Wood Flooring Q&A: What to Say When Customers Request Certifications

Customers seeking more sustainable floor finishing options may request third-party-certified and low-VOC products.
Customers seeking more sustainable floor finishing options may request third-party-certified and low-VOC products.
Bona US

My customer is concerned about sustainability and said they only want “certified” products used for refinishing. What should I look for?

Matt Casey, director of the Bona Certified Craftsman Program at Bona US, answers:

Customers are asking about sustainability more than ever. When looking for sustainable options, we first suggest hiring a wood flooring contractor certified via a manufacturer or trade organization, because using a trained contractor raises the probability of creating a long-lasting and more sustainable wood floor.

When it comes to products and systems, consumers should look for third-party certifications, meaning organizations not affiliated directly with manufacturers that perform testing to meet certain criteria. One of the most trusted is the UL Greenguard certification mark, which indicates that a product has been tested and evaluated to meet stringent chemical emissions limits. Greenguard Gold certification is the strictest standard, considering safety factors for sensitive individuals such as children and the elderly, and acceptable for use in schools and healthcare facilities. Other third-party certifications include Green Seal and US EPA Safer Choice, and both are common for floor maintenance products.

We recommend customers look for low-VOC finishes with third-party certifications. Also, some customers may not realize that floor refinishing is inherently more sustainable than replacement. Data shows a 78% carbon footprint reduction when refinishing rather than replacing wood floors, and a minimum of 90% savings in resources (transport, electricity use, materials, etc.).

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