Green floor refinishing Questions

When is it safe -- if ever -- to move back into a house where floors have been recoated with a solvent-based varnish or lacquer?

— Lali Parasuramar

Mary Cordaro

Answered by Mary Cordaro

Southern California Areas, CA

Mary Cordaro, Inc.

March 2, 2010

Can you please recommend a floor finish that is nontoxic and will not emit an odor the day after it is applied?

— Nagidarka San Francisco, CA

Answered by Gennaro Brooks-Church on July 19, 2010

Can my wood floors be refinished with a UV floor finish? How does it work? Is there a real health benefit?

— Heather Blue Springs, MO

Answered by David Edwards PhD on June 10, 2010

My floors were coated with oil-based polyurethane three years ago. Should I apply a low-VOC water-based coat over it or is offgassing done?

— Kim Stern Greenwich, CT

Answered by Bill Bradbury on March 14, 2010

When is it safe -- if ever -- to move back into a house where floors have been recoated with a solvent-based varnish or lacquer?

— Lali Parasuramar

Answered by Mary Cordaro on March 2, 2010

Is bamboo flooring with aluminum oxide finish considered a green choice?

— Liz Cohen

Answered by Mary Cordaro on January 28, 2010

Can you recommend a non-toxic finish for a concrete floor with radiant heat?

— ANNE MILLER

Answered by Polly Osborne, AIA, LEED AP on December 11, 2009

What is truly the healthiest wood floor option, and what are the safest finish products to use?

— Stewart Forsbrand, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Answered by Victoria Schomer on September 17, 2009

What’s a safe product for staining and sealing the floors of my 84-year-old historic home?

— Charlotte Black, Tuscaloosa, AL

Answered by John Messerschmidt on July 6, 2009

What are the best low-maintenance, durable stains and urethane finishes for wood floors?

— Zoe Redick, Scottsdale, AZ

Answered by J Neufeld on December 4, 2008

For a baby nursery, is refinishing the hardwood floor better than installing new carpet?

— Anna Hilton, Philadelphia, PA

Answered by Martine Paquin on September 11, 2008

How can I make my kitchen remodel green?

— Karen

Answered by Mick Dalrymple on June 12, 2008

How do you deal with existing, possibly toxic, wall and floor finishes?

— Elizabeth Cummings, Iowa City, IA

Answered by Steve Rush on May 24, 2007

We're expecting twins soon. How can we refinish our floors now with the least harm to air quality?

— John Salerno, Hoboken, NJ

Answered by Steve Rush on May 24, 2007

 

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