Are floor refinishing fumes harmful

Apr 18, 2023

Hardwood Refinishing Fumes: A Guide

Hey there folks, we all know that refinishing your hardwood floors can be a great way to give your home a fresh new look. But some of you may be wondering, are the fumes from floor refinishing harmful to your health?

Well, let me tell you, as experts in hardwood refinishing, we take the health and safety of our clients seriously. So, we want to put your mind at ease by providing you with some information about the potential risks associated with floor refinishing fumes.


Firstly, it's important to note that the fumes produced during the refinishing process can be harmful if proper precautions are not taken. The fumes are caused by the chemicals used in the process, such as varnish, polyurethane, and stain, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

Exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause a range of health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and in some cases, even more serious health problems. However, it's important to note that these risks can be greatly reduced by taking the proper precautions.


At Portland Refinishing by DeBuke, we take a number of steps to ensure the safety of our clients and our team during the refinishing process. This includes using high-quality, low-VOC products, as well as ventilating the area with fans and opening windows to allow fresh air in.

We also take care to properly seal off the area being refinished to prevent fumes from spreading to other areas of the home. And we always wear protective gear, such as masks and gloves, to minimize our exposure to the chemicals.


If you're considering refinishing your hardwood floors, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your safety as well. First and foremost, make sure you hire a reputable refinishing company that takes the necessary precautions to protect your health.


You should also plan to be out of your home during the refinishing process, as the fumes can linger for several days even after the work is done. And if you do need to be in the home, make sure you stay in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in the fumes as much as possible.


It's also important to note that certain individuals may be more sensitive to fumes than others. If you have a respiratory condition, such as asthma, or if you're pregnant, you may be at a higher risk for health effects from the fumes. In these cases, it's especially important to take the necessary precautions to protect your health.


In conclusion, while the fumes produced during hardwood floor refinishing can be harmful if proper precautions are not taken, there are steps that can be taken to greatly reduce the risks. By working with a reputable refinishing company and taking care to minimize your exposure to fumes, you can enjoy the beauty of freshly refinished hardwood floors without putting your health at risk.


If you have any questions or concerns about hardwood floor refinishing and the potential health risks associated with the process, feel free to reach out to us at Portland Refinishing by DeBuke. We're always here to help and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your home renovation projects. Contact us now!

Areas That We Serve

Here's many of the areas around Portland that we serve with refinishing:

Tigard, Beaverton, Gresham, Milwaukie, Metzgar, Lake Oswego, Clackamas, Damascus, Happy Valley, Troutdale and more

Portland Hardwood Refinishing by DeBuke

Service Portland, OR & the surrounding USA cities

Call us at (503) 822-7975

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