Why Oak Flooring is a Responsible Choice – When You Think Long Term

®Simone Bossi

Why responsibility matters more than ever

In today’s world, sustainability is everywhere. But when you look beyond the buzzwords, what does it really mean — especially in the world of architecture and interior materials? At Di Legno, we believe responsibility isn’t something you label. It’s something you live — by choosing natural materials with care, and treating them with the respect they deserve.

We work exclusively with oak. Not because it’s readily available or cost-effective — in fact, oak is a precious and relatively high-investment material. But because it is timeless, repairable, tactile — and above all, made to last. That, to us, is the heart of low-impact, high-integrity design.

Longevity as a design principle

A Di Legno floor isn’t made for the next 5 years. It’s made for the next generation. Or the one after that.

Solid oak floors — when properly installed and maintained — can last a lifetime or more. Unlike vinyl or laminate, which are often replaced every 10–20 years, oak grows more beautiful with age. It gains patina. Character. Story.

And if something happens? You can repair it. Re-oil it. Refinish it. Reuse it.

That’s not just practical. It’s profoundly responsible.

From certified forests to crafted floors

All Di Legno floors start in responsibly managed,all our suppliers are  PEFC-certified..The oak was sourced from European oak forests that are cared for, replanted, and protected for future generations.

But for us, it doesn’t stop at sourcing. We transform raw oak using natural ageing processes closely reflecting nature and enhancing its own tannins, rather than masking it with artificial stains. The result is a floor that’s honest. Deep. Alive.

It respects the material by revealing its essence.

Why oak outperforms synthetic alternatives

When you compare oak to synthetic flooring like vinyl or laminate, the differences are clear:

Vinyl & laminate:

• Made from fossil-based materials

• Limited lifespan

• Cannot be refinished

• Often ends up in landfill

Solid or engineered oak:

• Renewable origin

• Can be refinished multiple times

• Natural tactile and acoustic qualities

• Reusable and biodegradable

Responsibility isn’t just about production. It’s about what happens over time. Oak offers decades of use — and reuse — that plastics simply can’t match.

Designed for timeless living

Oak floors are not trend-driven. They’re architecture-driven.

That’s why oak is embraced in slow design — a philosophy that values durability, sensory richness and natural imperfection. It’s also a pillar in biophilic design, which reconnects people with nature inside the spaces where they live and work.

Oak does more than look good. It feels warm underfoot. It softens sound. It even helps regulate indoor humidity. And it reminds us, subtly and daily, of the forest it once belonged to.

Make it last, simple choices, lasting results

Responsible use doesn’t stop at installation. With simple care, you can dramatically extend the life of your oak floor:

• Sweep regularly to prevent grit from scratching the surface

• Use rugs and felt pads to protect high-traffic areas

• Re-oil or recoat when the finish begins to dull

• Address small damage early with local repairs

Our conclusion: responsibility is built over time

Working with oak has an impact. We acknowledge that. But the most responsible material is not the one with the flashiest certification. It’s the one that lives the longest. The one that evolves with you. The one that you never need to replace.

And that’s why we believe oak — when chosen with care, and crafted with purpose — is one of the most responsible choices you can make.

Explore the possibilities

Want to see how long-term thinking translates into architectural design? Discover our collections and explore real-life projects where oak brings spaces to life.