Why Wood Still Matters In a World of Vinyl and Other Imitation Products

From Troy Brown, President, Kretz Lumber Co., and originally posted here.

Thirty years ago, the hardwood lumber industry was cruising along as the preferred choice of homeowners, either building or remodeling, installing wood cabinets constructed of maple, oak, cherry, hickory, and birch. To accent the cabinets, ¾” hardwood flooring was installed according to the homeowner’s taste. The hardwood industry was approaching record production levels to meet consumers’ demand. Although we were growing twice as much timber as was being harvested and lost to mortality, the environmental community was infiltrating the media with the idea of how bad it is to cut trees. During this time, the hardwood industry’s production was approaching 12 billion board feet. Sawmills provided jobs in rural areas of the United States, landowners were being compensated for their timber harvests, and the logging community was thriving.

Thirty years later, home trends include painted cabinets using medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for panels in the doors, painted moldings using MDF, and laminated vinyl flooring with a wood grain pattern. The result has been sawmill closures that decimate the economy of small towns and cities, a shrinking workforce in the logging community, and land values that no longer hold their value for timber harvests but are now held for recreational value.

However, hardwood still matters, and trends and consumer choices change over time. Natural and real wood cabinets are beginning to rebound from the past 10-year hiatus that saw a transition to white-painted cabinets, gray, and then green. Homeowners are now asking for good old hardwood because of the natural grain pattern experienced in installing real hardwood products.

What is the cause of the trend back to natural hardwood? First is the aesthetic value that real American hardwood provides. Its natural grain pattern can only be produced from the beauty of nature’s forces from the 80-130 period when it grew in the forest. The natural forces behind this wood provide the home with warmth, beauty, and healing characteristics. It is very difficult to find two pieces of wood that are identical, and the variation of wood is unique to the imitation wood products.

Additionally, the longevity and durability of hardwood products in a home is far superior to imitation products. Wood can be refinished multiple times, to last well over 100 years. Wood can also be recycled as opposed to laminated vinyl tile, that is most often taken to a landfill instead of being recycled.

There are also economic benefits to utilizing hardwood lumber in the home. The National Association of Realtors reports that a house with a refinished hardwood floor recovers 147% of the refinishing cost and 118% of the cost of a newly installed hardwood floor. Similarly, natural wood cabinets and trim offer long-term durability and craftsmanship, with 70–75% ROI for minor cabinet refreshes and up to 83% cost recovery for custom closets and built-ins. In contrast, laminate or MDF-based cabinets tend to chip, delaminate, and depreciate faster, offering lower resale appeal and less value over time. Buyers consistently perceive real wood as a mark of quality, longevity, and timeless design.

Let’s shift to “Why Hardwood Matters” from the environmental point of view. American hardwood forests are among the most sustainably managed natural resources in the world. According to the U.S. Forest Service, these forests grow at more than twice the harvest rate, with net volumes increasing by over 130% since the 1950s. Most American hardwoods regenerate naturally, eliminating the need for artificial planting while preserving species diversity and ecosystem health. Strict federal and state forestry regulations and third-party certifications like SFI ensure responsible harvesting practices. Hardwoods have a significantly lower carbon footprint and act as long-term carbon sinks compared to synthetic alternatives like vinyl or laminate.

In conclusion, the world has become increasingly dominated by imitation wood products; genuine hardwood continues to prove its unmatched value. Its beauty, durability, and timeless appeal make it more than just a design choice—it’s a long-term investment that increases home value and enhances quality of life. Beyond aesthetics, American hardwoods are a model of sustainability, growing faster than they are harvested and naturally regenerating without artificial intervention. With strong resale value, low environmental impact, and support for local forestry economies, hardwood remains the gold standard for those who value authenticity, longevity, and responsible living. Real wood still matters when it comes to building or remodeling—and it always will.