Penny's Faves: EcoTimber

I love EcoTimber. Its products have that rare combination of exceptional quality and beauty, and it is a completely, utterly, fantastic, reliable supplier of sustainable wood products.

Founded in 1992, EcoTimber offers a wide range of gorgeous domestic and exotic hardwood and bamboo flooring, including prefinished, engineered, hand scraped and floating floors. Want to use Brazilian cherry, Caribbean or Patagonian rosewood, teak and other endangered exotics you thought were off-limits? Go right ahead – all EcoTimber products are sourced from forests that are well-managed according to the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). In fact, the company has been an advocate and supporter since FSC’s inception in 1993.

There’s more. Recently, EcoTimber announced a new woven bamboo, non-formaldehyde product for residential and commercial flooring. Its HealthyBond flooring adhesive is virtually VOC-free and is GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality certified. Adhesives are also formaldehyde-free.

In keeping with the company’s philosophy and products, EcoTimber recently moved into new LEED registered offices in Richmond, CA. Designed by Gensler through an integrated approach involving the architect and contractor from the beginning, the offices incorporate many green building features including a “less-is-more” approach to materials and a warehouse facility that is naturally ventilated. It uses 45 percent less energy and 34 percent less water than comparable buildings. Eco Timber was able to create a light filled space that reflects its values - all for little more than a typical warehouse.

Commenting on their new headquarters, CEO Lewis Buchner said: "We’ve been green since inception and helped establish the standards for sustainable harvesting of timber with the Forest Stewardship Council… A LEED building makes perfect sense for us as a green, sustainable company that "walks the talk."

I’m sold. I have a kitchen renovation coming up and EcoTimber’s hard maple, prefinished engineered flooring is going down. I too, want to walk the talk.