What a Floor is Made of
What a Floor is Made of
What a Floor is Made of
Why knowing a floor’s certification and origin is key to choosing sustainable, responsible wood.
September 15, 2025
The right wood, from the right place.
Wood is alive. It grows in forests across the world, in both public and private lands. Some trees are planted with care to become future flooring. Others are not. Some wood is harvested responsibly. Much of it isn’t. That’s why, when choosing a wood floor, two things matter more than anything else: certification and origin.
At Relative, we choose only materials that meet strict environmental, social, and ethical standards. A floor should never come at the cost of forests, ecosystems, or the people who work with it. Certifications help us stay true to those values and offer that same clarity to our clients.
The label doesn’t tell the whole story.
That “Made in…” label? It sounds reassuring, but often hides more than it reveals. A floor “Made in the Netherlands” might include wood grown in Russia and plywood made in China, with final assembly done in Europe. Without proper certification, there’s no way to know the real story.
That’s why we rely on internationally recognized certifications like FSC and PEFC, which trace the entire supply chain from the forest to the finished floor. We also go further by investing in carbon sequestration projects to actively reduce our environmental impact.
What the certifications really mean.
REALWOOD
Guarantees the product is made of real wood throughout. Many engineered wood floors include hidden layers of composites. This certification tells you that what you’re getting is truly 100% wood.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
FSC tracks every step in the chain of custody and ensures that wood is sourced with care for people, planet, and long-term forest health.
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
Widespread in Europe and aligned with FSC principles, this label ensures sustainable forest management and traceability of materials. Note: If a wood product doesn’t carry one of these two certifications, ask why. Small producers sometimes lack the resources to obtain them, but it’s a conversation worth having.
CARB2
A California standard that limits formaldehyde emissions from wood products, particularly important in plywood. Ensures safer indoor air quality and responsible material sourcing.
GUT
A textile-specific European label that evaluates the entire lifecycle of a product. GUT-certified products are manufactured with lower chemical impact and are safer for both users and the environment.
A floor is not just a surface.
A floor isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it’s made, where it comes from, and what it stands for. Knowing the story behind the wood — how it was grown, processed, and handled — brings depth to every room it supports.
Because building well means building consciously. And sometimes, everything starts with a plank of wood.
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