Eco Friendly Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Monocoat Finish Options
At Choice Hardwoods, we’ve seen many flooring trends come and go—but some innovations stand the test of time. One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is the growing popularity of monocoat hardwood floor finishes, especially Rubio Monocoat. Known for their natural beauty, low environmental impact, and exceptional durability, these finishes align perfectly with both modern design aesthetics and eco-conscious lifestyles.
So, what exactly is a monocoat finish? Simply put, it’s a single-coat oil-based finish that bonds molecularly with the wood fibers, requiring no polyurethane top layer. It’s a far cry from the traditional multi-step varnish systems that often rely on solvents and synthetic additives. Products like Rubio Monocoat bring a level of innovation that has changed the way we think about floor protection.
Eco-Friendly by Design
One of the biggest advantages of monocoat finishes lies in their environmental profile. Rubio Monocoat, for example, contains 0% VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This means no harsh fumes during application and no off-gassing afterward, making it a safer choice for both our clients and the planet. For homeowners with children, pets, or respiratory sensitivities, the absence of VOCs is a huge selling point.
Another eco-friendly benefit is how little product is needed. Because monocoat finishes bond at a molecular level with the wood, only a very small amount of finish is required to achieve full coverage. This drastically reduces waste, especially when compared to traditional finishes that require multiple coats and sanding between each layer. Rubio Monocoat also offers long-term durability, meaning fewer reapplications over time—less product used, less maintenance, and fewer resources consumed in the long run.
A Natural, Sophisticated Aesthetic
From a design standpoint, monocoat finishes like Rubio offer a rich, matte appearance that emphasizes the natural beauty and grain of the wood. Unlike glossier polyurethane finishes, which can sometimes create an artificial sheen, monocoat finishes feel soft and organic underfoot. This low-luster, natural look fits beautifully with contemporary, Scandinavian, rustic, and even traditional design schemes.
Rubio Monocoat also offers a wide palette of color options, all without masking the character of the wood. Whether you’re looking for a subtle smoked oak, a warm honey tone, or even a more modern charcoal or whitewash, these finishes give you flexibility without sacrificing the natural look of your hardwood. Custom blending is also possible, giving our clients a truly personalized finish.
And because the finish penetrates rather than forms a plastic-like film on the surface, wear and tear is less obvious. Scratches don’t leave behind glaring white marks the way they do with polyurethane, and spot repairs can be done without redoing the entire floor. This makes it a practical and attractive choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, entryways, and living rooms.
A Finish That Matches Our Values
At Choice Hardwoods, we believe in pairing form with function, and style with sustainability. Rubio Monocoat aligns perfectly with that philosophy. It allows us to offer our clients a high-performance, low-impact option that delivers exceptional beauty and long-term value. As flooring professionals, we also appreciate how efficient the application process is—saving both time and labor without compromising quality.
For Minnesota homeowners looking for a smarter, more sustainable floor finish that still looks stunning year after year, monocoat finishes are an option worth exploring. And with products like Rubio Monocoat, we’re able to deliver results that are as environmentally responsible as they are beautiful.
Whether you’re refinishing existing floors or installing new ones, ask us about our monocoat finish options. We’re here to help you make the choice that feels as good as it looks.
— The Team at Choice Hardwoods
Low VOC Hardwood Floor Finishes
Why We Trust Low-VOC Water-Based Finishes Like Loba and Bona: A Choice Hardwoods Perspective
At Choice Hardwoods, our job goes beyond installing and refinishing floors—we’re here to help our clients make the smartest, healthiest, and most durable choices for their homes. One of the most important decisions you’ll make in any hardwood flooring project is what kind of finish to use. While oil-based finishes were the standard for decades, modern water-based polyurethane finishes have come a long way—and today, they’re the go-to choice for many of our clients.
Two of the brands we trust most are Loba and Bona. Both offer professional-grade, low-VOC water-based floor finishesthat not only look stunning but are also safer for your family and better for the environment. Whether you’re refinishing existing floors or sealing newly installed hardwood, we often recommend these products for their performance, eco-friendly profiles, and versatile aesthetic options.
Why Water-Based Finishes?
Before we dive into brand specifics, it’s worth highlighting why water-based finishes have become so popular.
Traditional oil-based polyurethanes give off high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) during application and curing. These fumes can linger in the home, causing respiratory irritation and contributing to indoor air pollution. Water-based finishes, especially the professional-grade products from Loba and Bona, contain significantly lower VOCs, making them a safer choice during and after application.
They also dry much faster than oil-based finishes, allowing us to complete projects more efficiently—often within two to three days, depending on conditions. This quicker dry time minimizes disruption to your daily life and gets you back into your space sooner.
Loba and Bona: Two Brands We Rely On
When it comes to low-VOC water-based finishes, Loba and Bona stand out for their quality, durability, and finish options.
Loba Floor Finish
Loba is a German-made, high-performance finish that we’ve used extensively across many homes in the Twin Cities area. Loba’s water-based finishes, like Loba 2K Supra and Loba EasyFinish, offer exceptional wear resistance, clarity, and flow. One thing we love about Loba is its balance between aesthetic and performance—it’s a finish that truly enhances the natural grain of the wood while standing up to daily wear and tear.
Loba also offers a two-part system—the base finish plus a hardener—which chemically cures the finish for increased durability and chemical resistance. This two-component system allows us to customize the finish depending on how much foot traffic or wear the floor is expected to take. Homes with kids, pets, or high traffic benefit greatly from this added toughness.
In terms of sheens, Loba offers a full spectrum—from matte to semi-gloss and high-gloss. Matte and satin are our most popular finishes because they highlight the natural beauty of the wood while hiding minor scuffs and wear better than glossier finishes. However, for clients who want a more reflective, polished look, the semi-gloss and gloss options are excellent.
Bona Floor Finish
Bona, another industry leader, offers a range of low-VOC waterborne polyurethane finishes that deliver beautiful results and long-term protection. We often use products like Bona Traffic HD, which is one of the most durable water-based finishes available on the market. Like Loba, Bona also features a two-component system that includes a hardenerfor superior scratch and chemical resistance.
Bona finishes are known for their crystal-clear appearance. They don’t amber over time like oil-based polyurethanes, which is ideal if you’re working with lighter woods such as maple, ash, or white oak and want to maintain a clean, modern look.
In terms of sheen levels, Bona offers everything from extra matte to gloss. Extra matte is becoming increasingly popular in contemporary homes for its raw, understated appearance, while satin and semi-gloss remain classic options. We help our clients choose the right sheen based on both aesthetic preferences and lifestyle—glossier finishes show more dust and scratches, while matte finishes are more forgiving in busy households.
A Healthier, Cleaner Application Process
We also appreciate that both Loba and Bona products are low in odor, which makes for a much more comfortable experience during application. This matters not just to our team, but also to our clients—especially those who are living in the home during the refinishing process.
Both brands are Greenguard certified and meet strict indoor air quality standards, so you can feel confident about what’s being used in your home.
Durability That Holds Up to Real Life
People often ask us if water-based finishes are as durable as oil-based ones. The answer is yes—with the right products and application methods. Especially when using two-part systems like Loba 2K Supra or Bona Traffic HD, the finish hardens into a surface that resists scratches, scuffs, and chemical spills with impressive resilience. These are professional-grade finishes trusted in both residential and commercial settings—meaning they’re built to last.
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for You
At Choice Hardwoods, we tailor each project to your needs, lifestyle, and design goals. We believe your floor finish should enhance the beauty of your hardwood while supporting the health and comfort of your home. Whether you’re leaning toward a natural matte look, a subtle satin sheen, or a classic semi-gloss, we’ll help you find the right product—and apply it with expert precision.
Both Loba and Bona allow us to deliver outstanding results with lower environmental impact, minimal disruption, and timeless beauty. If you’re planning a hardwood refinishing project or a new install, let’s talk about which low-VOC finish will bring your vision to life.