More and more homeowners and office building managers are placing higher focus on sustainability and health, especially in the post-Covid19 era, and they’re investing in materials that minimize health risks and improve air quality. This is where choosing quality hardwood for indoor flooring can have a massive impact.
Besides providing an elevated look and timeless elegance to any space, hardwood flooring can also have health benefits that make it an ideal choice for a residential home or a commercial property. We’ll go over the main health benefits of hardwood flooring and see how wood floors can improve air quality in a home or an office space.
Do hardwood floors really improve air quality?
Hardwood floors have various benefits for your home and health. A beautiful and durable surface, hardwood offers significant health advantages compared to other types of flooring, like engineered wood flooring, laminate or vinyl. It has the upper hand because it’s a natural material that does not trap dust, mold, or other allergens that can irritate the respiratory system over time. That makes it an ideal choice for homes with pets or children, and for people struggling with afflictions like allergies or asthma.
Hardwood floors are also easy to clean, with a simple sweep or dry mop, and there are plenty of cleaning products available on the market nowadays that are designed for hardwood floors and that are also environmentally-friendly and hypoallergenic. Regular sweeping and maintenance prevents the accumulation of harmful particles, as long as it’s done properly, with care, and with the right products.
Another important thing to note is that unlike other types of flooring, hardwood floors don’t emit significant amounts of VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. These VOCs are associated with certain finishes, adhesives, sealants, and other products that might be applied to the hardwood floors during the installation process or the refinishing process. However, you can find low-VOC or even zero-VOC products to finish or seal hardwood floors, eliminating any dangers to the respiratory system.
Air quality in commercial offices
Unlike carpets or vinyl, hardwood will never become a dust trap, which means that the indoor air quality will be significantly improved, especially if the space is properly and regularly dusted and ventilated. Preventing dust and allergen accumulation is critical, both for homeowners and commercial owners.
In a commercial office space where there is a lot of foot traffic on a daily basis and the air tends to be recirculated, air quality is essential for the health of everyone working there. That’s an especially important factor when you consider that an estimated 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from some kind of allergies, and research shows that allergens account for millions of missed work days every year. Replacing carpeting with hardwood flooring can be a costly investment, but one that can improve the health of employees and the air quality in the office, thus saving building managers money in the long run.
The pros and cons of hardwood floors for air quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that wood flooring is the most effective type of flooring when it comes to our health. Hardwood floors resist the accumulation of dust mites, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, cockroach droppings, and any other allergens that people might bring in from outside. These allergy-triggering agents accumulate and thrive in carpeting or other types of flooring, which are more difficult to clean and keep free of pollutants. Hardwood floors are incredibly easy to clean and maintain, just with regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
However, one thing we always warn our clients about is the potential damage that water can cause to their hardwood floors. While hardwood is great for allergy sufferers and can significantly improve air quality in a space, water damage can cause a lot of problems.
Changes in humidity and temperature, as well as water infiltration of any kind can potentially cause hardwood planks to warp, buckle, or even rot from within. In the long run, this will lead to poor air quality in the house and costly repairs to the food and subfloor. That’s why proper installation, acclimation, and regular maintenance and refinishing are key to extending the lifespan of hardwood floors and keeping the air quality at a good, healthy level.
Frequently asked questions
Does hardwood flooring improve air quality?
Yes, hardwood flooring can improve air quality as it doesn’t trap allergens like dust, pet dander, or pollen as easily as carpeting does, reducing potential irritants in the air. Additionally, hardwood floors are generally easier to clean and maintain, minimizing the buildup of dust and other particles that can contribute to poor air quality.
What type of hardwood is best for allergies?
When it comes to allergies, solid hardwood flooring is generally preferred over engineered hardwood. Among the various wood species, lighter woods such as maple, ash, or birch are often recommended for individuals with allergies. These lighter woods have smoother surfaces and fewer pores, reducing the likelihood of trapping allergens like dust or pet dander. However, it’s important to note that individual sensitivities may vary, so it’s advisable to consult with an allergist or flooring professional for personalized recommendations.
Do hardwood floors emit VOCs?
Hardwood floors themselves do not emit significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are mainly associated with finishes, sealants, adhesives, or stains that may be applied to hardwood floors during installation or refinishing. To minimize VOC emissions, it is recommended to choose low-VOC or zero-VOC products for finishing or sealing the hardwood floors. Adequate ventilation during and after installation helps dissipate any residual VOCs. Prefinished hardwood flooring can also be beneficial as it undergoes off-gassing in a controlled factory environment, reducing on-site VOC emissions.
For more information on hardwood flooring and air quality, or inquiries regarding low-VOC or zero-VOC products for your next project, contact First Atlanta Flooring and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
