Wood Cuts: The unique benefits of domestic hardwood flooring – May 2025

By Burt Bollinger

From supporting local economies to embracing environmental responsibility, domestically produced hardwood flooring is a compelling choice in a market shaped by global economic shifts and competition from alternative materials. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), a founding member of the Real American Hardwood Coalition, supports efforts to promote the value of American-made hardwood by highlighting its quality, sustainability and community impact.

JOB CREATION
Choosing domestically produced hardwood flooring supports local economies across the United States. The U.S. hardwood flooring industry sustains more than 46,000 jobs, including foresters managing sustainable timberlands, craftspeople shaping planks in mills, distributors ensuring timely delivery, installers bringing floors to life and retailers serving customers. These jobs contribute more than $4 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and generate more than $8.7 billion in economic output, strengthening rural communities in regions with rich woodworking traditions, such as the forests of Appalachia and the mills of the Midwest.

This impact is amplified by industry efforts to connect with consumers. The NWFA supports initiatives like a multi-year television advertising campaign on the Magnolia Network, reaching 172 million consumers to date. Now in its third year, this campaign showcases the value of American-made hardwood.

While some suppliers source from regions like Southeast Asia to manage costs, domestic hardwood offers a reliable supply chain free from global shipping delays and potential tariffs. By selecting domestic flooring, consumers sustain jobs and support local businesses that have been part of the community for generations. For flooring professionals, recommending domestic products resonates with clients who value local impact, fostering trust and pride. While international flooring supports economies elsewhere, domestic purchasing directly benefits American communities, creating a meaningful connection to the places we call home.

“All of our timber is sourced within a 60-mile radius, so it directly impacts our community,” notes Jesse Joyce, president and owner of Middle Tennessee Lumber in Dickson, Tennessee.

QUALITY
Domestically produced hardwood flooring meets rigorous industry standards, ensuring reliability and performance. Certifications like those from the NWFA/National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA) guarantee consistent quality through wood grading, moisture content and construction guidelines. Proper acclimation ensures stability, preventing expansion or warping in diverse climates, from humid coastal regions to dry inland areas.

Highlighting the advantage of local production, Kevin Murphy, vice president of sales at Mullican Flooring, notes, “Domestic manufacturers have had longstanding relationships with local sawmills that span years. These relationships help ensure consistency and allow the manufacturer to have input into the quality of the lumber they receive. This collaboration enhances the reliability of the final product, giving consumers confidence in their floors’ performance.”

U.S. manufacturers bring decades of expertise to create flooring tailored to the country’s varied climates, ensuring each plank is crafted precisely. The process begins with carefully selected timber, which is then milled, graded and finished to exacting standards, resulting in floors that blend form and function.

SUSTAINABILITY
Hardwood flooring, whether domestic or imported, is a naturally sustainable choice. Grown in responsibly managed forests, hardwood captures carbon throughout its lifespan, offering a lower environmental footprint than alternatives like tile or vinyl. Its durability ensures it lasts for decades, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements, while its ability to be refinished extends its lifespan even further.

“With all the trade talks and the freight-heavy products we consume that require so much petroleum to cross oceans, it’s reassuring to know we have a local, regenerative option,” Joyce says. “Hardwood is the only flooring material that grows by itself, and it’s right here in our backyard.”

This regenerative quality highlights hardwood’s unique ability to replenish through sustainable forestry, ensuring forests thrive for future generations.

Environmental challenges like wildfires and insect infestations can limit timber availability, making sustainable sourcing certifications vital-a standard that domestic producers consistently meet. Domestic hardwood further enhances sustainability by requiring less long-distance shipping, lowering carbon emissions and making it a greener choice for consumers prioritizing environmental responsibility, from eco-conscious families to businesses aiming for LEED certification.

COSTS
The flooring market is dynamic, with tariffs on imported products driving shifts in pricing. Tariffs, trade tensions and a slowing global economy have increased costs for some imported hardwood flooring, creating uncertainty for consumers and professionals. Lumber pricing has seen volatility, peaking in 2021 before dropping in 2023 due to supply chain issues, while competition for raw lumber from industries like paper and pulp production adds further pressure. These fluctuations can lead to delays or higher prices, requiring careful project planning, whether for a single-room upgrade or a large-scale commercial installation.

Domestically produced hardwood-free from import tariffs-offers a stable alternative. Its predictable pricing and faster delivery benefit homeowners tackling renovations and professionals managing tight deadlines. In a landscape shaped by economic uncertainties, domestic hardwood provides a practical solution, allowing buyers to prioritize quality without navigating import-related costs.

TRANSPARENCY
Transparency builds trust, and the hardwood flooring industry delivers clarity through robust standards. Certifications for domestically produced hardwood verify sustainable sourcing, assuring consumers that their floors come from responsibly managed forests. Imported hardwood meets U.S. regulations like the Lacey Act, ensuring legal sourcing through detailed documentation.

Both domestic and imported hardwood benefit from product declarations sharing environmental impacts, such as carbon storage, empowering consumers with data to make informed choices. For example, a homeowner can confidently select a real wood floor knowing its origins and environmental footprint, while a designer can assure clients of its ethical sourcing. This transparency enables professionals to guide clients in the product’s integrity confidently.

LASTING VALUE
Hardwood flooring is a timeless investment that elevates most any property. Its natural beauty and durability make it a sought-after feature in homes and commercial spaces, often boosting resale value. High interest rates influence renovation trends, with some homeowners opting for cost-effective alternatives, yet hardwood remains a top choice for both remodeling and new construction, adding lasting value. From the warm glow of cherry in a traditional dining room to the sleek lines of maple in a contemporary office, hardwood suits any style, and its longevity ensures it remains stunning for decades. For flooring professionals, recommending hardwood positions them as trusted advisors, helping clients choose a product that blends aesthetics and practicality.

Copyright 2025 Floor Focus

Print the Article