With so many species available, wood is one of the most beautiful resources for making floors. While species range in hardness and durability, finishes are vital to protecting their beauty and performance.

People are choosing wood flooring for a variety reasons but a common theme is the importance placed on the overall indoor air quality (IAQ) and the environmental health of a product, specifically as it relates to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being emitted.

Similar to flooring companies, makers of wood finishes are helping to lead the way in making products safer and greener without sacrificing looks and performance.

The American Hardwood Information Center (AHIC), a service of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association notes “Thanks to advances in wood-coating technology, many of today’s finishes are better than ever. In the not-so-distant past, it was considered practically impossible to make high-quality finishes that did not emit VOCs, both during their application and throughout their service life.”

But that was then, AHIC adds, as zero-and low-VOC finishes “deliver the same quality and performance as their predecessors.” Some say today’s finishes are better than the old solvent-based ones as they require fewer coatings, provide equal performance and do it in a healthier way.

Most of these zero-and low-VOC finishes are water-based and contain no solvents, so they are safe for people and the environment.

Disposal is also simple, noted AHIC as they do not need to be taken to a hazardous waste center. Simply let open containers sit in a well-ventilated area, and once they solidify, place in the trash.

When it comes prefinished goods, AHIC says it is hard to go wrong, noting most mills use ultraviolet light to cure several coats of a low- or no-VOC finish.

For on-site finishing there are two basic types of finishes: those that penetrate and those that sit on the surface. Penetrating finishes penetrate wood to form a protective seal, while stains soak in to provide color, and a wax coating gives a satin sheen. These include linseed, tung and specialty oils.

Surface finishes include a stain covered by a protective layer/topcoat. Today’s products are more popular than ever because they are easy to maintain. And, advances in technology have made them more eco-friendly.

Whether purchasing factory- or site-finished products the best thing to be is knowledgeable. Ask questions. Read labels.

For more, visit at hardwoodinfo.com.