Hardwood floors are one of the most timeless and desirable features in Birmingham homes, as well as homes all throughout the Southeast.
This is partly because hardwood floors add warmth, beauty and value to a property; however, just like all natural materials, they eventually show signs of wear and tear. The good news for homeowners is that professional refinishing can bring them back to life, and now many of today’s homeowners are asking an all-important question for the hardwood floor industry’s future: how can this process be done in an eco-friendly way?
We recently reached out to the hardwood floor refinishing birmingham al experts at Rodgers Flooring to learn more about the harmful impacts of traditional refinishing’s harsh chemicals, heavy sanding, and finishes that release harmful fumes into the air.
Fortunately, we also learned a lot about more sustainable options that are available in today’s marketplace as well. So, if you’re a homeowner in Birmingham, AL area and you’re currently looking to refinish your hardwood floors, check out the below sections to learn more about some eco-friendly approaches that protect both your home and the environment!
Why Eco-Friendly Refinishing Matters
Standard hardwood floor refinishing methods typically utilize oil-based polyurethane finishes that end up releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into a home’s indoor air.
VOCs are a major contributor toward indoor air pollution, which can cause serious health symptoms like headaches, respiratory irritation and long-term health concerns. In Birmingham where many families live in historic homes with tight indoor spaces, air quality is particularly important.
Eco-friendly refinishing methods aim to reduce or eliminate VOCs, conserve resources, and extend the life of your flooring in a sustainable way!
Low-VOC & Water-Based Finishes
One of the easiest eco-friendly upgrades is switching to water-based polyurethane finishes.
Unlike oil-based products, water-based finishes release fewer VOCs, dry much faster, and release minimal odors. They also provide a clear, natural look that highlights the wood grain, which tends to be perfect for Birmingham homeowners who want a more modern aesthetic.
Low-VOC and zero-VOC finishes are now widely available in today’s industry, and there’s no denying how they’re a much healthier choice for families, pets and contractors alike!
Dustless Sanding Technology
The sanding phase is often the messiest and least eco-friendly part of hardwood floor refinishing. Traditional sanding fills the air with fine wood dust that can linger in your home and negatively impact indoor air quality.
This is exactly why many of today’s Birmingham-based flooring contractors now offer dustless sanding systems that capture up to 99% of dust during the refinishing process.
Not only does this make cleanup a lot easier, but it also reduces airborne particles and creates a much healthier worksite and home environment.
Sustainable Stains & Natural Oils
If you want to change the color of your hardwood floors, eco-friendly stains and natural oils are excellent options.
Plant-based oil finishes, including linseed oil, tung oil or soy-based products, do a great job at penetrating deeply into the wood—without relying on toxic solvents. They also significantly enhance the floor’s natural beauty, while offering durability and a low environmental footprint.
Some eco-friendly stains also use water-based pigments, which reduce chemical exposure without sacrificing design options.
Restorative Buffing Instead of Full Refinishing
Not all hardwood floors need a full sand-down to look new again. In many cases, screening and recoating, which is also known as buffing and coating, tends to be enough.
This process lightly abrades the floor’s surface before a professional applies a fresh coat of finish. And what’s great about this process is that it saves time, reduces waste, and avoids the heavy sanding process.
For Birmingham homeowners with moderately worn floors, this option is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to restore shine—without the environmental impact of a complete refinishing!
Choosing a Green Hardwood Floor Refinishing Contractor in Birmingham AL
Not every flooring company uses eco-friendly methods, so it’s important to ask the right questions before hiring a contractor.
This is why Birmingham homeowners should be on the lookout for professionals who do the following:
- Offer water-based or low-VOC finishes
- Provide dustless sanding systems
- Are knowledgeable about sustainable stains and natural oils
- Can advise whether buffing and coating is a suitable option for your floors
Local contractors who specialize in eco-friendly refinishing can guide you toward the best solution for your home’s needs, while keeping sustainability top of mind.
Eco-friendly hardwood floor refinishing is more than merely a design choice, because it’s also an investment in the long-term health of your home. And when done thoughtfully, it enhances your home’s character, while also aligning with a greener lifestyle!
