle, trees take in carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen and using the carbon to grow,” says Tom Inman, president of Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc., “but what many people don’t know is that even when trees are harvested, they continue to store carbon in the products made using them. So, your real wood floors, continue to store carbon during their entire service life. And you can feel it; about half their weight is stored carbon.” In fact, Banks Hardwoods (Michigan) says, “Our Forests are now regenerating 2 times faster than they are harvesting.”

Your initial investment in real wood, pays off for you, the environment, and future generations. The vinyl industry’s marketing strategy touts lower costs and easier availability, but the pandemic shed some light on their supply chain issues. Waiting for products from oversees takes longer and can cost more for the manufacturer and end user. “China is the world’s largest producer of PVC,” according to a recent article by Ken Ryan, regarding Customs and Border protection (CPB). The CPB recently added polyvinyl chloride to its Ughur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). That means products are being detained at the border and that will certainly drive-up costs.

Of the many false narratives being generated by the vinyl industry, the affordability, availability and environmental factors cannot be ignored. Simply put, you can’t beat real American hardwood.