Want a Healthy Home? Use Real Wood

Want a Healthy Home? Use Real Wood: The Benefits of Real Hardwood Floors with a Natural Oil Finish.

When considering home renovations, especially flooring, many people today are thinking beyond mere aesthetics. They want options that promote a healthier indoor environment. Flooring, as one of the largest surfaces in any room, plays a vital role in air quality, maintenance, and the overall “feel” of a space. Real hardwood floors, especially when finished with natural oil, have become a popular choice for those prioritizing health and eco-friendliness in their homes. Here’s why real wood is an excellent option for a healthy home.

1. Real Hardwood Floors: A Naturally Healthy Option

Real hardwood floors are often chosen for their beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. But beyond aesthetics, they’re also a naturally healthy choice. Unlike synthetic flooring options, real hardwood contains no harsh chemicals, plasticizers, or adhesives that can release toxic compounds into the air over time. Synthetic floors may emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can impact indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory problems.

With real hardwood floors, you’re choosing a product made from 100% natural materials. This means you’re avoiding the chemical compounds that may compromise air quality, which is essential for people with asthma, allergies, or other sensitivities. For those prioritizing health, particularly if you have children or pets, real wood is a safe and sustainable choice.

2. Natural Oil Finishes: What Makes Them Different?

When it comes to hardwood floor finishes, traditional finishes like polyurethane create a protective film over the surface. While these finishes can be durable, they often contain chemical solvents that release VOCs into the air for days, weeks, or even years after application. In contrast, a natural oil finish soaks into the wood and hardens within, allowing the floor to "breathe." This permeability allows the wood to adjust to temperature and humidity changes, helping it maintain its appearance and stability.

Natural oil finishes are VOC-free or very low in VOCs. The result? A healthier home environment with better indoor air quality. Furthermore, oil finishes give the wood a natural, matte appearance that many homeowners find more appealing than the plastic-like shine of polyurethane. Some popular options for natural oil finishes include products like Loba Impact Oil and Uno Coat, known for their eco-friendly compositions and lasting protection.

3. Enhancing Air Quality with Real Wood Floors

Indoor air pollution is a significant concern, especially in homes with young children, elderly family members, or anyone with respiratory conditions. Many types of flooring, including certain carpets and vinyl, trap dust, allergens, and bacteria, or they can contain harmful compounds that may “off-gas” into the air over time. Real hardwood floors are naturally resistant to these issues.

Hardwood doesn’t trap dust or allergens, making it easier to clean and helping reduce the buildup of particles that compromise indoor air quality. With regular cleaning—usually just a quick sweep and an occasional mop with a wood-friendly cleaner—real wood floors can contribute to a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.

4. A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choice

If you want a healthier home, sustainability and eco-conscious choices are likely also on your mind. Real hardwood floors, particularly those sourced from responsibly managed forests, are one of the most sustainable flooring options available. Hardwood is a renewable resource, and companies that adhere to sustainable harvesting practices help ensure that new trees are planted to replace those cut for flooring.

Natural oil finishes align with this eco-conscious approach. Unlike finishes derived from petrochemicals, many natural oils are sourced from plant-based materials, making them biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. By choosing real hardwood with a natural oil finish, you’re contributing to the creation of a more sustainable planet.

5. Durable and Easy to Maintain

Another reason real hardwood floors are ideal for a healthy home is their durability. When properly maintained, hardwood floors can last for decades or even centuries. This longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, meaning less waste and fewer resources spent over time. In contrast, synthetic or lower-quality floors may need to be replaced every 10–20 years, leading to increased material waste and environmental impact.

Natural oil finishes enhance hardwood’s durability by allowing it to resist scratches, scuffs, and general wear and tear without compromising its appearance. Instead of needing a full refinish, natural oil-finished floors can often be spot-repaired. Simply buffing in a bit more oil can make scratches disappear, meaning fewer chemicals and less dust are involved in the maintenance process. By choosing real hardwood floors with a natural oil finish, homeowners can enjoy a lasting, beautiful, and low-maintenance flooring option.

6. Real Wood Enhances Emotional Well-being

Hardwood floors have a unique effect on the ambiance of a room, contributing to a sense of calm, warmth, and natural beauty that few other flooring materials can replicate. Real wood has texture, grain, and color variation that make a home feel inviting and grounded. Numerous studies indicate that natural materials in a home’s interior can positively affect mental health and emotional well-being, offering a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.

For families with children or pets, the peace of mind that real hardwood provides—knowing it’s safe, non-toxic, and durable—adds to this overall sense of well-being.

7. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

While the initial investment in real hardwood floors with a natural oil finish may be higher than some synthetic options, the long-term benefits more than compensate for it. Since these floors can last a lifetime with proper care, they won’t need to be replaced as frequently as lower-quality flooring. Over time, the savings on replacement, repairs, and maintenance add up, making hardwood a wise financial choice.

Furthermore, homes with real hardwood floors are often more attractive to potential buyers, meaning the investment can add to your home’s resale value.

8. Choosing Real Hardwood Floors with a Natural Oil Finish

If you’re ready to make the switch to real hardwood floors, here are some tips to consider:

• Choose Responsibly Sourced Wood: Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure your wood is sustainably sourced.

• Select a Quality Natural Oil Finish: Products like Loba Impact Oil and Uno Coat are highly regarded for their eco-friendliness, low or zero VOCs, and easy maintenance.

• Hire a Professional for Installation: Proper installation is key to the longevity of your floors. A professional installer will ensure that your floors are level, secure, and protected.

• Commit to Simple, Regular Maintenance: Hardwood floors with a natural oil finish only need occasional cleaning and oil reapplication every few years, depending on wear. Avoid harsh chemicals; instead, use wood-safe cleaners and a damp (not wet) mop.

Real Wood is the Foundation of a Healthy Home!

Real hardwood floors, especially when finished with natural oil, are more than just a design choice; they’re an investment in your family’s health, well-being, and the environment. With their low VOC emissions, easy maintenance, and long-lasting appeal, hardwood floors support a healthier indoor environment. For anyone looking to create a beautiful, sustainable, and safe home, real wood is an excellent choice that will enhance your quality of life for decades to come.