Interiors

Paints, finishes and natural coatings

How to find a healthier wood finish

A wood floor will need to be sealed and protected but many products have a detrimental effect on air quality as they still contain VOC's which are best avoided if possible. Is polyurethane floor seal non-toxic? In North America, polyurethane varnish is used almost exclusively as a wood floor finish , but the…

Interior design and furnishing

Interior furnishings and decor

Protect your air quality with chemical-free home furnishings. Protect your home air quality during renos Any renovation or building project is exciting, but it can also be exhausting and emotionally taxing. Don't forget to keep your air safe to breathe in the process. Right at the end when it's time to furnish your…

Kitchens

Granite counter tops

Granite makes for great counters, but for the most part Canadian granite has a pretty consistent colour, which doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for design. The discovery of Cambrian Black granite in Saguenay,Quebec means there is a little variety availa. Where to find black granite countertops for kitchens and…

Cleaning and maintenance

6 easy steps to detoxify your home

How toxic is the air in your home? Learn simple ways to keep your home clean while protecting your indoor air quality. 1) Leave cleaning solvents and bleach behind. The smell of disinfectants we have been conditioned to think of as 'clean' is anything but. Along with being harmful to the environment in production…

Flooring and stairs

Refinishing hardwood floors or wood planks, top sanding tips

When refinishing a wood floor, sanding is one place where you can safely save some money by doing it yourself. Sanding wood floors is a time consuming but relatively easy procedure, and in the home renovation world, time equals money. Sanding and refinishing a hardwood floor, when is the best time to do it? It may…

Doors and trim

Interior home finishing - How to create healthy and sustainable homes

Whether you are renovating or building, the materials you choose for interior finishing will affect not only aesthetics, but also indoor air quality. Here is a look at the pros and cons of the different materials you will have to choose from. Find non-toxic adhesives and sealants: Modern homes have a lot more…

Paints, finishes and natural coatings

Choosing safe paints

Choosing zero VOC paints and finishes for your home ensures safer indoor air quality. There is a current trend towards limiting the production of solvent-based paints, replacing them with solvent-free or water-based paints. The move towards safe paint has led to a noticeable improvement in indoor air quality since…