Why American-Made Engineered Hardwood Is Worth the Investment

Engineered hardwood is known as a strong yet cost-effective flooring option. Made with Baltic birch plywood and multiple layers of veneer, it sets itself apart from solid hardwood flooring. It’s a high-end option that is sure to enhance any building project.

With access to countless engineered hardwood suppliers worldwide, the world is your oyster. But what if we told you that the best source is local? Investing in American-manufactured engineered hardwood can benefit you in more ways than one.

Why Choose American-Made Engineered Hardwood?

There are many benefits of engineered hardwood flooring compared to solid hardwood options. However, the list goes on when choosing a USA-made engineered hardwood supplier.

Here are seven advantages of American-made vs. imported engineered hardwood.

1. Cost Benefits

The cost benefits of American-made flooring go beyond its sticker price. Although it may have a higher initial price, its imported counterparts come with hidden costs like higher shipping fees, import duties, longer lead times and complex support systems. All these hidden costs can suddenly increase your budget needs.

Here’s how buying from American-made suppliers helps save money:

• Lower logistics costs: Since there are no oceans or ports to cross, domestic products can cut shipping time and expenses.
• No surprise tariffs: Imported goods are subject to sudden tariff changes due to global trade’s unpredictability.
• Faster timelines: Local goods don’t have to clear through customs, which could otherwise delay project completion and lead to costly downtime.
• Better quality control: Reduce the risk of inconsistencies and having to do reworks from imported products.
• Stronger warranty support: If issues arise, we are local and able to attend issues quickly.

2. Better Quality Control

U.S. hardwood manufacturers operate under tight regulations and standards. Several federal and state regulatory bodies, as well as industry and third-party organizations, help ensure the quality and safety of engineered hardwood. A few of these include:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI limits formaldehyde emissions.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): The Lacey Act prohibits the trade of illegally logged plants.
• National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA): Regularly publishes industry-accepted standards and other resources for hardwood suppliers.

As a building industry professional, you want to ensure that your hardwood flooring complies with these standards. International suppliers may have their own regulations that do not match American standards.

3. Faster Lead Times

Importing engineered wood flooring can affect your project lead times due to the additional steps of obtaining your product. Additionally, other factors may contribute to the delay even further. Typical importation delays can result from:

• Freight congestion.
• Port bottlenecks.
• Documentation issues.
• Geopolitical events.
• Tariffs.

However, opting for engineered wood flooring made in the USA shortens the supply chain as products don’t have to travel as far. Additionally, local suppliers’ logistics and documentation are simpler.

Building industry professionals can worry less about scheduling and project setbacks and experience fast lead times.

4. Protection From Price Swings

If you choose international suppliers, tariffs come into the picture. Tariffs directly increase the price of your imported engineered hardwood, which can be further exacerbated by market uncertainty. Trade volatility can add extra financial stress.

Instead of dealing with tariff pass-throughs, long negotiation cycles and surprise duties, choose local. Choosing domestic sourcing for your engineered hardwood flooring can help you avoid unnecessary import costs and stress. There’s no need to track trade policy impacts or jump numerous administrative hurdles.

5. Support Local Economies

When you buy locally manufactured engineered hardwood, you help sustain American manufacturing jobs. In fact, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) states that each $1 spent in manufacturing contributes over $2 to the economy, according to 2023 data.

Manufacturing remains a significant employment sector. Choosing American-manufactured engineered hardwood allows you to make an easy, high-impact choice to support the U.S. economy.

6. Better Customer Support

Opting for local may also mean better customer support, due to fewer geographical, time and language barriers. If any issues arise, it’s simpler and faster to deal with someone who speaks the same language and is in or close to your local time zone.

Going local helps reduce the risk of miscommunication and delays with support in:

• Warranty claims.
• Replacements.
• Repairs.
• Returns.
• Technical support.

7. Reduce Environmental Impacts

With any imported product, it must first travel thousands of miles before it reaches its destination. The further the product must travel, the higher its carbon footprint. However, when you choose domestic suppliers, transportation is shorter, and the amount of shipping emissions is reduced.

As mentioned earlier, many American manufacturers must adhere to strict standards. Other than the FWS’s Lacey Act, there is also the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which helps verify sustainable wood sourcing. Building industry professionals can trust that suppliers have responsibly sourced wood.

Choose Layer 12 Hardwoods for American-Made Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Forget about the hidden costs of shipping from overseas and get engineered hardwood you can count on. Layer 12 Hardwoods is the go-to USA-made engineered hardwood supplier for contractors. We make getting the wood your project requires simple.

Call us at 346-567-6726 or submit our online contact form to discuss your project needs today!