When comparing wood and steel buildings, from the raw material source to the construction site. Steel building materials consume 3 times as much energy as wood and 16 times as much clean water. Ten Advantages of Wood Flooring Over Carpeting Its longevity can be measured in lifetimes, not just in years. It can be made squeaky clean. Wood flooring has a centuries old warmth, character, and elegance, and it gains character as it wears.
Wood is more flexible from a design stand point.
By using different species, stains, finishes and inlays, there are literally thousands of combinations possible with wood flooring design. The natural color variation of wood makes a broader range of colors possible for the other furnishings of a room. Carpet must be replaced when worn. Wood flooring can ultimately be recycled by re-sanding and finishing for a fraction of the cost to the homeowner, and the environment. Three-quarter inch flooring adds structural integrity to a floor by virtue of its thickness and strength.