Synthetic finishes retain gloss longer in high-traffic areas, but some fade over time and can yellow.

Resistance to Wear, Stains, and Foot Traffic

• Natural oils penetrate the wood, offering deep protection and durability

• Synthetic alternatives provide a surface barrier but may chip or scratch under sharp pressure

• Natural finishes are easier to reapply or spot-fix

Suitability for Different Commercial Flooring Types

• Hardwood floors benefit from natural oils for maintaining their natural beauty

• Vinyl or composite floors perform better with synthetic finishes

• Healthcare floors often require low-VOC, high-durability coatings for compliance

Now that you understand how appearance and durability are influenced, it’s important to consider another critical factor: health and environmental concerns.

Health and Environmental Concerns: Which Ingredients Are Safer?

Health and sustainability are major decision drivers for today’s facility managers. Floor finishes with high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content are known to cause respiratory irritation, and long-term exposure can lead to serious health impacts.

VOC Emissions and Indoor Air Quality

Volatile organic compounds released during and after application can:

• Degrade indoor air quality

• Causes respiratory irritation, headaches, and allergic reactions

• Lead to air pollution and pose health risks for vulnerable individuals

Natural finishes typically have low VOC emissions, making them a non-toxic, eco-friendly option.

Biodegradability and Environmental Impact

• Natural waxes and oils are biodegradable and sourced from sustainable materials

• Synthetic finishes may linger in the environment and release toxins during production and disposal

Are Natural Ingredients Always Non-Toxic? A Closer Look

Even natural ingredients can pose risks if they are improperly processed or mixed with drying agents that contain solvents. However, nontoxic floor finish products made from pure plant oils and natural resin provide excellent protection and are generally safe for enclosed commercial spaces.

When health and environment matter, the smart choice leans toward finishes that offer eco friendliness without compromising quality. Still, ongoing maintenance is just as important—a topic we cover next.

Comparing Maintenance Needs of Natural vs. Synthetic Finishes

Maintenance plays a crucial role in the total cost and performance of any floor finish. Both natural and synthetic finishes have different care cycles, especially in commercial environments.

Frequency of Recoating and Stripping

• Natural finishes (like tung oil or linseed oil) may need multiple coats annually to maintain the attractive appearance

• Synthetic options usually need less frequent recoating but may require complete stripping and reapplication after wearing out

Cleaning Compatibility with Commercial Equipment

Long-Term Cost Implications for Maintenance

• Natural finishes may seem higher in maintenance labor but save on material costs and reduce harmful chemicals

• Synthetic finishes require less labor upfront but incur costs in chemical strippers, disposal, and VOC compliance

Maintaining floors is only part of the story. The next factor to weigh is how these finishes perform in high-traffic areas, which is critical for commercial use cases.

Performance in High-Traffic Commercial Environments

Different commercial environments require different types of performance from a floor finish.

Healthcare Facilities

• Require non toxic, low-VOC coatings to protect patients

• Synthetic water-based polyurethane often used for compliance

• Natural oils may be used in patient rooms or lobbies to improve indoor air quality

Schools and Universities

• Durable finishes are necessary to withstand thousands of feet daily

• Synthetic finishes offer scratch resistance and easy cleaning

• Natural finishes may work for administrative areas or libraries

Retail, Restaurants, and Hospitality Spaces

• High aesthetic appeal and glossy finish are essential

• Finishes must resist spills, dirt, and constant cleaning

• Hybrid options (natural base + synthetic topcoat) are growing in popularity

With performance reviewed, we now compare another major decision point: cost.

Cost Comparison: Natural vs. Synthetic Floor Finish Solutions

Budgeting for a commercial floor finish means balancing upfront cost, application labor, and maintenance.

Natural oil finishes like carnauba wax may require more effort to apply but reduce health concerns and long-term environmental fees. Synthetic alternatives might be cheaper initially but come with hidden costs in the form of harmful emissions, waste, and specialized labor. 

Cost isn’t the only metric—trends and regulations are pushing many industries toward natural ingredients. Let’s look at the current momentum. 

Industry Trends: Are Commercial Buildings Moving Toward Natural Solutions?

Many commercial facilities now prioritize eco friendliness and sustainable materials as part of their procurement and building design. 

LEED Certification and Green Building Standards

• Encourage use of non toxic, low VOC finishes 

• Credit given for sourcing renewable resources 

Consumer Preferences and Corporate Sustainability Goals 

• Businesses are investing in healthier workplaces 

• Environmental responsibility is a growing PR and operational priority 

Innovations in Hybrid and Bio-Based Floor Finish Formulas 

• Newer finishes combine plant oils with acrylic polymers to get the best of both worlds 

• Some use water-based topcoats over natural resin for extra scuff resistance 

These changes lead to smarter finish selection, but how do you know which is right for your needs? That’s what we’ll cover next. 

When Should You Choose Natural or Synthetic Floor Finish Ingredients? 

Every project is different. Choosing between natural or synthetic finishes depends on your specific use case. 

Consider Natural If: 

• You’re working in a healthcare or childcare facility 

• Indoor air quality and health benefits are top priority 

• You’re using hardwood floor finishes and want to enhance natural beauty 

Choose Synthetic If: 

• You need rapid application with minimal labor 

• Durability in high traffic areas is your main goal 

• You’re maintaining vinyl or composite floor surfaces 

Let’s now show how a trusted professional can guide your decisions. 

How Scher Flooring Services Ensures Safe, Effective, and Long-Lasting Hardwood Floor Finishes 

At Scher Flooring Services, we help clients make informed choices backed by expert knowledge. 

Our Commitment Includes:

• Recommending eco-friendly, nontoxic floor finish options 

• Tailoring finish types to your specific commercial space needs 

• Balancing durability, appearance, and sustainability 

With experience across healthcare, retail, and education, we use the right techniques and finishes—whether natural oils for wooden floors or synthetic finishes for busy corridors. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the difference between natural vs. synthetic wood finishes empowers you to make smarter, safer, and more sustainable choices. Whether you’re maintaining hardwood floors, improving indoor air quality, or reducing health risks, the right finish makes all the difference. 

For expert help selecting and applying the right finish for your facility, trust the specialists at Scher Flooring Services, where performance meets responsibility.