Frequently Asked Questions

HempWood is an engineered hardwood alternative composed of crushed hemp stalks and a soy-based, no-added-formaldehyde adhesive. It is pressed under 3,000 tons of pressure to achieve a density of roughly 60 lbs/ft³.

• Hardness: It boasts a Janka Hardness rating of 2,200 lbf, making it approximately 20% harder than American Hickory.
• Sustainability: It is a rapidly renewable, carbon-negative material ideal for sustainable building projects.

HempWood offers a similar aesthetic to White Oak but with superior durability and sustainability.

• Hardness: HempWood (2,200 Janka) is roughly 20% harder than American White Oak (1,360 Janka).
• Stability: Due to its engineered construction, HempWood is generally more stable than solid oak planks when acclimated correctly.
• Grain: It features a unique, modern grain pattern derived from the hemp stalk, offering a distinct look compared to traditional wood grain.

LVP is a plastic product often made with PVC and phthalates, which can off-gas for years. HempWood is a natural, plant-based material.

• Feel: HempWood feels warm and solid underfoot, unlike the cold, plastic feel of vinyl.
• Longevity: HempWood can be sanded and refinished; LVP is a disposable product that must be landfilled when scratched or worn.
• Value: Real hardwood floors typically increase home resale value; vinyl flooring typically does not.

No. HempWood is an interior face-grade material intended for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and millwork. It is not structural and should not be used for load-bearing applications or exterior decking, as it does not contain the toxic pressure-treating chemicals required for outdoor weathering.

No. Our products are manufactured from Industrial Hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. There are no psychoactive properties, smells, or health risks associated with the building material.

Yes. HempWood is a non-toxic, bio-based material. Unlike luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or some engineered hardwoods that can off-gas phthalates or formaldehyde, HempWood is free of red-list chemicals. It is safe for homes with crawling infants and pets.

• Scratch Resistance: With a Janka rating of 2,200, it is highly resistant to pet claws, though we always recommend keeping nails trimmed to maintain the finish.

HempWood is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We use a proprietary soy-based adhesive that is explicitly No-Added-Formaldehyde (NAF). This contributes to healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) and may support LEED v4 and WELL Building Standard credits.

Yes. As a hard-surface flooring, HempWood does not trap dust mites, pet dander, mold, or pollen like carpet does. When paired with our recommended cleaning routine (sweeping/dry mopping), it creates a hypoallergenic environment suitable for allergy sufferers.

Yes. Industrial Hemp absorbs carbon dioxide faster than almost any other commercial crop, sequestering up to 15 tonnes of CO2 per hectare. Because our manufacturing process is efficient and bio-based, the carbon stored in the material outweighs the carbon emitted during production/transport. Installing HempWood actually removes carbon from the atmosphere.

Proper acclimation is mandatory for warranty compliance.

• Acclimation Period: Material must acclimate for a minimum of 24–48 hours in the installation environment.
• Relative Humidity: The job site must maintain a consistent RH of 35–70%. Conditions exceeding 20–90% may cause dimensional instability.
• HVAC: Permanent HVAC systems should be operational prior to installation to simulate occupancy conditions.

HempWood Organic or Bio Flooring installs similarly to dense domestic hardwoods. Approved methods include:

1. Glue-Down: Recommended for commercial high-traffic areas.
2. Nail-Down: Using 18-gauge cleats (adjust pressure for high density).
3. Floating: Tongue-and-groove glue-assist application.
   Note: Always reference the current Installation Guide for adhesive and subfloor specs.

We produce flooring in two standard thicknesses to integrate seamlessly with most homes:

• 16mm (5/8 in)
• 12mm
• We also offer matching transitions (reducers, t-molds) to address elevation changes, ensuring no harsh edges or tripping hazards.

Yes. HempWood behaves like a dense hardwood (similar to Brazilian Walnut or Hickory).

• Staining: We recommend oil-based stains. Due to the high density, allow the stain to penetrate longer than traditional oak before wiping. Water-based stains may raise the grain and are generally not recommended without fine sanding.
• Refinishing: Our 16mm Premium Select flooring has a robust wear layer that can be sanded and refinished up to 3 times.
• Screening: For maintenance, floors can be screened (buffed and recoated) to refresh the finish without sanding down to raw wood.

Maintain HempWood as you would any premium hardwood.

• Routine: Sweep or vacuum (without beater bar) daily.
• Cleaning: Use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop or Swiffer.
• Prohibited: Do not use steam mops, wet mops, or oil soaps, as these can damage the finish or cause swelling.

We operate on a Direct-to-Consumer model. We do not stock products in big-box retailers, which allows us to cut out the middleman and keep costs lower for you. You can order flooring, panels, lumber, boards, frames, and samples directly through our website.

Yes. For commercial bids, bulk lumber, or shipping container quantities, please contact our commercial division directly at salese@hempwood.com. We offer volume pricing and can assist with CSI specifications and submittal packages.

Yes. Our Murray, KY facility handles custom milling and finishing in-house. While we do not produce complex joinery (furniture/cabinetry), we can provide:

• Custom stair treads and risers.
• Baseboards and transitions (T-molds, Reducers).
• Prefinished lumber packages.
  Contact us for a custom quote on your specific architectural schedule.

Yes. We ship samples and small orders globally via standard carriers. For palletized flooring or lumber orders:

• Logistics: Large international shipments may incur customs and freight broker fees.
• Support: Contact Tom Mathys (tmathys@hempwood.com) for international quotes and region-specific documentation.

We are actively looking for partners. If you are interested in distribution, investing, or joining the team, please contact gwilson@hempwood.com.