Northern hardwood

Northern hardwood is hardwood grown in temperate regions such as Europe, North America, Russia and New Zealand.

The sustainability profile of all hardwoods is similar, with good durability and low material footprint when they come from sustainably managed FSC certified forests.

The main environmental impacts of hardwood are transportation, if it comes from far, and the drying process. The most used species are birch, beech, oak, larch, maple, ash, cherry and walnut.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
			Tips Look for FSC certified wood when you buy hardwood. Non certified wood can contribute to unsustainable rates of deforestation also in Europe and North America.
	Local If you are in the Northern hemisphere, you can find hardwood wood produced not far from where you are.		Tips Look for wood that is as local as possible.
		Costly Hardwood is more expensive than softwood and wood products, although it lasts longer Show Alternatives » Alternatives materials that are low cost Bamboo stems Construction site wood MDF Non FSC wood OSB Particle board Reclaimed wood Scaffolding wood Second hand particle board Softwood Used pallets Time consuming Sawing and sanding can be time consuming processes with hardwood. Show Alternatives » Alternatives materials that are quick MDF OSB Softwood Used pallets

	Non toxic Although all wood products emit some formaldehyde in the first months of use, massive wood has much lower emissions than wood products. Long lifespan Hardwood species are the most durable types of wood, resisting to tension, load, scratches and rotting. Information about durability of each species is widely available.

	Easy reuse Good durability and the possibility easily revamp the material by sanding make hardwood a material that can live several lives. Easy recycling If it is not much treated with glues, finishes and paints, hardwood can be recycled into wood products or fuel.