In a $2 million beachfront home on Oahu, a meticulously redesigned, nautical-themed home remodel was underway. Huge wooden beams were brought in from the mainland to complete the fresh, open-air appeal of this luxurious island getaway. The homeowner was thrilled to see his vision become a reality.
When the remodel was finished, he moved in and immediately got sick. That’s when his dream home quickly turned into a nightmare.
After months of suffering and testing, he learned it was the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) leaching out of those wooden beams that made him sick. A highly toxic, oil-based stain had been applied to the beams and all the woodwork to prevent termites and wood rot. But no one had known just how toxic it would be for the homeowner.
He was forced to move out, and, ultimately, it took three years of off-gassing before the home was safe enough for him to move back in.
Indoor Air Pollution
We spend almost 90% of our time inside, so indoor air pollution is 10 times worse for our health than the toxins we breathe outside. In our homes, schools, and offices, microbial pollutants like pollen, mold, pet dander combine with chemicals and radon to create a toxic environment. So toxic it can lead allergies, asthma, and serious health complications.
Where do these indoor toxins come from? They off-gas from the wood stains, paint, carpet, mattress filling, and even cleaning supplies in our homes. But with so many everyday sources, are we destined to live with indoor air pollution?
That doesn’t have to be the case. By doing a little homework, and taking advantage of new options in green building products, your home can actually be a safe haven from chemicals and toxins.
What Makes a Wood Stain “Green?”
“Waterborne wood stains are safer than oil-based versions,” according to William and Shari Steber, owners of Timber Pro Coatings, Portland, OR. “Our stains are waterborne or made primarily from bio-preferred, plant-based oils and blended with a small percentage of acrylic to boost durability.”
Ever watched rain drops bead up on a flower petal? That’s the design Timber Pro Coatings tries to mimic. They use natural ingredients because they believe Mother Nature knows the best way to repel water absorption.
Manufacturing environmentally safe wood stains and finishes for 17 years, Timber Pro Coatings was one of the country’s first manufacturers of low toxicity wood stains. The Stebers are fully aware of industry greenwashing, and they make it a point to warn consumers about so-called green terms that are more about marketing than safety.
Shari Steber says, “The term non-toxic does not truly apply to wood stains, because non-toxic would mean you could practically drink or bathe in the product! We consider it dangerous to label a wood stain as non-toxic.”
How can you know you’re getting an eco-friendly stain? The best way is to ask to see the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the product. Stores are required to keep a sheet on file for every coating product they sell. You’ll want to check that the level of VOCs is below 250 grams per liter. For example, Timber Pro’s VOCs are only 93 gpl.
The MSDS will also list the percentage of hazardous ingredients, which should be below 10%. Any wood stain or sealer marked flammable is most likely not eco-friendly. Ideally, clean up should involve only soap and water. The mineral spirits needed to clean your tools and equipment after using flammable oil based stains or sealers are certainly toxic.
What You Should Know Before Buying an Environmentally Safe Wood Sealer
Timber Pro Coatings offers these additional tips to homeowners buying or using a wood or concrete sealer.
- Determine how much square footage you need to treat. You’ll save time and money by buying the right amount of sealer the first time.
- Research and choose your product carefully. All wood stains and sealers are not created equally, and you can’t judge quality or low toxicity by price alone.
- If you’re looking to retain the natural golden or amber color of your deck, fence, or wood siding, don’t buy a clear wood sealer. Instead look for a transparent stain to help prevent natural graying of the wood.
- Never stain or treat a brand new deck without sanding it first. The Stebers recommend sanding with 60 – 80 grit paper to open up the wood and allow the finish to penetrate correctly.
- Choose a product with a proven track record. Stains and seals can only be proven after years of testing.
Timber Pro Coatings has been manufacturing sustainable wood finishes and concrete sealers since 1996 and are considered pioneers in the development and promotion of environmentally safe wood treatment products. Use this link to learn more about other green building products ideas.
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