When it comes to upgrading your home’s interior, wood staining plays a key role in enhancing beauty, durability, and overall aesthetic. Whether you're refreshing your kitchen cabinets or customizing wood finishes in a new home, the products you choose can significantly affect not just the look—but the air quality and environmental impact as well.

This is where Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) water-based wood stains come into the picture. At FHG Contracting, based in Sherwood Park, Alberta (T8H 0Z7), we specialize in staining using low VOC water-based products, offering homeowners and builders a safer, smarter, and more sustainable way to bring woodwork to life. Whether it’s refinishing cabinetry or custom colour matching on site, we help you achieve outstanding results—without compromising your health or the planet.

So, why should you consider low VOC stains for your next project? Let’s dive into the key health, environmental, and practical benefits.

Understanding VOCs: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air during application and drying of products like paints, varnishes, and stains. Many conventional oil-based wood stains are high in VOCs, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and have long-lasting effects on both human health and the environment.

Common Health Effects of VOC Exposure:

• Short-term: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; nausea; dizziness
• Long-term: Liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage; some VOCs are suspected or known to cause cancer

When used indoors, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, high-VOC products can significantly reduce air quality for days—even weeks—after application. That’s why choosing low VOC alternatives is more than just a trend—it’s a safer choice for you and your family.

Why Low VOC Water-Based Wood Stains Are Better for Your Health

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality

Low VOC stains emit fewer harmful chemicals, making them ideal for indoor use. At FHG Contracting, we often work in kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces where ventilation is limited, and occupants may be present during or shortly after a project. By using low VOC, water-based products, we minimize the risk of airborne toxins in your home.

2. Safer for Children, Pets, and Sensitive Individuals

Young children and pets are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure due to their developing systems and proximity to the floor and surfaces. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities also benefit greatly from reduced VOC emissions. When we refinish cabinetry or stain wood in your home, you can breathe easy knowing we prioritize your family's health.

3. Faster Curing, Less Lingering Odor

Traditional oil-based stains can take days to cure fully and often leave behind strong, lingering odors. Water-based low VOC products typically dry faster and produce much less odor, allowing you to enjoy your updated space sooner—and without the headache (literally and figuratively).

Environmental Benefits: Sustainable Choices with Big Impact

At FHG Contracting, we're not just focused on beautiful results—we’re also committed to eco-conscious practices. Here’s how using low VOC stains contributes to a healthier planet:

1. Reduced Ground-Level Ozone

High VOC emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, which negatively affect ecosystems and contribute to climate change. Choosing low VOC products helps reduce your home's carbon footprint.

2. Safer Disposal and Cleanup

Water-based stains are easier to clean up and dispose of responsibly compared to oil-based alternatives. This reduces the risk of soil and water contamination, keeping local environments—including those in Sherwood Park and surrounding Alberta communities—safer.

3. Support for Green Building Standards

If you're working toward a green certification (like LEED), using low VOC stains may help meet requirements for indoor air quality and environmentally responsible materials.

Why Choose FHG Contracting?

FHG Contracting stands out as a trusted name in wood finishing throughout Sherwood Park, Alberta, and beyond. Here’s what sets us apart:

✔ Specialists in Low VOC Water-Based Products

Unlike many contractors still relying on traditional oil-based finishes, we have refined our process around high-performance, eco-friendly products that are just as durable and visually stunning.

✔ Custom On-Site Colour Matching

Our on-site custom colour matching service ensures that your new stain seamlessly matches your existing décor—or helps you explore something completely new. We bring artistry and precision right to your doorstep.

✔ Expert Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinetry is one of the most visually dominant features in a home. We bring old cabinets back to life with our refinishing services, giving them a rich, revitalized look without the need for full replacement.

Whether you’re updating a tired kitchen, restoring original woodwork, or putting the finishing touch on new cabinetry, we help you do it with style, safety, and sustainability in mind.

Before and After: Real Impact of Low VOC Refinishing

Imagine walking into your kitchen and seeing freshly refinished cabinets that radiate warmth and richness. Not only do they look incredible, but you also notice something else—you can breathe comfortably. There’s no harsh chemical smell lingering in the air, and no need to keep windows open in the dead of winter.

That’s the power of combining craftsmanship with conscious materials. And that’s the standard we hold ourselves to at FHG Contracting.

How to Get Started

Ready to upgrade your space while making a healthier, more environmentally friendly choice?

FHG Contracting is here to help you stain smarter and breathe easier. We bring years of specialized experience, artistic skill, and a commitment to sustainability to every project—big or small.

📞 Call us today at 1-780-934-4115

📧 Email us at info@fhgcontracting.com

📍 Based in Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 0Z7, Canada

Let’s transform your cabinets or custom woodwork into something truly special—with peace of mind for your family and the environment.

Final Thoughts: Beauty Without Compromise

In today’s world, homeowners shouldn’t have to choose between style and safety. With low VOC water-based stains, you get the best of both worlds—beautiful, durable finishes that protect your health and the planet. At FHG Contracting, we’re proud to offer solutions that reflect modern values while delivering timeless results.

So go ahead—breathe easy, and let’s bring your vision to life.