How much does non-toxic wood finish cost?

The price of non-toxic wood finishes will vary depending on finish choice and quantity purchased. The cost can vary from $2- to $5-per foot. An average cost to refinish hardwood floors is estimated to be around $1,550, with a maximum range of approximately $3,100.

When should I use an interior wood finish?

Apply a wood finish at any point. Whether your furniture is new or old, it is best to use a wood finish to maintain your wood surface’s health.

How long does the non-toxic wood finish last?

Your product’s life expectancy will depend on various factors, from the type of wood you are finishing to the selected product. Since most non-toxic wood finishes are not as protective as their toxic alternatives, you can expect to refinish your floors more often. These will likely need to be reapplied between once and twice a year for the best results.

Are wood finishes toxic?

Some wood finishes are toxic, and it will depend on which finish is selected. Toxicity in finished primarily comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) releasing from the stain as it dries, meaning that after this period, a lot of finishes will be non-toxic. You will see high VOC release in petroleum or synthetic-based stains, including but not limited to varnishes and lacquers.

What are non-toxic wood finishes?

Natural oils with no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are listed as non-toxic finishes for your wooden surfaces. These include linseed oil, tung oil, walnut oil, and hemp oil. Be careful when purchasing oils, as some are not 100% natural oil and may contain a petroleum oil or varnish blend. Water-based polyurethane is a non-toxic finish that will add a protective layer to your wooden surfaces. Shellac is a resin produced naturally by the lac bug and is another option for a non-toxic finish.

How are non-toxic wood finishes different?

Non-toxic wood finishes are different than toxic wood finishes because of the components within them. Your solvent finishes will release more Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as the solvents dry and the product sets up, requiring adequate ventilation to your room at this stage. A non-toxic wood finish has no VOCs, making the aeration of the site a benefit and not a health necessity.

Are non-toxic wood finishes durable?

In comparison to standard wood finishes, no. Non-toxic wood finishes are often natural oil-based products that do little to protect your wooden surfaces against abrasion. The benefit of natural wood finishes comes from the life that they restore to your wooden surface and the natural colors that they amplify. Some non-toxic options, like shellacs and water-based polyurethanes, will give your surface more protection than natural oil finishes. However, be sure to double-check the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) content of your product before application to ensure non-toxicity.

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Interior wood finishes protect your wooden surfaces from moisture. Unlike paints, wood finishes maintain your wood surfaces’ original appearance and enhance them, giving them richer colors.

When it comes to interior wood finishes, there are two main types: surface finishes and penetrating finishes.

Surface finishes work by creating a barrier around your wooden surface, protecting it like a shield.
Penetrating finishes work by soaking deep into the porous wood and bonding with the wood, and preserving the surface’s natural qualities. They do not protect the wood, like surface finishes, but often contain fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

You’re going to want to know what type each type of interior finish promotes.

Oil Finishes: Derived from seeds, nuts, and various plant parts. Natural oil finishes soak into the wood pores instead of creating a protective surface layer. The most common natural oils for wood finishes include linseed and tung oil.
Shellac Finishes: This finish, made from lac bug secretions, is dissolved in alcohol and brushed onto wood surfaces. It provides limited resistance again damage, water, heat, and alcohol, more so than oil, but not as protective as solvent finishes.
Water-based Finishes: These finishes use fewer solvents than the conventional finishes, reducing the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released as it dries. They compare with solvent-based products on a durability and protection scale, making them an attractive alternative to the high VOC alternatives.
Solvent-based Finishes: Finishes like varnish and lacquers contain solvents that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as they dry. These often provide a more durable coat than natural oils at the expense of the VOCs’ initial high content.

There are more sustainable options when selecting interior wood finishes, like choosing natural oils and shellacs over petroleum-based finishes. But there is no specific sustainable benefit to finishing your product, aside from maintaining its overall health and extending its life to the maximum potential.

In some cases, wood finishes can represents between 5 and 30% of manufacturing costs of a product.

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