Flooring - ugh. Can't decide! Help?

[Spryte]

We are replacing all flooring on our main living area level, after a leak caused serious damage. No mold, it was caught in time and water mitigation worked.

 

Here's the catch, and a minor vent: we bought this house recently, specifically because of DS's special needs. He has high levels of VOCs, among other things, which are due to exposure in utero. That was before his time with us, and we can't do anything about that other than lessen exposure now. It is thought by his specialists that these high levels are part of the reasons for his severe allergies and asthma. This house was formerly owned by people whose DD had similar issues - the only other person we've met! Amazing. So... This house needed nothing changed. Which is good, because building and remodeling projects create a lot of off gassing and VOCs, and while we were remodeling our last house to fit his needs - it was hard. Symptoms were out of control. And then ... The Leak. Ugh!

 

So. Here we are. Floor must be replaced. We want to replace with something similar - solid hardwood. Preferably oak. We even have it narrowed down to two floors, different companies.

 

The first choice, and floor we like the look of the most is a solid, hand-scraped oak by Armstrong. But we can't find any info on their finish. We know it meets CARB standards, so must be outgassing .05 ppm but we are aiming for .01. We've emailed, we'll call tomorrow. Does anyone know how to get that info?

 

Our second choice is a Lauzon floor. They guarantee no VOCs or formaldehyde in the finish. They even make a finish with some sort of air purifying properties. They are (they say) getting certified by the asthma and allergy association. We just can't find anyone who's installed their floor, to get an objective review. The Lauzon floor is slightly more expensive, still in our price range, but more of a stretch. Anyone here with experience with it?

 

Has anyone installed a solid hardwood and had trouble with outgassing and asthma, or other symptoms? Headaches, aches? Anything? What would you do?

 

Thanks for any thoughts!

[regentrude]

We do not have the issues your son has, at least one that we are aware.

I can only tell you that we had solid hardwood floors installed, prefinished, and never had any trace of an issue.

No smell, no headache or any other symptoms. But then, we do not have special sensitivities.

Not sure if this helps.

Edited May 6, 2016 by regentrude

[Spryte]

We do not have the issues your son has, at least one that we are aware.

I can only tell you that we had solid hardwood floors installed, prefinished, and never had any trace of an issue.

No smell, no headache or any other symptoms. But then, we do not have special sensitivities.

Not sure if this helps.

It does help. Thank you!

 

I can't tell, from all the reading, if this is an issue that mostly applies to engineered floors (adhesives, etc) or if it applies to solid, pre finished floors, as well, caused by the finishes. It's quite helpful to hear you didn't notice a smell. :)

[madteaparty]

I had white oak floors installed and site finished in this house using polyurethane.

In the next house, I will use the same wood but will finish with Rubio monocoat. It is an oil made in Belguim if I recall. Totally safe. But your floors won't be sealed like they would be with polyurethane, so I would not leave puddles of water about ;)

Eta that prefinished probably a better call in your case because it would have already done any "off gassing". I'm after a particular look and we didn't have to live here when floors were done

Edited May 6, 2016 by madteaparty

[Plink]

(flooring store owner)

 

Lauzon is top notch.  You can't get any better than their finish.  We have skied through their forests in Canada, and their facilities are just lovely.  They really care about air quality and their products reflect that passion.  Here is some information about the testing that their process has undergone.  Yes, it is expensive, but you get what you pay for in this case.

 

ETA: Armstrong is very good, but not in the same class as Lauzon.  It is like comparing a Subaru and a Ferrari.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Plink

[prairiewindmomma]

Our pediatric allergist recommended that we go with pre-finished floors when we went through a similar situation.  Sealed in place is great, but it takes 3 weeks to fully cure AND it smells.

 

We bought our pre-finished wood, brought the cartons in the house to acclimate for a week, and then took the kids out of the house during the installation process (3 days).  My kids have severe asthma, and they had no reactions....but I don't know the details on the off gassing.

[Upptacka]

I am very sensitive, so it was quite stressful for me when we needed to replace the flooring on our entire main floor. I was pregnant at the time, too, so my nose was extra sensitive. We went with solid oak flooring with a Bona finish (done on site). I was pleasantly surprised that it had no chemical odor at all. That was 4 years ago now, and the finish has held up really well!

[Spryte]

Thanks so much, everyone.

 

We are most likely going with the Lauzon. I think we will rest easier knowing that we did our best re: the VOC issue. The thought of introducing something to DS's environment that could aggravate his issues just doesn't feel right. And ripping it out if it causes trouble - ouch. Not in the budget to do this twice.

 

Plus, it's a beautiful floor. They both are, really.

 

And now I want to skiing in their forests. :)

Edited May 6, 2016 by Spryte

[MamaBearTeacher]

Can the flooring boxes be opened outdoors before they are installed and left to air a bit? Also, can you get your son out of the house during and right after installation? I think this might help.