Hemp Flooring: The Sustainable and Durable Alternative to Traditional Wood

Hemp flooring is one of the newest, most innovative types of flooring on the market today – and it only recently became available to consumers! 

It’s durable, stainable, and it’s shaping up to become the next big thing in the flooring space. 

Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about hemp wood flooring – where it comes from, how it’s made and why it might be a great addition to your home.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial use. It has minimal levels of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, making it non-psychoactive and safe for a wide range of applications. 

Hemp has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations where it was used for making ropes, sails, and clothing. Historical records indicate that hemp cultivation dates back over 10,000 years, with evidence of its use in ancient China, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.

In modern times, hemp has found its way into numerous industries, including construction, automotive, and bioplastics. Its fibers are used to create biocomposite materials, which are lightweight yet strong, making them ideal for automotive parts and building materials – including flooring!

How is Hemp Wood Flooring Made?

Creating hemp flooring involves a detailed process to ensure durability and eco-friendliness. First, farmers harvest raw hemp stalks, which are then dried to reduce moisture content. These dried stalks are compressed into five-by-five-inch blocks with a length of four feet. 

The compression process uses a soy-based binder to hold the stalks together, ensuring the material remains environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Next, these blocks are sliced into thin veneers, approximately 1/8-inch thick. These veneers are similar to the solid wood veneers used in engineered hardwood flooring, providing a familiar and functional surface. 

The hemp veneer is then pressed onto a half-inch layer of Russian plywood, creating a 5/8-inch-thick engineered flooring. This layering technique adds stability and strength to the flooring, ensuring it can withstand significant wear and tear.

To protect the surface, a special non-toxic liquid finish is applied. This finish is unique because it requires exposure to UVA and UVB light to cure and solidify. 

After tanning under the light, the finish hardens, leaving 99% of the layer intact. This process results in a topcoat that includes an aluminum oxide hardener, making it 25% harder than traditional hardwood flooring finishes. 

Importantly, this topcoat is free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

The result is a highly durable and eco-friendly flooring option that combines the benefits of engineered hardwood with the sustainability of hemp. 

Sustainability

Hemp grows much faster than trees, reaching maturity in just 3-4 months compared to the 20-30 years required for many hardwood trees. This rapid growth rate makes hemp a more sustainable option, as it can be harvested multiple times within a year. 

Additionally, hemp’s deep root system helps to prevent soil erosion and improves soil health by enhancing its nutrient content. Hemp cultivation also requires less land and water compared to traditional wood, further contributing to its sustainability.

Durability

Hemp wood is highly resistant to wear and tear due to its dense composition. 

On the Janka hardness scale, which measures the resistance of wood to denting and wear, hemp wood ranks around 2,000 lbf (pound-force), making it comparable to red oak (1,290 lbf) and harder than traditional pine (690 lbf) and Douglas fir (660 lbf). 

This high density makes hemp wood less susceptible to dents and scratches, providing a longer-lasting flooring option that can withstand heavy foot traffic and daily use.

Eco-friendliness

Hemp requires fewer pesticides and herbicides to grow, reducing the environmental impact associated with its cultivation. This is because hemp is naturally resistant to many pests and diseases, eliminating the need for chemical interventions. 

Furthermore, hemp sequesters carbon dioxide, absorbing more CO2 per acre than most other crops, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gases. The entire plant can be utilized, from fibers to seeds, minimizing waste and promoting a zero-waste approach.

Cost Comparison

While the initial cost of hemp flooring can be comparable to traditional hardwood, the long-term benefits make it a cost-effective choice. 

Hemp flooring typically ranges from $7 to $10 per square foot, similar to mid-range hardwood options like maple or oak. 

However, the durability and low maintenance requirements of hemp flooring can result in significant cost savings over time. 

For instance, hemp flooring’s resistance to wear and its ability to maintain its appearance with minimal maintenance reduce the need for frequent replacements and repairs, leading to lower overall costs.

Versatility 

Hemp wood offers a unique aesthetic appeal, with natural variations in color and texture that add character to any space. 

Hemp wood flooring is available in both prefinished and unfinished styles. Prefinished hemp wood flooring is sanded, sealed, and ready to go. The unfinished product is ready for you to finish with whatever stain and sealer you want. 

You can also stain hemp flooring. You’ll want to choose an oil-based stain, though, as water-based stains can raise the grain, which means you’d have to sand after staining.

After choosing an oil-based stain, apply one or two coats. The dry time will take longer than it will with hardwoods like oak because hemp is denser, so be patient! Let the stain sit a bit longer until it reaches the wood floor colors you’re after. Wipe off the excess with a rag and you’re good to go.  

It’s also worth noting that hemp wood’s versatility extends to its use in furniture, cabinetry, and other interior applications.