StewartFloor Blog

Looking for an Exotic Wood Floor?  Perhaps someone has mentioned The Lacey Act to you?  In a nutshell, the illegal logging ban was passed during the Summer of 2008 and is an amendment to the US Lacey Act.  This amendment impacts anyone who is involved in the import, sale or trade of wood which is harvested illegally.

We support this wholeheartedly!  It protects the world’s forests and protects buyers who practice due diligence and buy from ethical supply chains.  We only buy from a couple of suppliers in all of South America and we import all containers with our own import bond.  This is granted by the USDA.  Additionally, this amendment helps to curb low cost imports which many times can be low cost because they are avoiding government regulations.

We believe in clients being able to enjoy the wood floor of their choice, but doing so legally and ethically.  This helps provide longterm jobs and livelihoods for native peoples as well as insuring future supplies for generations to come.  We work with family owned businesses with the same philosophy and which work within the government guidelines for the betterment of all of our lives.

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EPA LEAD PAINT RULE ENFORCEMENT DELAYED

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on June 18 that it would delay enforcement of its Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. The rule went into effect on April 22, but the EPA will delay enforcement of the rule until this fall, which will provide wood flooring contractors, and the companies they work for, with more time to become certified in lead-safe removal practices as required by the EPA.

The new law requires contractors working in homes or child-occupied facilities (schools, daycares, etc.) built before 1978 to become certified in lead-safe work practices by attending an EPA-accredited training program. Contractors now have until September 30 to register to become certified, and firms have until October 1. Contractors must complete their certification training by December 31. During this interim period, all contractors and firms must continue to implement lead-safe work practices. For more information, visit the EPA’s web site at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.

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Are you looking for the ultimate wood flooring expression and a plantation product?  We have partnered with an existing supplier on bringing Plantation Teak (Tectona Grandis) from plantation in Brazil to the North American Market.  We will be offering 3/4″ X 3-1/4″ X 1′ to 7′ as well as 3/4″ X 5″ X 1′ to 7′ lengths.  Product will arrive in July, inquire today to be among the first taking advantage of this offering.  Teak is the ultimate hardwood with a great history unmatched by all species other than Big Leaf Mahogany or Genuine Mahogany as it is called.  As you see below, we are really working hard to bring products to market in direct containers to save you money!  Teak blanks to be processed into flooring shown below.  Watch this space for an even bigger surprise…..

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The production of StewartFloor tropical wood flooring contributes to the economic strength in the communities where our manufacturing partners are located in Brazil, Paraguay & Peru.

StewartFloor is committed to preserving the forests of South America.  In Brazil, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Natural Resources (IBAMA) monitors and regulates the forestry industry. StewartFloor promotes sustainable forest practices and is committed to securing timber that is selectively harvested and inspected under the governments guidelines.  StewartFloor  supports only manufacturing partners who are committed to sustainable forestry practices and are committed to the social and economic well being of their employees as well as obeying the law.  Following these practices provides well being for communities and employees as well as ensuring that the forests live on to provide economic benefit for local communities for generations in the future.

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Photos of Eucalyptus seedlings which will be planted in Paraguay.  To date, our manufacturing partner in Paraguay has planted 6,000 Eucalyptus trees this year!  At stewartfloor we work with several select manufacturers and all care for the environment and are giving back.  This program was recently introduced and is planned to continue on an ongoing basis.  This manufacturer produces our Amendoim, Tiete Rosewood, Patagonian Rosewood, Brazilian Walnut/Lapacho and Santos Mahogany prefinished flooring.

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