Wilsonart enlisted SCS for certification services based on the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody standard (certification number SCS-COC-002415). FSC is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is to support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. Wilsonart is the first HPL manufacturer to earn FSC chain of custody certification, ensuring that products marked with the recognizable FSC “checkmark and tree” ecologo were sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Because the majority of the company’s laminate business lies in the commercial sector, Wilsonart understands the importance of working with customers to achieve their necessary LEED qualification requirements. “This certification can contribute to our customers’ LEED Certified projects under MR Credit 7: Certified Wood and MR 4: Recycled Content,” said Rajesh Ramamurthy, Wilsonart’s Director of Sustainability.

Wilsonart can now provide FSC solutions for its customers who require it. Laminate applications include countertops and case goods (retail fixtures, cabinets, work surfaces, wainscoting, walls, doors, signage and partitions). “FSC certification allows Wilsonart(R) Laminate to compete with other FSC products such as wood/veneer and exotic wood species, along with the enhanced performance characteristics of laminate: durability, design flexibility and longevity,” said Ramamurthy. For more information on Wilsonart’s FSC solutions, contact your local Wilsonart representative.

For over eight years, Wilsonart’s research and development team has been driving increased quality standards into the recycled paper industry, incorporating it into the company’s products without compromising quality or performance.

SCS has acknowledged the company’s efforts by certifying that Wilsonart Laminate is comprised of 20% post-consumer waste paper for its wood fiber content. “This recognition assures our customers that our environmental labels are authentic and have been verified by a third party,” said Ramamurthy.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Municipal Waste Data shows that 33.9% of total waste generated in the U.S. is comprised of paper — a staggering 251 million tons per year.

This independent recognition is the latest indication of the laminate leader’s ongoing sustainability focus. Under the direction of Ramamurthy, appointed last year as Director of Sustainability, Wilsonart has worked closely with all aspects of the company’s business, from maintenance and manufacturing to marketing, to identify and monitor sustainability programs, many of which were already in place, and to develop a plan for continuous improvement in incorporating all aspects in Wilsonart’s products and processes.

In addition, 21 Wilsonart employees from multiple disciplines have earned LEED-CI Accredited Professional status, working closely with the design and architecture communities to integrate the company’s laminate products through highly evolved technical knowledge of United States Green Building Council (USGBC) specification standards.

Question: Is laminate a good choice for homes with kids and pets?

Answer: Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for homes with children and pets. Laminate is a manufactured product that simulates the look of hardwood, ceramic tile, natural stone and many other types of flooring. In the past, laminate floors have been easy to spot, but today’s technology allows manufacturers to create realistic visuals and textures for an elegant and quality floor.

Laminate characteristics:

• Extremely durable
• Moisture resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Easy to maintain
• Many color ranges to choose from (more grain and movement hide dirt!)
• Less likely to fade in sunlight
• Great impact and indentation resistance
• Easy to replace if damaged or desired

Considerations:

• Some styles can be slippery for children in sock feet – use area rugs here
• Pet urine needs to be removed as quickly as possible
• Walk off mats should be used at every entrance to minimize dirt that can scratch the floor
• Using area rugs will reduce the noise of children playing

Do you have a home with children or pets where you have used laminate flooring? What have your experiences been?

10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring and Design

1. Will dark floors make my room look smaller?

2. What type of floors should I use?

3. Is laminate a good choice for homes with kids and pets?

4. Will small tiles help a small room appear larger?

5. Can I pick out the pieces of travertine or slate that I want to use so that they all look like the sample?

6. Does carpet cushion really matter?

7.  How can I tell what my flooring will look like when it’s installed in my home?

8. Is carpet a bad choice if I have allergies?

9. Should I use the same floor that my mother/neighbor/best friend used because it sure looks good in her house?

10. Won’t it be cheaper if I buy my floors and install them myself?

There are dozens more questions out there and we will address those in future posts, but for now, enjoy learning the answers to those questions that you and many others have had!

Question:

I am considering putting new flooring in my family room. I have 2 small dogs, a cat and 3 small children that are all very active. Would laminate flooring be a good choice for my home? I like the look of wood, but prefer the cost of laminate. Also, what happens is the floor is damaged, can it be repaired? Thanks!

Betsy from Yuma, AZ

Answer:

Betsy,

Laminate flooring would be a great choice for your home, especially if you are on a budget and have active children and pets in your home. Laminate flooring is a great choice because it is extremely durable, stain resistant and does not need to be varnished or waxed so it is very easy to keep clean!

Today’s laminate styles offer products that look exactly like real wood. You can choose from narrow strips or wide planks in a variety of species and colors. There are even some styles that have texture to feel like real wood.

With an active household, be sure to choose a laminate flooring with a good warranty.

In the event that you damaged your floor with scratches or indentations, these can be repaired using color fill kits. Since you need to purchase these from your retailer, be sure to keep a record of the style and color floor you purchased. If a board is damaged beyond what a fill kit can do and needs to be replaced, this is the  time to call in a professional. It can be done, but it’s not something you want to attempt yourself.

I hope this information helps! If you are looking for a retailer in your area, try Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet. Click here for their website.