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My Chemical-Free House

A Guide to Creating a Healthy Home

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Guide to Non-Toxic Flooring 2021

September 11, 2019 by Corinne 212 Comments

Updated Winter 2020/2021

The best options are real hardwood, polished concrete, and tile. But specific brands of natural linoleum, carpet, and engineered wood are excellent choices as well.

There are many choices for non-toxic flooring suitable for the chemically sensitive or the health-conscious homeowner.

I will look at a few options that are still non-toxic, but not quite as healthy, like luxury vinyl plank, laminate, cork, and bamboo.

If you need assistance choosing the best floor for your sensitivities, budget and area of the house, please contact me for a one-on-one consultation. 

This post covers green non-toxic flooring divided into three categories, starting with the purest options:

1. The Greenest Options (Dark Green)
2. Medium Green
3. Light Green

I recommend all of the products here, some products have affiliate programs and some do not. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

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1. Greenest Floors “Dark Green” (0 VOC, No Offgassing)


i. Natural Solid Hard Wood 

Naturally finished floors by @wdflooring
@fourboardwoodworks flooring & installation
@thomashartshelby photography

Natural wood flooring is usually my number one choice. It’s one of the purest and safest options. A few caveats for those extremely sensitive:

Wood contains natural terpenes that are safe (and even beneficial) for healthy folks, but do bother some extremely sensitive people. Aromatic woods like pine have higher natural volatile compounds than maple, as an example.

Flooring can contain anti-sapstain chemicals, which could explain why a few people react to wood used in building and not wood in the forest. Not all of these treatments are harmful.

Wood also has a higher possibility of harboring mold than less porous materials. To prevent mold you should make sure your wood has been kiln-dried and kept dry at the store and onsite. In normal conditions, this is not an issue.

Wood Finishes

There are many green 0-VOC options for finishing wood. I used Hemp Oil on my floors, a purest option. AFM Poly BP is another great non-toxic finish.

I go into detail on more options for wood sealers and stains in my post on sealers.

Wood Floor Glues

For subfloor glues, my top pick is definitely AFM Almighty Adhesive which is safe and highly tolerable. My post on Glues has more info.

There are no VOC/HAPs wood fillers by Mohawk and ECOS for the nail holes. I find the standard Minwax wood putty to be too potent. The Dynamic putty pencil is very benign.

Unfinished Hardwood

You can buy solid unfinished hardwood flooring from specialty flooring stores, as well as Home Depot, Lowes and Lumber Liquidators. Lumber Liquidators is usually going to have the lowest price.

These big-box stores have networks of installers.

Prefinished Hardwood

Usually finished with aluminum oxide infused polyurethane and cured under UV lights, these are typically very well tolerated once cured. I consider this to be a safe product even for the chemically sensitive. Test it first. It is close to 0-VOC.

This finish has two main benefits, not having to finish it in house and the finish partially blocks the wood odor.

I have looked over Mirage brand as well as Mono Serra from Home Depot. Bellawood from Lumber Liquidators also uses the UV cured polyurethane with aluminum oxide – they claim low VOC.

Install of Hardwood

Use solid wood baseboards – they come in both primed and unfinished (don’t use MDF).

My post on non-toxic underlayments includes silicone backed paper (for the most sensitive) or Rosin paper.

Nail down installation is less toxic than glue-down. You may need a small amount of regular wood glue on the last piece, or you may be able to face nail.

Best practices for wide planks is to glue and nail. Consider that at the planning stage.

ii. Polished Concrete

non toxic polished concrete floor

If polished concrete flooring makes you think IKEA warehouse, think again, polished concrete can look beautiful and be green and healthy.

The Retroplate system uses “liquid glass” (a modified sodium silicate) and is completely non-toxic and 0-VOC. This option is available across Canada and the US.

Most polished concrete systems use sodium silicate or potassium silicate which are very safe and benign. Polished concrete is vapor breathable which makes it one of the best flooring types, alongside tile, over a concrete slab.

You can do acid stains, add natural pigments, use white cement, or add white sand to Portland Cement to get many different unique and modern looks.

Other concrete sealers

Concrete can also be sealed with topical acrylic or polyurethane sealers, penetrating sealers or epoxies.

A lot of people want to know if epoxy sealers are non-toxic. Epoxy is a two-part sealer, where each part, in theory, comes to a complete chemical reaction with the other. In reality, it’s not that neat. It’s likely to offgas even if it claims 0 VOC.

Eventually, it should come to a complete cure. I don’t advise epoxy over a slab or basement floor, where it’s best to have it be able to dry to the inside.

For a complete review of concrete stains, sealers, and paints, see my dedicated post on this topic.

iii. Tiles

Types of Non-Toxic Tiles:

Marble tile is good in theory. Most of it has a resin put on it at the factory to fill in tiny holes and fissures, and it might have a (chemical) sealant on it as well. The resin seems to cure and be fine for most people, the sealer is not as good for a couple reasons. Look for honed stones you can seal yourself.

A pure slab, or tile, that does not have a glossy finish can be sealed with a natural or low toxin sealer.

Slate is also good, you can find it unsealed like these tiles from Home Depot. Though like marble, a resin is used to fill lines and pits.

Both can be sealed with Meta Cream or walnut oil. Some types of slate and granite are dense enough to not require a sealer.

Concrete tiles have beautiful designs. You may want to ask what additives are in the concrete and test them out for tolerability. I sealed my concrete tiles with AFM Penetrating Water Stop. You can also use tung oil or Meta Cream.

Other natural stones like travertine, soapstone, and limestone are great options for green healthy floors. Always check if a resin or sealer is already applied, and then check to see which natural sealers will work over the stone of your choosing. Honed stones (i.e. not glossy) are the easiest to seal with a natural pure option. Very dense stones like many granite types and some slate do not require a sealer at all (bonus).

Tile Sealers: Budding green companies now make walnut oil and hemp oil that can be used on natural stone and concrete. I have tested the natural oils on slate, light-colored marble and dark-colored marble. Walnut oil is the preferred oil for most indoor stones, as hemp can turn the color, and tung is too thick.

Ceramic tiles have a high incidence of lead in the glaze. Ask for lead test results from the company and do a simple 3M Lead Swab (those are useful on a number of household items, and they are affordable). But to pick up lower levels of lead, you need to hire someone who has an XRF tool.

Lead in Tiles: All ceramic/porcelain tiles should be tested for lead. A client just tested American made tiles that stated they were lead-free, but when tested they showed high levels of lead. So it might be wise to test any glazed tile regardless of origin. And be extra careful when removing them as the lead dust is particularly harmful. Tile over existing lead tiles if possible, instead of removing.

Once you have ruled out lead, ceramic and Porcelain tiles are inert and safe. Plus, you don’t have to seal them. My post on grout and thinset looks closely at the other components used in the install.

Wood-look tiles claim to be 0-VOC even though there is a printed image on them. The glaze seems to block this. I have tested them and I do not detect anything that is different from regular tiles. Wood-look tiles are usually porcelain but can be ceramic.

Glass tiles are inert, but most types are too slippery to use on the floor. Some folks have found a way to use some glass tile types on the floor, but it’s an unusual application and not something I have found available for purchase.

Air Cleaning Tiles

Crossville Tiles have a coating option called Hydrotect. This uses the PCO process to clean the air. A layer of non-toxic titanium dioxide is used to coat the tiles. This reacts with UV light, and just like the PCO air purifiers I reviewed, creates a reaction that can break down some bacteria, molds, VOCs, and viruses. I don’t know how impactful this tile coating will be to the overall air quality in a room. The company does have some reports that show a reduction in bacteria, which may be worthwhile for some folks.

If you read my article on PCO air filters you will remember that some people have a bad reaction to this process. It’s possible that in a high VOC area it creates formaldehyde, or in a clean environment, it can create NOx. I would try out a PCO air purifier before installing this tile, to make sure it works well for you.

This air cleaning technology is also used on wood floors.

2. Medium Green (0 to Low-VOC)


i. Natural Linoleum

Marmoleum, the only natural linoleum currently available in North America, is made from linseed oil, binders, wood flour, limestone, and dry pigments. They are mixed and then calendared onto a backing. It’s got a UV cured sealer on top.

This is the glue used to install it. It claims 0-VOC and does contain mildewcides (typically isothiazolinones). Acrylic flooring glues also typically contain a plasticizer (source).

I found that after one month the odor all but disappeared from the product – though many people say the odor never disappears 100%. I am using this in my trailer. I was surprised and impressed since I don’t normally do well with linseed.

Three Types of Marmoleum

  1. The roll down flooring that is the most typical kind (the sheet) has a jute backing and is glue down.
  2. The tiles (MCT) are also glue down, they have a polyester backing (not jute, and not fiberglass as some websites say) and are slightly more rigid.
  3. The “click” is the same sheet (roll down material) mounted onto a substrate of HDF and cork. It takes longer to offgas, but it has the advantage of not needing glue.

This is one of my top flooring choices, I recommend it often and it looks cool as well. I like many of the colors and the concrete look.

You can use this in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms if it’s properly installed.

ii. Engineered Wood

Most brands of engineered wood floors now are 0-VOC or close to it, even if they are not marketed that way.

What to Look for

  1. A plywood base/substrate
  2. A stain/varnish that is 0 VOC

The Substrate

Plywood is made with formaldehyde but by the time this product gets to you, it technically is considered cured. They can usually claim that this is no longer offgassing formaldehyde. It’s only the extremely sensitive who should make sure this is good enough.

There are a few brands that use a fibreboard base so check to see what the substrate is.

The hybrid type described below has a PVC base.

The Stain/Finish

Most finishes on engineered wood have no offgassing or close to it. I look for water-based UV cured, which is polyurethane. This usually has aluminum oxide in it and it very close to 0-VOC.

There are also 0-VOC oil-based finishes which are also UV cured. The UV curing speeds up the offgassing so that it is much faster than it would be if you applied it yourself. Both are worth checking out.

Sometimes the stain has a bit of a VOC odor, but you will only know by getting samples yourself, since all brands could qualify for the strictest certifications.

Brands

Kahrs is a top brand that has been marketed as “green” or “eco”. They claim zero added formaldehyde and zero added VOCs. I tested it and found it to be quite good.

Here is my look at their different lines, and here are their test results. With a total VOC level of 50 ug/m3, it’s still not clear to me how three of those five chemicals are not added to the glues or finish. However, that is still an extremely low level of VOCs, and two of the VOCs are terpenes naturally occurring from wood.

The majority of folks do well with Kahrs, but many other brands are just as good.

There are many brands that are good. Lauzon and Home Crafters (from Home Depot!) in Canada. Tesoro, Cali Meritage, USFloors, Whickham, Azur Reserve, and Rockwood, are American brands. There are so many more.

Vinyl-Wood Hybrid

A category of engineered wood that is actually a vinyl/wood hybrid – this has real wood on the top layer and vinyl/limestone composite as the base layer.

In most situations, engineered wood with a plywood base is preferable. But there are reasons to use the hybrid.

This eliminates that pine/spruce/fir odor in engineered wood and also doesn’t have a discernible PVC odor off-gassing that LVP has. In many ways, it’s the best of both worlds.

It’s one of my top picks for a trailer or RV. (More trailer flooring options here).

Brands

1. Cali Bamboo Geowood is one I really liked. It is very tolerable, and for those sensitive to wood, this limestone/PVC substrate (SPC) may be preferable to a plywood base. Plywood will have that odor of pine/spruce/fir and is made with some formaldehyde.

It is formaldehyde-free and it was tested by Green Design Center. I did pick up some offgassing in the stain on the top.

2. Another similar (and inexpensive) wood/vinyl hybrid is Opti-Wood. You can find this at Home Depot (in Canada and the US). It’s well priced, and I did not pick up offgassing in the top layer in the samples I bought. The wood layer eliminates the higher offgassing top layer of vinyl in LVP and it should prevent a lot of the leaching of plasticizers.

3. Raintree is a brand that has a high-quality wood top layer, with some higher-end looks. I have some samples, and like the other brands, the wood layer is very thin. From a distance, it’s hard to tell if these are real wood but underfoot, you can tell it definitely feels like real wood not plastic. The top pick in this category.

Installation

Use floating where possible, not glue down. The Kahrs underlayment is good. My post on underlayment goes into more detail on when to use each type.

iii. Healthy Carpet

For safe, non-toxic carpet, both natural fibers and synthetics can be healthy. If you are interested in carpet, I have a whole post dedicated to this topic that goes into detail on brands, chemical treatments, and how the installation affects toxicity.

I have a separate post devoted to non-toxic area rugs.

Non-Toxic Natural Fiber Carpet

Earth Weave from Green Design Center

1. Earth Weave – wool, no mothproofing, no other treatments, does contain latex. I always prefer undyed wool for the very sensitive.

2. Nature’s Carpet  – wool – contains natural latex adhesive. The dark green line does not have mothproofing and uses undyed wool. The medium green line does not contain natural latex, which for me is a big plus, but it does contain mothproofing.

3. Seagrass – I really like seagrass carpet because of how it feels underfoot. The DMI brand makes one I like that is not dyed or treated with insecticides or other chemicals. It does contain natural latex.

Non-Toxic Synthetic Carpet

1. Home Fresh – One of my top picks for synthetic carpet (PET polyester) with a felt backing. It was extremely low in odor and offgassing. It does contain Scotchguard.

See the carpet post for more details.

This is Air.o by Mohawk (Home Fresh looks similar)

2. Air.o by Mohawk – My other top pick for synthetic, this carpet is very similar to Homefresh. The carpet fibers are made from 100% PET (polyester). They claim it has no odor and is 0-VOC. Some sellers list it as containing Scotchguard treatment.

It has a similar felt padding which is far superior health-wise to typical polyurethane or latex rubber.

3. FLOR – makes carpet tiles which can be arranged as rugs or wall to wall carpeting.

Their regular nylon lines have a different type of offgassing odor than typical carpet, not necessarily less strong, but it did offgas faster.

The Fedora line is made from recycled plastic (PET) and is very low VOC, it quickly approached odorless, in my opinion.

Commercial Grade Carpets

Low-VOC commercial carpet is harder to find than residential. I have reviewed and sniffed a few of the ones that claim to have the lowest VOC levels.

There are wool and synthetic commercial options reviewed in my dedicated carpet post.

Can Carpet ever be a Healthy Flooring?

Because carpet does collect dust, mold spores, pesticides, flame retardants and all types of contaminants and allergens that ride on dust, a HEPA vacuum like the Nilfisk is essential for cleaning.

iv. Terrazzo

Terrazzo is a little complex as there are different materials, resins and sealers involved. But there are systems that are 0-VOC and low-VOC.

v. Laminate Flooring

Most (or possibly all) laminates in North America are now low-VOC.

Look for brands that have certifications, there are many, but GreenGuard Gold is the best certification for laminate.

Most brands can easily meet the other certification levels, so those does not help to distinguish between them.

Formaldehyde-Free Laminate Floors

Most use a formaldehyde-based adhesive in the HDF core.

Make sure they are not made with MDF, which is usually higher in formaldehyde. Almost all brands are now are made with an HDF backing.

I would go with GreenGuard Gold Certification if you can, as this is the strictest level of formaldehyde allowed (0.0073 ppm), far below any of the other certification levels.

This is “background levels”, there is as much formaldehyde in the outdoor air. This is not the laminate from years ago!

My Top Brands

Swiss Krono, Home Decorators Collection, and Traffic Master meet GreenGuard Gold and I found them very low in offgassing.

Pergo was also low in offgassing, though I could not tell the age of the samples. They used to have Greenguard Gold certification before they were bought out by Mohawk. I don’t think the glues have likely changed, Mohawk simply doesn’t use Greenguard.

Some lines are “waterproof” – they have an extra component of wax on the tongue and groove parts. I did not find these to be higher in offgassing. I tested all the Pergo lines and they were all similar.

Home Decorators Collection seemed lower in offgassing straight out of the box, but Traffic Master offgassed quicker – to me it seemed to almost fully offgassed in about a month. Whereas, HDC did not seem to have made much progress at all in a month.

Green Brands of Laminate Flooring?

Brands sold at green supply stores like Eurostyle (by the large worldwide company Krono Flooring) were not able to say their actual formaldehyde or VOC levels, and only cited their certifications, and so they did not provide any information to distinguish themselves from the competition.

Installation

This type of flooring can be floating – it doesn’t require adhesive during installation, which is a bonus. My post on underlayment goes through the choices there.

vi. Zero-VOC Resilient Flooring

Most sheet flooring is vinyl sheet which I find far too high in offgassing. Marmoleum mentioned above is another type of resilient flooring.

Recently though, there are a few very healthy additions to this category.

UPO by Kahrs makes three really great options. Xpression and Zero Tile are made of safer plastics – TPE and polyolefin (which in this case almost certainly means polyethylene and/or polypropylene). No plasticizers and no PVC.

Quartz tile, their stiffer flooring has a base of the mineral quartz and PVC, with no phthalates and no DHEP. It’s virtually odorless, even lower odor than LVP. Nothing like the usual vinyl rolls.

Another new healthy resilient flooring is Shaw Contract’s commercial bio-based polyurethane. It’s made of 90% natural oils (but not linseed) and minerals. It barely has an odor. The backing contains PE and fiberglass and gives off a very slight odor.

You would have to check out the glues as well for each of the floors you are considering.

3. Light Green (Low-VOC)


i. Cork

Cork like wood has a natural odor (terpenes). But with cork flooring, a resin (glue) is used to press and bind all the small pieces of cork together into flat sheets.

I have seen polyurethane glues used which I find to have strong offgassing that persists. Polyvinyl acetate can also be added.

Every cork flooring I have tested is too high in offgassing for me to consider.

In theory, you can heat press cork like they do with some insulation, but this is not how cork flooring is made. That only works with insulation.

An adhesive is also required either to glue it down (and there are 0-VOC glues for this) or, in the floating floors it is usually glued to a fiberboard (HDF) substrate, which has its own offgassing. Though some floating floor brands are cork through and through.

It is finished with urethanes or acrylic which are likely tolerable once cured and are far less of a concern than the glues used to press it together.

Brands of Cork Flooring

I tested Cali Bamboo cork (when they had the type with cork on the top layer) which I found to be the best one at the time. They claim no added urea-formaldehyde (which indicates phenol formaldehyde is added).

US Floors Cork was the second best – this is GreenGuard Gold certified which means the adhesive is almost certainly not formaldehyde. Though the replacement polyurethane glues seem just as high in offgassing to me.

NOVA Cork (38 ug/m3 formaldehyde) and Cancork (no added formaldehyde in the adhesive) smelled very strong to me, and were the strongest of the four.

Here is my Facebook post about the sniff testing of these brands. These floors claim to be green, but the offgassing is higher than I would ever go for, and that’s why they are in the light green category.

I tried the WISE waterproof Amorium Cork flooring in 2020. I could pick up the offgassing clearly. Polyethylene is the main binder here, but it also contains some formaldehyde and BPA. The full Declare label is here. It is GreenGuard Gold.

I clicked two pieces together and put a small amount of water on it. Here are my photos from my test – a small amount of water did go through in between the seams. I personally would not use this flooring in a wet room.

Floors with some Cork

Some flooring that has a cork core and laminate on top can sometimes be referred to as cork flooring even though it has a laminate or plastic top.

Cali Bamboo Silverwood falls into this category, which is cork with a laminate/ceramic top, as well as Woodwise which has a PET plastic (not vinyl) engineered top layer.

Related Post: Non-Toxic Gym Flooring

ii. Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo requires resin or adhesives to hold the strands together, most have a substrate and then a finish. There are many that are GreenGuard certified for low emissions.

This wood is known to be problematic in that it can shrink, expand and do poorly with water/moisture/spills.

It doesn’t do well in high humidity (warp) or very low humidity (crack).

Cali Bamboo GeoCore is made on a limestone-based core which I found quite impressive in how low VOC it was.

The other type that is very solid is the Ecofusion, which is not the typical engineered product – it is 100% bamboo through and through. I look at it in this flooring video here.

Formaldehyde is a typical glue in bamboo flooring. If it doesn’t have formaldehyde it will have isocyanate based glue (like MDI) or soy flour polyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resin. The bamboo is also treated with borates. The finish is usually UV urethane acrylate finish containing aluminum oxide. (Source: Pharos project)

iii. Magnetic Ceramic Tiles

I tested Kablan’s magnetic ceramic tiles. These are ceramic tiles with a magnetic backing. The other side to the magnet is an underlayment that is glued down to the floor.

I found that the magnetic backing components did have a moderately strong smell, though you may not be able to smell them once the floor is installed.

I have a video review of them here. Since the video, they have made these tiles lighter in weight. You may have areas where you want tiles that you can pull up. It’s a cool idea, I quite liked them.

iv. Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is much lower in offgassing than people generally think.

I know, most of us think vinyl is one of the worst options.

It is very low-VOC, and most of it is phthalate-free now – though those were replaced with alternate plasticizers. The most common plasticizer used now is DOTP.

There is a huge difference between LVP and sheet vinyl flooring. Sheet vinyl is way higher in offgassing.

However, I do pick up the chemical odor off every brand I have sampled and I do have concerns about plasticizers (which all brands contain), and small amounts of metals (explained more below).

Multilayer LVP

This type has a core (SPC or WPC), vinyl top, and an underlayment. It is click together.

Most of the LVP click together flooring has an SPC (stone polymer composite) core – a mix of limestone, PVC and plasticizer.

Only a few brands have WPC (wood plastic composite), these used to have real wood but now the ones I’m seeing are plastic. They have an added foaming agent, which can be formamide.

I can’t make a generalization about which one is lower in offgassing, it’s been variable.

Should you Consider Vinyl as a Safe Flooring Choice?

This might be one of your first considerations for an RV, and can be considered if engineered wood and laminate floors don’t work for you.

They can also be considered by anyone in the mild to moderately sensitive category.

All LVP brands are very similar there are only three main differences outlined below.

Non-Toxic Brands of LVP

I sniff tested Armstrong and Cali Bamboo brands – both surprised me in how low the offgassing was.

I also tried the brands you can find at Home Depot which I review here. Armstrong and Cali Bamboo are still my top choices.

Cali Bamboo

Cali brand has a limestone backing which is excellent in terms of health and safety (much preferred over vinyl and/or cork backing).

Cali discloses their testing and the VOC levels are extremely low. Here are their phthalate testing results (they are not phthalate-free).

Use a floating floor instead of glue down when possible. You don’t always have to go with the branded underlayment for all floors, but the Cali underlayment is very good.

An alternative to Cali is Tesoro, which also has a limestone backing and they claim it is phthalate-free.

Armstrong

Armstrong has three different thicknesses. The thinnest one (called Good) as shown here, has the least offgassing, however, it’s a glue down floor. “Better” and “Best” are thicker and are click together, and are slightly higher VOCs in my estimation than the thinnest option.

I don’t like the cork backing on the “Best” as the glues in cork are higher in offgassing. All the Armstrong vinyl I have reviewed is phthalate-free.

Home Depot Brands

Out of the Home Depot brands, Traffic Master was the thinnest one. Lifeproof to me seemed to have the lowest offgassing, though the underlayment odor was strong to me.

Home Decorators was similar to Traffic Master. All brands sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Lumber Liquidators are phthalate-free.

THREE Things to Ask (when choosing LVP floors)

  1. Double-check to make sure it’s virgin (not recycled) vinyl.
  2. Look for Phthalate-Free
  3. You might have a preference for SPC over WPC.

Phthalate-Free Vinyl Flooring and Replacement Plasticizers 

Phthalate-free brands are preferable – which most are now. If phthalates (also known as ortho-phthalates) are not used, other plasticizers will be used instead.

Replacement plasticizers include DOTP (also called DEHT) which is the main one used right now. Some may contain benzoate ester (Source).

Toxic Metals in Vinyl Flooring

Organotins (a form of tin) can be used in the top layer. Antimicrobials can be used, usually in the underlayment. I have seen various types, including silver. EHN found the heavy metal cadmium recently in vinyl floors (probably recycled ones, they say).

It’s important to avoid recycled vinyl. Lumber Liquidators and Floor & Decor banned recycled vinyl to avoid the associated toxic contaminants like metals and halogenated flame retardants.

Lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury can be present and are only officially limited (not banned), as far as I have seen, by Floor and Decor.

Though antimony, bromine, and lead have been virtually eliminated according to the latest study.

Offgassing of VOCs in Vinyl Flooring

Sheet vinyl is higher offgassing than LVP. I have seen this is the 0.5 – 5 mg/m3 Total VOC range, whereas vinyl click will be less than 0.5 mg/m3.

It gives off small amounts of aldehydes as well as a couple of other VOCs. These are less of a concern to me than plasticizers which are a longer-lasting and more concerning class of chemicals.


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Cost Comparison of Green Flooring 2021 (USD)

  • Wood $8 – 10 / sq ft including installation 
  • Polished concrete is $8 – 15 / sq ft for residential
  • Stain and sealed concrete – materials $1/ sq ft (unless you are pouring the concrete or have lots of prep)
  • Tiles are usually $8 – 10 / sq ft but it depends on the tiles (tiles come in a wide range of costs) and prep of subfloor/installation difficulty
  • Marble floor material costs are $10 – $20 / sq ft (specialty marbles can go up to $40 per square foot). Labor is an additional $3 to $7 / sq ft
  • Kahrs Engineered – Materials $5 – 12 / sq ft, labor $3 – 10 / sq ft
  • Home Depot Brands engineered wood start at $3 / sq ft for materials 
  • Marmoleum – Materials $4.50 – 5 / sq ft, labour $1 – 4 / sq ft 
  • Wool Carpet J Mish $4 – $8, Earthweave $6, Nature’s Carpet $7 / sq ft
  • LVP:
    • Cali bamboo – under $3.30-5 / sq ft, labour about $3-4 / sq ft for click
      Armstrong starts at $1 / sq ft for materials
      Home Depot brands $1-3 / sq ft
  • Laminate:
    • Home Decorators Collection $1.30-2 / sq ft, labour $3-4 / sq ft
      Trafic Master $0.50-2 / sq ft
      Pergo $2-3 / sq ft
  • Cork $8-10 / sq ft including installation

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist with 6 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

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Filed Under: Healthy Building, Healthy Interiors Tagged With: Healthy building, healthy interiors, mold prevention

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Denise says

    February 15, 2021 at 9:16 am

    Hi Corinne, can you tell me whether Stanton’s Decorative Waterproof luxury vinyl flooring is considered low in VOCs (little/no toxity)? It is “Greenguard Certified” for low chemical emissions.. We are considering replacing our upstairs carpeting (due to mold/mycotoxins) with Stanton’s product because it seems to be a very good product and will work best with our decor and it complements the downstairs engineered wood flooring that was installed years ago (we didn’t find an engineered wood option that we liked more than Stanton’s product). But I have to be mindful of chemical emissions due to a lung condition. See: https://www.stantoncarpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/StantonDWF-Catalog-spread.pdf – thank you! Denise

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      February 15, 2021 at 1:01 pm

      Read through the LVP section again, all brands are just about the same.

      Reply
  2. CC says

    February 11, 2021 at 4:00 pm

    Nice article, but chemical free doesnt always mean green. We must look at: Did we cut down a forest for this floor? Forests are in dangerous decline. What was required to make this product? How destructive was it to our environment? What is the carbon footprint of our flooring choice? These are things I will research before purchasing as well.

    Reply
  3. Summer says

    February 7, 2021 at 3:55 pm

    Hi thank you so much for this article. I am wondering if you are aware of any brands of wood look tile that are lead and heavy metal free? Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      February 7, 2021 at 9:03 pm

      We don’t know which are lead free unless they are tested, and frequently, but I would start with Porcelanosa and Daltile.

      Reply
  4. Joe Johnson says

    January 13, 2021 at 12:26 pm

    Hi Corine,

    Thanks for your article that makes a difference.

    About to buy a new build and they have a seemingly good quality Vinyl. They name it LVP but isn’t that just a name that anyone can put on their material? Are all LVP safe or Phthalates free?

    The company I am thinking of buying from that manufactures from China is beck hambros.

    Reply
  5. Krystian says

    January 10, 2021 at 3:33 pm

    Hi Corrine,

    Great article, I’m searching whatever available connected with laminated flooring vs health and here I can see absolutely great info.

    We’re going to have underfloor heating – do you think it makes emissions of all toxic ingredients stronger or it should be similar vs standard radiators (heaters)? Underfloor heating is planned as water in pipes heated by gas so max. temperatures of floor up to 27C degrees (I’m going to have sensors which will block anything more than 27C).. Not sure if this temperature makes laminated flooring unhealthy.. and we do not want to have tiles in bedroom (it’s not comfortable) and wood is too expensive for us.

    BTW – we plan to have Parador laminated flooring (German company);, have you heard about their certifications to toxic? I can see only info that all laminated flooring matches E1 norm so nothing very specific.

    Keep your great work,
    Greetings from Poland.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      January 11, 2021 at 12:13 pm

      Hi, the underfloor heating will speed of the offgassing of any floor for sure. So it will be higher offgassing at first, but it will offgas to completion faster.

      Reply
  6. LaRue says

    January 10, 2021 at 11:44 am

    Hi Corinne,

    What an informative site–thank you for looking out for our planet and our health. I am hoping you could help or give us some guidance.

    We just put down Flor tiles in our new home office in our garage. There is a smell that has been emanating from the room since the Flor tiles were installed and we are concerned there is a chemical reaction happening btw the Flor tiles and the epoxied floor.

    For additional context, this room is attached to our garage but it is built over wood. The flooring is wood with concrete on top, with epoxy on top of the concrete. These are the specifics on the epoxied floor. We had the floor epoxied 2 months before we installed the Flor tiles. Here are the details on our epoxied floors:

    https://www.otepoxyfloors.com/flakes

    This is the material/epoxy product being put down:

    https://www.garagecoatings.com/product/roll-on-rock-epoxy-polyaspartic-garage-flooring-system-kit.asp

    We are spending 8 hours a day in this room and the smell persists at the same level since installation in September. We also have 3 small children spending time in the room.

    These are the FLOR tiles we purchased: https://www.flor.com/area-rugs_carpet-tiles/mod-cafe/21-1447.html

    Any thoughts on why there could be a smell and/or if we should be concerned? Thanks for any guidance, would love to buy you a coffee for your help!

    Thank you,
    LaRue

    Reply
  7. jennifer says

    January 6, 2021 at 8:49 pm

    Hi! I see you looked at Amorim Cork Wise- do you have similar thoughts on Wood Wise by Amorim? (Meaning you wouldn’t use them personally?) The declare label shows formaldehyde and urea as in the cork wise, but no BPA as far as I noticed. I wanted a wood look to the floor so I’m struggling to find something, and thought I finally settled on Amorim Wood Wise until I saw this post. Do you think formaldehyde free laminate is better?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      January 7, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      Wood wise was essentially the same as Amorium Cork Wise. It’s better than laminate in my opinion, lower offgassing. Both Amorium and Laminate meet Greenguard gold, therefore we know the end formaldehyde level (which is lower than in the outdoor air). But the other glues are very noticeable, especially for us sensitive folks.

      Reply
  8. Shelly says

    December 14, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    Are you familiar with the STUGA FLOORING. Thinking of tearing out the carpet and putting this Scandinavian wood floor in place. I have MCS. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      December 16, 2020 at 6:21 pm

      It’s an engineered wood. I believe it’s the same company as Kahrs. The construction is like Tesoro brand.

      Reply
  9. Susie says

    December 11, 2020 at 2:37 pm

    Hi, thank you so much for this informative post!

    Between the two: Cali’s Geowood, and regular Engineered Wood (plywood), which has more total toxins/VOCs? I’m just thinking in terms total amount of carcinogens.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Veronica says

      December 27, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Hello I was wondering if you can help me find a good polish that works with eco-friendly bamboo laminate flooring. Once it is installed and the shine wears off do you know a good coating that can be put on that last for quite some time that is non-toxic Thank you so much

      Reply
      • Corinne says

        December 27, 2020 at 6:26 pm

        First thing to know is if it’s laminate or engineered (or even solid strand bamboo). Laminate is not made to be refinished. Talk to a contractor about options and then substitute in a safer brand.

        Reply
        • Veronica says

          December 31, 2020 at 12:23 pm

          Thank you I will do that! Great Information. Would happen to be able to recommend any brands you would use?

          Reply
          • Corinne says

            January 1, 2021 at 12:54 pm

            I’m not sure what type of flooring you have and if it can even be refinished! Have to find that out, then you can check out the corresponding blog posts.

  10. AJ Smile says

    December 2, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    I’m hoping you can help us. We’ve looked into both hardwood and vinyl plank and the prices are about the same. We’ve learned that hardwood with nail down installation is the best for asthma … but … we learned that plywood is made with resins which are toxic. So our question today is … which is least toxic, vinyl plank flooring (floating) or the plywood subfloor required for nail down hardwood. Could you help us please?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      December 3, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Plywood with hardwood far better https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2019/09/chemical-offgassing-from-pressed-wood.html

      Reply
      • AJ Smile says

        December 3, 2020 at 6:40 pm

        Thanks for the reply regarding the plywood. We now have another question about an electric fireplace mantle and bookshelf unit. The product description says “Materials: Poplar, engineered wood, polyresin, metal, resin, glass.” There is a display that’s been on the showroom floor for over a year. Our questions are … Would you recommend such a product for a home with asthma and if so, would the display have off-gassed enough over a year for it to be safe? Your recommendation and advice would be appreciated.

        Reply
  11. Linda Parker says

    November 15, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Was considering Tesoro Luxwood distributed by International Wholesale Tile for our house.
    Its listed as Floorscore but comes with Anti-Microbial Protection. Is this a concern?
    http://www.internationalwholesaletile.com/luxwood.html
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      November 15, 2020 at 2:21 pm

      It’s not necessary to have an antimicrobial in vinyl. I don’t know which one they are using though. It’s not in most vinyl floors.

      Reply
      • Linda Parker says

        December 6, 2020 at 4:40 pm

        Thanks, last question. It states it has a ceramic top coating. This wouldn’t contain lead like ceramic tiles that used glazing?

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          December 8, 2020 at 1:15 pm

          I haven’t seen that contain lead. Recycled vinyl can contain metals though.

          Reply
  12. Z says

    November 15, 2020 at 6:31 am

    Have you heard of Scratch master???
    It’s an LVP but their webpage is suspiciously minimal and I just can’t find any reviews or more details online because it’s such a new product. Is LVP lower VOC per se or should we try to get more specifics?

    We are not very sensitive to off gassing but I would love to have the most heathy option available in our tight budget. Cali Bamboo seemed great but when we received the samples I was surprised by the unnatural look. Scratch master looks way better.

    https://www.scratchmaster.info/

    Thanks for your outstanding work, by the way. We visited your website many times over the years and are beyond grateful! I wished we could give you more than just a coffee for all that you do! Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      November 15, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      All LVP is very similar. I would only ask about the few things that could be different, if it’s virgin vinyl, if it’s phthalate free, and if it’s a stone core.

      Reply
  13. Ellen says

    November 14, 2020 at 12:24 pm

    Have you looked at Raintree waterproof engineered hardwood flooring? It is Greenguard Gold and I have been told it has no phthalates as well. Our builder is recommending a 6 mm vapor barrier over the existing OSB floor which is over a 4 ft crawl space. What is your opinion? Raintree says no underlay is needed as there is IXPE at the bottom. The climate is Marine to Mediterranean with wet winters and dry summers. We were considering an underlay for extra insulation and sound reduction.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      November 15, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      Ah, this is another vinyl and real wood hybrid. The vinyl layer is already a vapour barrier there and the IXPE provides some cushioning.

      Reply
  14. Sue says

    October 31, 2020 at 9:02 am

    I am concerned that so many of these require a vapor barrier be installed to meet manufacturer’s specs. Products needs to be vapor permeable to avoid mold. Slabs are most difficult to deal with because water from the slab will be trapped behind anything non-vapor-permeable (whether a non-permeable product like vinyl, or a plastic vapor barrier.) But that same moisture can damage permeable products such as wood. This is the biggest problem with slab foundations, as there are limited options. Raised wood sub-floors are okay with non-permeable products (like vinyl), because moisture can dry downward. But not if you install a vapor barrier underneath. The flooring manufacturers don’t seem to have an understanding of building science.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      October 31, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Top building scientists like Lstiburek have no problem putting a vapour barrier over a slab. But those of us mold sensitive know what happens in most cases when we do that. Cheryl Ceicko thinks the slab should remain breathable. Tiles or polished concrete. But it’s not necessarily the majority opinion.

      Reply
  15. Julie says

    October 21, 2020 at 10:43 pm

    I’m thinking to put luxury vinyl tile in my bathroom. Have you heard of Setagrip which is available at Home Depot?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      October 22, 2020 at 4:42 pm

      There are not major differences betweeen LVP brands. I would use the criteria in the post and even then, they are not that different! There are other flooring categories that have major differences between brands but LVP is not like that.

      Reply
  16. Landon "Lumber Master" Edgington says

    October 21, 2020 at 1:46 pm

    All the combination design for flooring are great, but for me tiles with wood hits different. It gives cleanliness vibes to the house.

    Reply
  17. Deborah Sev says

    October 13, 2020 at 12:29 am

    I am taking out my carpets and putting in cali engineered bamboo floors. Because of financial limitations I was planning to wait on changing the old linoleum in the bathroom. The painters somehow misunderstood and thought I was going to also do the bathroom floors so got paint on linoleum. He is now feeling bad and has suggested I put in glue down tiles which He says are cheap and he won’t charge much to put it down. Are there any easy to lay tiles that are not very toxic?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      October 13, 2020 at 11:58 am

      That sounds like he is talking about vinyl that comes in tiles which is like sheet vinyl, one of the most toxic options.

      Reply
  18. Pamela Fisher says

    October 7, 2020 at 5:51 am

    Can you recommend a DIY product that would give porcelain/ceramic tile a shinier appearance? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      October 9, 2020 at 12:17 pm

      I wouldn’t re glaze porcelain myself.

      Reply
      • Keyana says

        November 7, 2020 at 4:42 am

        I am thinking about purchasing 2,000sq feet of Shaw amber oak LVP flooring..Do you think that will be safe in my home with my four children ?

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          November 7, 2020 at 3:30 pm

          I would look at whether it’s virgin vinyl and whether it has plasticizers but no LVP is totally safe since they all have plasticizers and they also offgas VOCs.

          Reply
  19. BIlli says

    October 2, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    Hi. I’m researching this product WINEO Purline Organic Gloring. Made in Germany. It claimed to be 100% clean. Price aroun 6$CAD/sqf Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      October 2, 2020 at 9:39 pm

      This is very similar to the Shaw contract polyurethane rolls it looks like but I don’t know all the European brands.

      Reply
      • BIlli says

        October 3, 2020 at 7:34 am

        It will be installed over the radiant hydronick heated floor. I wander if WINEO will have lover ofgassing that lets say vinyl plank with Greenguard Gold certification. This is all sertifications for WINEO: PURLINE has the Blue Angel, Greenguard Silver, TFI-TÜV PROFiCERT, the DGNB Navigator Label, the EPD Label of the German Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V., the Finnish M1 for building products, the Danish Indoor Climate Label, the French A+ Seal, the eco bau Bais Schweiz rating, C2C silver certified and the American Floor Score Label

        Reply
  20. Samantha says

    October 1, 2020 at 7:13 am

    Hi Corinne,

    I tried to book a slot with you to go over flooring brands. Are you booked all through next year or is this a system error? Thank you in advance for all you do!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      October 1, 2020 at 9:46 am

      I’m off work, I’ll be back soon.

      Reply
  21. Misty says

    September 24, 2020 at 2:26 pm

    Hi Corrine. Our family is in the process of trying to find a replacement for our current flooring….25+ year old carpet which is on top of solid hardwoods. Would love to be able to refinish the hardwoods, but just not an option as it would be impossible as we have nowhere to go during the process. At first we strongly considered LVP. After reading yours and many other articles about the potential hazards of LVP, we are trying our best to avoid it. I went to a flooring store today that sells Marmoluem because we feel that may be our safest, greenest option. I was given a few samples, but honestly now I have doubts about it also. I was given 5 3×3 inch samples. They smell horrible….so bad that I had a headache after having them in my car for a 30 minute drive home. Also, since the Marmoleum is affixed to HDF board, how is that any safer than say laminate that is affixed to the same type of board? I feel like I am trying to determine which is the lesser of two evils….LVP that has toxins in the vinyl layer which is covered by a topcoat that has a relatively safe stone core (limestone) or Marmoleum that has a green (but horribly smelly) topcoat but a questionable (HDF) core? How probable is it that toxins will leach out of the LVP through the topcoat? Also, what is considered a safe topcoat on LVP? Seems like most manufacturers are using aluminum oxide. Thanks! Your information has been eye opening….I can no longer be an ostrich with my head in the sand when it comes to flooring.

    Reply
    • Misty says

      September 24, 2020 at 3:17 pm

      One last question….do you have any research and/or opinion on floating, click together engineered hardwood with the stone core versus plywood?

      Reply
      • Joanna says

        September 30, 2020 at 9:35 am

        Hi,
        I currently have old tiles on my den floor, which probably have asbestos. When we first moved in, we didn’t want to deal with them and move them so we laid wall to wall carpet over it all. Id rather be greener and get rid of the carpet, but dont know what kind of green flooring I can place over the old tiles. Any suggestions?

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          October 1, 2020 at 9:47 am

          A lot can go over linoleum luckily!

          Reply
      • Corinne says

        October 1, 2020 at 9:51 am

        Yes, I mention a couple of those brands in this post.

        Reply
    • Corinne says

      October 1, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Marmoleum click has the HDF core which is the same as laminate. It’s not safer. The top layer has the odor of linseed and other natural components. It’s not the topcoat that smells.

      Reply
  22. Amy Williamson says

    September 24, 2020 at 5:48 am

    Love this article! I need to remove the carpets in all bedrooms, I’m pretty sure it’s harboring molds among other things……I found a concrete company that’s certified to do the Retroplate System Polish (only one in my area), but unfortunately after getting a quote….I never heard back from them and it’s been over a month. So I’m considering moving on to a different flooring option.

    1. What do you think about Kahn’s LVP? I didn’t see any information on this brand in your article (except the engineered hardwood). They make clammed like pthalate and PVC free…and a ceramic top?? Curious if you have some detailed knowledge on how toxic/non-toxic this LVP is. I didn’t see any mention of GGG certification and I don’t know any details like if they use virgin materials and if they’re free from heavy metals etc. I’m wondering if you’re able to get this type of information from the company because of your blog. Any information at all would be helpful and appreciated.

    2. What are your thoughts on using cars engineered hardwood floors and very humid places like Texas, Florida, Georgia etc. I live in Northeast Florida and it’s always humid here. It’s the reason I’m going to take out my carpet because it smells mildewy and moldy. What are your thoughts on using cars engineered hardwood floors and very humid places like Texas, Florida, Georgia etc. I live in Northeast Florida and it’s always humid here. It’s the reason I’m going to take out my carpet because it smells mildewy and moldy. I just want to make the right choice for the location I’m in. The rest of our house has ceramic tile and grout. But the builder put carpets in the bedrooms with slab concrete underneath.

    Reply
    • Amy Williamson says

      September 24, 2020 at 5:49 am

      ***Kahrs (autotype messed that up twice hah)

      Reply
    • Corinne says

      October 1, 2020 at 10:10 am

      LVP is vinyl/PVC so it can’t be PVC-free. I would only do tile or polished concrete on a slab for breathability especially because it sounds like your slab is getting wet.

      Reply
      • Amy Williamson says

        October 1, 2020 at 7:52 pm

        Thanks!!

        Reply
  23. Tina says

    September 9, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    Is Floorscore certification sufficiently safe for a healthy person? Or is it pretty much a certification better left ignored?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      September 9, 2020 at 4:25 pm

      I don’t find that one useful, it only means it is within legal VOC levels. I don’t think there is a flooring that would not be able to be floorscore. Here is more info about what it means https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2018/12/what-green-certifications-mean-for.html

      Reply
  24. Jenna says

    August 28, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    I was looking into the mono serra hardwood at Home Depot and noticed it has no water protection. Is this problematic? Is there a product you could suggest to protect against water damage?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      August 28, 2020 at 9:33 pm

      the mono serra solid hardwood is finished with a polyurethane/aluminum oxide UV cured finish which is the most durable finish for hardwood.

      Reply
  25. Stefanie says

    August 25, 2020 at 2:19 pm

    Hi Corinne –
    If you happen to see this – please post any info you have!

    I have purchased some Mohawk flooring – Laminate, Laurel Glen Oak w. splash defense (like Mindy from post June 18, 2020 at 3:50 pm) – for a large area (attic converted to master bedroom) and then became concerned about possible off-gassing and formaldehyde.

    How safe is this laminate?
    In regards to formaldehyde?
    It has Polyethylene foam attached to the underboard, they claim they use PUR in the fiberboard wood core – MDF(?) (dont state what this is made of) as glue with no added Formaldehyde and the top is treated with Aluminium Oxide (saw your post on and surface metals released from wear and tear).
    Cannot afford Kahrs, looked at 100% sold (carbonized-strand wide plank) bamboo and now see from your info it also has Formaldehyde and other issues.

    I read your comments about Pergo which was bought by Mohawk and they do not use Greenguard – bu they say they are CARB and Floorscore certified – any good?
    I am super sensitive and concerned about any formaldehyde.

    Please post and let me know!

    Your Information is a lifesaver – been going through all wood-related research articles, which have been tremendously helpful! A contractor installed PRESSURE TREATED PLYWOOD inside and I am so glad I found this site and your posts!
    My mum died of cancer and a formaldehyde/pesticide connection was suspected as part of the cause, and I am supersensitive like she was – both off-gassing and metals.

    Thank you for all you do!

    Reply
  26. Renae says

    August 24, 2020 at 1:58 am

    I’m curious how long most vinyl plank floors have been phthalate free, if you know. We currently live in an apartment and the flooring is what I assume to be vinyl planks. They were installed about 6 years ago. Until we can find a house, I’ve been concerned about the safety of the flooring for my 2-year-old. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 23, 2020 at 5:21 am

      I also have the same question.
      We have this one at the moment from 2015 I guess.

      https://www.polyflor.com/jh/products.nsf/products!open&family=lux&prodcode=4&shade=2233

      Reply
  27. kimble tubes says

    August 13, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    Thank You So Much

    Reply
  28. Jason says

    August 4, 2020 at 8:05 pm

    We are looking at using Southwind Authentic Plank WPC LVP (https://southwindcarpet.com/product/173855994/authentic_plank_3005_antique_pine).

    I’m reaching out to them for more details after reading your post, but do you have any knowledge of this product?

    Reply
    • Jason says

      August 4, 2020 at 8:21 pm

      Looks like they are certified by Floor Score, which complies with California’s Section 01350 program.

      They use plastic composites and foaming agents. Virgin vinyl. Two coats of urethane for wear. They use IXPE closed cell foam for the pad underneath.

      https://southwindcarpet.com/clientcontent/Southwind/product_brochure_2020.pdf

      Reply
  29. Precautious Father says

    August 2, 2020 at 7:03 am

    Hi Corinne,

    Coretec uses recycled vinyl, but they are GreenGuard Gold certified in their products. This means it meets indoor VOC emission safety requirements for healthcare and child daycare. Yet the material may have associated toxic contaminants like heavy metals and halogenated flame retardants as you say, which GGG does not test for.

    Is it still safe to rely on the GG Gold certification even though the products may contain toxic materials that do not emit VOCs? It is unclear to me how we are exposed to the heavy metals, are they on the wear layer surface, or buried into the core polymer where it doesn’t make contact with he surface, hence no toxic skin contact? A green flooring company sells this product and advertises recycled vinyl as a greener approach along with the GGG rating.

    Thanks for this article, I have been following it for 2 years and still haven’t made a flooring decision to remove carpet. I was leaning towards Kahr’s, but due to young children I am now leaning towards a water proof solution.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      August 2, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      GGG doesn’t help for vinyl plank. They would all pass that level since the VOCs themselves are not the high. The plasticisers are the next main concern there. I can smell them but they don’t count as VOCs. Then metals, not great, but yes you would have to wear it down to make those dust form. Sometimes it’s in the vinyl, sometimes there is a metal antimicrobial in the backing. Then the flame retardants if it’s recycled would be mixed in.

      I do like Kahrs!

      A lot of people like Amorium Wise cork even though it has a bit of offgassing that I can pick up at least we know that will cure and there won’t be any plasticisers, metals or flame retardants leaching out.

      Reply
      • Ken Wah Chez says

        August 3, 2020 at 3:19 pm

        Hi Corrinne,

        What’s your take on Cali bamboo’s Geo Wood? I got some samples and like that it’s a wood veneer on top and limestone for the core. I called to see if they added anything to the core and they said it’s 100% limestone. I need something durable, pet and kid friendly, and resists water. Both my kids are asthmatic and I am sensitive to odors. I’ve done so much research that my head swims with all the options available. Any thoughts?

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          August 3, 2020 at 7:21 pm

          I liked Geowood but I’m almost positive that core is a limestone PVC mix. I will add that to the post.

          Reply
  30. Christine says

    July 28, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    Hi Corinne,
    Love your article. Super helpful! We are trying to figure out what type of floor to place underneath a traditional dry sauna that we are installing in the unfinished part of our basement (currently there is only concrete floor there). We are trying to pick a 0 or very low VOC option that will be able to handle the small amount of moisture. Do you happen to have a recommendation of what types of floor you think would work best? Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 28, 2020 at 8:10 pm

      I would do tiles there.

      Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 28, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      When there are a lot of pros and cons to work through I would recommend setting up an email or phone consultation.

      Reply
  31. Tim says

    July 26, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    Hi Corinne,

    Thank you so much for all of your resources. Can you tell me if it is possible to use porcelain or ceramic tile as the main flooring in a tiny home on wheels? If not, what is the least toxic option that would be mold resistant?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 26, 2020 at 7:11 pm

      I haven’t seen it done due to weight. Real wood tends to separate so which ever of the click together floors is best for you is usually the best option. There is also a post on flooring for trailers though that’s more for metal trailers and vans.

      Reply
  32. Kim says

    July 18, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    Thank you for this detailed post! I had a question for you about a laminate floor that has green guard gold rating… I am confused because it is made with MDF, but yet meets greenguard gold standards. It was my understanding that most MDF has high formeldahyde. Are there some with lower levels? Not sure how this product could meet green guard gold standards?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 18, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      Is it HDF or MDF?

      Reply
  33. Crystal Poynton says

    July 17, 2020 at 3:36 am

    Is there a brand for underlayment that you would recommend for floating laminate?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 18, 2020 at 10:53 pm

      Any of the basic foam underlayments I have seen have been fine. Some are already attached on the back, that is easier.

      Reply
      • Bryan Ranaldo says

        November 21, 2020 at 11:09 pm

        hi Corinne,
        Putting these LV floors by Global Gem in, are you familiar with? Global Gem Flooring is manufacturer
        https://www.hursthardwoods.com/global-gem-coastal-european-oak-egmont-key-waterproof-spc-vinyl-flooring/

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          November 22, 2020 at 12:45 pm

          Almost all LVP has the same specs now just look for the three things mentioned in the article.

          Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 28, 2020 at 8:14 pm

      I have a new post just on underlaymants https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2020/07/non-toxic-flooring-underlayment.html

      Reply
  34. Brittany says

    July 14, 2020 at 4:51 pm

    Hello!
    We’re looking at Armstrong Duality Premium Sheet Vinyl. Floorscore certified. Floating installation, no glues. I note the FloorScore certification sheet says this: “FloorScore® Indoor Air Quality Certified to SCS-EC10.3-2014 v4.0 Conforms to the CDPH/EHLB Standard Method v1.2-2017 (California Section 01350), effective April 1, 2017, for the school classroom and private office parameters when modeled as Flooring. Measured Concentration of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC): Between 0.5 – 5.0 mg/m3 (in compliance with CDPH/EHLB Standard Method v1.2-2017)”

    On your page where you address certifications you write this: “FloorScore allowable levels of VOC is 0.5mg/m3 (500 μg/m3)” & note that it is equivalent to Greenguard. (There was no comments box on that page.)

    Can you fill me in on the discrepancy? The flooring we’re looking at is evaluated at up to 10x the level you note. (& please send an email note if you can when you post, unless I’m notified automatically of responses).

    Thanks! We are close to purchase.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 17, 2020 at 1:25 am

      Sorry for the confusion. Floorscore does have two tiers. Usually, on the certificates they indicate 0.5 mg/m3 since most floors meet that level. But there are a few that are in that 0.5-5 mg/m3. Most floors meet less than 0.5 mg. Sheet vinyl is probably the highest VOC flooring choice. On top of that plasticizers are not counted in the allowable levels.

      Reply
    • Maite Crespo says

      July 29, 2020 at 5:44 pm

      Thank you for your wealth of information. I’ve learned so much from your articles! We are buying a new manufactured home and only have 3 flooring options by the builder, I’m sure we could ask for more, but we would t be able to afford it. We have carpet which I know is synthetic and they use adhesive. They offer us rolled vinyl sheets that after all the research I’ve done has: scotch guard, silver particles and a high density foam construction. It is made by Congoleum. I did find that Congoleum no longer uses ortho-phthalates, which is good and our dealer only uses staples to install, so no adhesive, but everything else worries me. Or last option is a LVP made by Triumph, which is snap in, so again no adhesive, from what I was able to find it did contain dioctyl (which I’ve read it’s something to avoid as its an ortho-phthalates) and terephthalate which is guess its better. Obviously the planking is a MUCH higher price from our builder (about $10,000 more than the rolled), though it would be a huge dent that we weren’t looking to spend, if that’s the safest option (we have 3 kids and pets), we will do it. What is your suggestion? Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Corinne says

        July 29, 2020 at 7:05 pm

        Vinyl on a roll is far higher offgassing than anything else. It depends on what you are trying to avoider but LVP can be quite inexpensive. Laminate flooring can be too, if that offgassing level is OK for you.

        Reply
        • Maite Crespo says

          July 30, 2020 at 8:09 am

          Thanks Corrine! Unfortunately they don’t offer us laminate at all, so we are trying to do the best with what they are offering! Is the ortho-phthalates ok in the LVP?

          Reply
  35. Marissa Rivera says

    June 19, 2020 at 7:59 am

    Hi Corrine! I can’t believe how much great information you have provided and how helpful it is! Thanks for putting this info out there for everyone to get! We want to replace the carpet in he bedrooms with something affordable, but suitable for everyone, specially my youngest daughter. She suffers from various environmental, food and other allergies as well as asthma. She is is sensitive to latex and will be tested in 4 weeks for other kinds of allergies such as formaldehyde and other chemicals. It’s been highly frustrating to figure out what would be the best options for the bedrooms, specially when budget is very limited. Bedrooms are small, we need to cover about 450 sq. Ft for bedrooms, and if we can afford we would do the living room/dining room area that is about 308 sq ft. The house is a one level house, so under the carpet is just concrete slab. I’m going to wait for her test to be done, that way I feel I can focus more on what to avoid for sure. If you have any other tips or recommendations , it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

    Reply
    • A says

      July 27, 2020 at 9:20 pm

      I am very interested in what advice you get. I am in a similar situation with my whole family being extremely sensitive to chemicals and we need to replace all carpet immediately but need something water repellent or at least very resistant. We cannot afford real wood floors and are installing whatever we buy ourselves. I wish you and your family good luck and health.

      Reply
  36. mindy says

    June 18, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    I have purchased some Mohawk flooring – laminate, laurel glen oak. I have since noticed some comments about formaldehyde. Do you know how safe this laminate is? I have not installed it yet and could return it.
    Thanks
    Mindy

    Reply
    • Stefanie says

      August 25, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      Hi Mindy-
      I purchased the same, for a large area (attic converted to master bedroom) and then – like you became concerned about possible off-gassing and formaldehyde.
      Were you able to find out how safe this laminate is?
      Where did you read comments about it containing formaldehyde?
      What did you end up doing – installing or returning it?
      I am super sensitive and concerned about any formaldehyde.

      Please post and let me know!

      Corinne –
      If you happen to see this – please post any info you have!
      Your Information is a lifesaver – been going through all wood-related research articles, which have been tremendously helpful!
      My mum died of cancer and a formaldehyde/pesticide connection was suspected as part of the cause, and I am supersensitive like she was.

      Thank you!

      Reply
  37. Shane says

    June 14, 2020 at 3:49 pm

    Hi Corinne, Hope you are keeping safe and well. I have just stopped my builders using plasticizer in the mortar for the brickwork. I asked them just to use water with the portland cement. However, the company pouring the concrete floors do use plasticizers. Would you consider this a problem. Above this will be an underfloor heating system and a floating laminate floor by Kronotex (part of the Swiss Krono group) . Thanks so much for your help. In the middle of a stressful renovation!

    Shane
    Your Irish fan

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      June 17, 2020 at 11:08 am

      If they are pouring self-levelling cement it will definitely contain additives. No getting around that as far as I know.

      Reply
      • Shane O'Hara says

        June 18, 2020 at 3:53 am

        Thanks Corinne…are plasticizers/phthalates a problem when mixed with cement? is there a concern regarding leaching out or offgassing? There are other areas cement or cement based adhesive will be used and I was anxious about this. Thanks so much for your help and I’ll definitely be buying you a coffee!

        Reply
  38. Jan says

    June 13, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    We are considering Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring for an apartment we rent to international post-docs who come and go. Do you know anything about this brand: Republic Flooring, Pure SPC MAX, The Pacific Oak..? Thanks!

    Reply
  39. Thomas Perea says

    June 8, 2020 at 8:04 am

    We are in the process of putting in 700 sf of LVP made by MSI.
    Will be going in the main living room and TV room with a lot of traffic.
    Just started reading up on “off gassing”.
    Should we be concerned about our new floor being toxic??
    Would we be better off going with a wood look tile?

    Reply
  40. Tifani says

    May 25, 2020 at 9:07 am

    Perhaps I missed it but are there any particular brands for tile? I’ve been searching and I can’t find any. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 27, 2020 at 12:35 am

      There are a few in the bathroom post that were tested for lead!

      Reply
      • Dan says

        May 27, 2020 at 7:13 pm

        hi im looking to put in vinyl plank flooring. looking at spending between 2-3 dollars a sq ft. can you recommend which product produces the lowest VOC? thanks

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          May 29, 2020 at 6:40 pm

          LVP doesn’t list VOC levels and the main problem is plasticizers which are not VOCs. The brands listed here are ones I found to be decent and I do think it’s reasonable for many people to use LVP.

          Reply
          • Jin Sim says

            June 19, 2020 at 11:57 am

            Have you tested coretec pro brand compared to Amstrong or Cali bamboo?

  41. Bill Abelson says

    May 24, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    Hi Corrine,
    Thank you for the extremely detailed info. My partner is considering an apartment which has Pergo vinyl flooring. Is this specifically toxic or nontoxic? And could it outgas for years (it was installed very recently).
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 27, 2020 at 12:36 am

      The vinyl brands are all very similar I have found, if it’s LVP.

      Reply
      • Bill Abelson says

        May 27, 2020 at 12:52 pm

        Thanks. I found the brand, it’s Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Flooring (PVC is indeed among the ingredients). I see in your post on non-toxic van flooring you mention LVP is much more tolerable than people generally think and very low-VOC.

        So it might be OK, but my partner’s concerned it would contain biocides and fungicides that are likely toxic, too. Would you know if that’s correct?

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          May 29, 2020 at 6:40 pm

          Some of them have a silver based biocide in the backing. But biocides are not the biggest concern I have with vinyl.

          Reply
      • Crystal Poynton says

        July 17, 2020 at 3:33 am

        Is there a brand of underlayment that you recommend for floating laminate?

        Reply
  42. Elizabeth Hirsch says

    May 18, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    Hi there – I have been searching for Greenguard Gold certified laminate flooring. Aquaguard sold through Floor & Decor has this certification. However, it uses a “durable melamine balance layer” and has an aluminum oxide coating. Would you still consider this product as safe? How toxic is this aluminum oxide coating? We are searching for a baby safe floor for our basement. We were going to go with porcelain tile, but decided it’s just too hard with a wobbling toddler and baby in the house. Vinyl is a no-go since we’re avoiding PVC. Laminate seemed like a good midpoint, but now I’m not so sure…

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 27, 2020 at 12:44 am

      This is essentially the same coating as the UV cured aluminum oxide that is on the prefinished floors. Most consider this safe. I’m not a big fan of adding metals, but I’m particularly extreme with metals personally, much more than VOCs for myself. I haven’t seen this brand to check out the backing. Though melamine is not usually a concern in the forms I have been able to check out.

      Reply
      • Shane O'Hara says

        June 5, 2020 at 12:44 am

        Hi Corinne, Hope you are keeping safe and well. I have just stopped my builders using plasticizer in the mortar for the brickwork. I asked them just to use water with the portland cement. However, the company pouring the concrete floors do use plasticizers. Would you consider this a problem. Above this will be an underfloor heating system and a floating laminate floor by Kronotex (part of the Swiss Krono group) . Thanks so much for your help. In the middle of a stressful renovation!

        Shane
        Ireland

        Reply
  43. Elena Cavaljiu says

    May 17, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    Hi, what type of flooring would be best in a basement for kids to play on? I’m overwhelmed. Thanks

    Reply
  44. Camille Bergman says

    May 16, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    Hi! Have you heard of Revwood by Mohawk? I am building a home and I have option of Revwood or Engineered floors . They are both Mohawk brand. I have two young boys (7 and 8) and I want to make sure it is safe. This will be going into their bedrooms. Revwood is a laminate / wood hybrid. It does contain melamine.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 18, 2020 at 12:02 pm

      One would be a laminate which are all quite similar. The other is engineered. You would have to look at each one more closely to determine which is best. This post contains brands I have looked at personally so I can compare them more accurately.

      Reply
  45. Chris says

    May 9, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    I was unclear as to whether the hardwood flooring information would apply when you have concrete foundations. Could hardwood flooring be installed without glue ?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 12, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      I wouldn’t put wood over concrete slab or basement. Some people do put engineered wood (not solid) over concrete but I wouldn’t since the underlayment will trap moisture.

      Reply
  46. Lisa says

    May 8, 2020 at 11:44 am

    Can you recommend an underlayment for the wood laminate flooring? Thanks for this post, so informative!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 12, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      Some of them come with a attached polyethylene foam backing which acts as the underlayment. I like that one quite a bit. Most underlayments are non toxic. I would avoid cork. It also depends where you are installing it, to make sure it’s not trapping moisture. But in terms of toxicity I haven’t seen any of the plastic ones have any significant offgassing.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        May 15, 2020 at 5:56 pm

        I am planning to install laminate flooring over concrete slab. Would this work okay? I’m not sure I understand about moisture trapping in another comment or the solution to it. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          May 18, 2020 at 12:01 pm

          Best practices for mold prevention would be no vapour barrier over the slab. So no floating floors. Only breathable polished concrete or tile. Of course most people do put a vapour barrier and then the flooring of their choice. I go by Cheryl Ceicko’s recommendation on this.

          Reply
          • Elizabeth Hirsch says

            May 18, 2020 at 6:41 pm

            Is the risk that the slab will develop mold? We’re searching for options for our basement as well. Tile is too hard with babies in the house…too much worry about cracking their heads on the floor. Same for polished concrete.

  47. Sara says

    May 4, 2020 at 6:03 pm

    Hi! Are any of the peel and stick floor tiles safe?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 12, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      The ones I have seen are all soft vinyl, which I find to be the most challenging material for offgsassing.

      Reply
  48. Daniel S Japha says

    May 4, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    Hi Corrine. Great information here. My wife and I are looking at putting in the healthiest wood floors we can find. We had found the Swedish floor Kahrs and it looks great–zero formaldehyde and most choices show zero VOC’s. Why is this flooring not in your greenest category? Thank you

    Reply
  49. celina Burns says

    April 29, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Can AFM adhesive be used for porcelain tile?
    . It says ceramic tiles on the site, but doesn’t mention porcelain.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      April 29, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      I would ask them but porcelain is technically a type of ceramic so I would think so. Depends on the application though as well. The adhesive is only specified for certain areas. Jay at AFM or Andy at Green Design Center can both help.

      Reply
  50. Celina Burns says

    April 2, 2020 at 11:42 am

    My contractor usually uses plywood for a subfloor. Is there something that is better or can you recommend the least offensive plywood? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      April 26, 2020 at 4:00 pm

      This post covres subfloor! https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2018/07/zero-voc-sheathing.html

      Reply
  51. Rel says

    March 20, 2020 at 9:15 am

    In regards to toxicity, is vinyl sheet flooring different from vinyl plank flooring? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      April 1, 2020 at 4:25 pm

      Yes absolutely, far greater offgassing from flexible vinyl sheet. I wouldn’t be able to be near a new install of that.

      Reply
  52. Fen says

    March 15, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    Hi,

    You mentioned that you found off-gassing of Cali geo bamboo in the finish. Does it come from the pranks or the glue/adhesive used during installation? or underlayment?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      March 17, 2020 at 9:21 pm

      It seemed to me to be the finish on top. Not the glue or underlayment.

      Reply
  53. Bek says

    March 4, 2020 at 1:23 am

    Love to know your thoughts about a polypropylene carpet that is still pungent when not constantly aired or during high temperatures 8 months after installation! Would you expect it to be off gassing or chemical residue which could possibly be steam cleaned out?

    Can’t believe it still smells so much and concerned it’s aggravating an autoimmune disease.

    Many thanks!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      March 8, 2020 at 12:07 am

      Carpets are improving but they still take years to offgas to most people’s standards. What brand is it? Here are some strategies to offgas and seal it https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2019/05/mitigating-sealing-remediating.html

      Reply
  54. C. Katz says

    February 29, 2020 at 11:58 am

    Could you answer to my email and not publish please?

    I have a playroom with a conrete floor. Only one window. Want to put something over concrete tat is easy to clean up with out vacuuming, stain resistant and soft enough for my grandchildren.

    Wood is great but out of my price range. Could suggest something?
    Thank you

    Reply
  55. Margy says

    February 23, 2020 at 8:43 am

    I really appreciate your information!!! I have a small house with concrete sub floor and asbestos tiles from 1962. I want to put green flooring but do you think its safe to just cover the asbestos tiles with the new flooring. Its very expensive to remove the asbestos completely. I am still considering removing it entirely.

    My other issue is I have two dogs who are not perfect at their house training (one is quite old). I have had hardwood which I sealed myself but I still managed to stain it badly. What flooring can hold up to urine and still be as green as ;possible.

    Reply
  56. az says

    February 15, 2020 at 6:05 pm

    stone flooring isn’t necessarily non toxic. there are stones that will release radon into your home.
    https://www.epa.gov/radiation/granite-countertops-and-radiation

    Reply
  57. Tom says

    February 11, 2020 at 2:21 am

    Hi Corinne,
    I am loving your website and I think it is one of the best resources on the web! I regularly check my ideas of what to put into my house against your website and you helped me a ton!
    I have recently read your https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2019/09/zero-voc-flooring.html

    It is as usual awesome source of knowledge but I am wondering if you have researched Epoxy floors and if you have an opinion about them? In the past they were problems with them but after initial off gassing they seem to be pretty green. Where would you put them in the scale compared to other types of flooring?
    Here is what I mean by this type of floor: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=epoxy+floor

    Reply
  58. Mu says

    January 18, 2020 at 11:22 pm

    I’m looking to buy a house with vinyl flooring. I was able to find out the flooring is DuraLux Performance Tuscan Greige Oak purchased from Floor & Decor. I read a review stating it is Greeguard Gold certified. I’m not sure how to verify that. I am trying to figure out if the flooring contains phthalates but somehow the Greenguard certification doesn’t even consider phthalates?

    Reply
  59. Dorothy says

    January 17, 2020 at 11:58 pm

    Does anyone know of an easy, non-toxic cement-like coating that can be applied over plywood and then polished or waxed for a continuous floor without seems? I came across something like this awhile back but cannot find it again.

    Reply
    • David says

      March 9, 2020 at 12:58 pm

      Kaola Clay

      Reply
  60. Amanda says

    January 17, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    Hi Corrine,

    What are your thoughts on the brand Karndean? Here’s the link to their environmental statement: https://www.karndean.com/en/floors/about-us/environmental-commitment.

    My husband and I are looking to replace about 1,000 sq ft of flooring on our first floor (great room, living room, dining room, entry, powder room, and kitchen). We love a 5″ natural hardwood, but the pricing just seems too much for our budget. We’re looking for a floor that is on the healthier side and won’t be scratched easily by our two 50-60lb goldendoodles. (A plus would be something we can install ourselves since we’re pretty handy!) Would your recommendation be low-voc laminate? We were interested in cork, but heard it could scratch/dent easily?

    Thank you!
    A

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      January 19, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      I wouldn’t use recycled vinyl. The post explains.

      Reply
  61. Unknown says

    December 1, 2019 at 5:44 am

    What is your recommendation for the least expensive non toxic option?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      December 26, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      It depends which ones you consider to be non-toxic for you. Price comparison at the bottom of the post. Everyone has a different level of toxin avoidance. After tiles I would do Kahrs, and after Karhs I would do Marmoluem, if those don’t work or are too expensive, I would go to laminate or LVP – depending on which is better suited to you and where you are installing it.

      Reply
  62. SthLdy says

    November 25, 2019 at 4:33 pm

    I got an email from Green Building Supply about a new waterproof cork flooring that competes with LVP. It’s called WISE waterproof flooring by Amorim. Have you seen this? What are your thoughts?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      December 26, 2019 at 5:51 pm

      I have a sample on the way! I’ll add it to the post when it arrives.

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        January 9, 2020 at 8:38 am

        Id LOVE an update on the Amorim Wise. I am considering this and need to decide in the next week. Thank you! Axiously awaiting

        Reply
      • Cynthia says

        September 6, 2020 at 12:56 pm

        I’m now considering Amorim Wise Cork Flooring for our second floor that has bedroom, bathroom and laundry room. Would love to hear your thoughts.

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          September 7, 2020 at 5:34 pm

          I mention it in the post.

          Reply
  63. Corinne says

    October 27, 2019 at 2:28 am

    I have a new video will post soon comparing more vinyl brands. It will be posted to the FB business page My Chemical-Free House and Youtube. They all are going to be able to meet some green certifications. I don't put vinyl over a slab though as it should dry to the inside for absolute best practices in preventing mold.

    Reply
  64. Caligirlintexas says

    October 25, 2019 at 12:22 am

    What is your opion on lowes brand smartcore ultra luxury vinyl plank flooring its green certified low voc we are looking at putting it on concrete slab i have asthma and in east texas is humid

    Reply
  65. Chemical-free Trailer says

    October 14, 2019 at 8:18 pm

    What are those "many other ways"? Can you suggest some options that are zero VOC/non-outgassing? As I mentioned, we tried Simple Prep and the jar sample outgassed badly. The other key since it is a travel trailer and not a fixed home, the filler needs have some flex to it so it will not crack or break under vibration. Yes, we do plan a floating floor on a plywood base, but it has some gouges and seams that we would like to level before laying down the floor.

    Reply
  66. Corinne says

    October 13, 2019 at 12:00 am

    Hi there yes there are many other ways to level out subfloor if it's wood. Concrete is trickier. It really depends on the state of the subfloor and what you are fixing. A floating floor is quite forgiving.

    Reply
  67. Chemical-free Trailer says

    October 9, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    Hi Corinne. Do you know of any floor zero-VOC, non-outgassing floor leveling compounds? The craftsman making our floor (walnut & maple planks) needs to fill in spots in the plywood subfloor that are not level, as it will be a floating floor. He recommended Simple Prep floor patch (see link below), but it failed the jar sniff test with my extremely chemically sensitive wife. The challenge is the floor is in a travel trailer, not a home, so the compound can not cure to a brittle state. It must retain some level of flexibility when cured, since there will be vibration during travel. SImple Prep meets that requirement. Any recommendations you might have would be appreciated.

    https://www.custombuildingproducts.com/products/surface-preparation/pre-mixed/simpleprep-pre-mixed-floor-patch.aspx

    Reply
  68. Corinne says

    September 28, 2019 at 9:11 pm

    I like that it's phthalate free, but is is vinyl through and through. I'm going to get a sample of that one.

    Reply
  69. Unknown says

    September 19, 2019 at 8:19 am

    Hi Corinne, Do you have experience with Home Depot's phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free LVP? I'm considering Santa Fe Maple Luxury Vinyl Flooring from the Home Decorators Collection. I really want to just refinish the original hardwood but we've run into so many issues and unexpected runaway costs, it seems covering the whole floor with LVP is probably the lesser of many evils.

    Reply
  70. Corinne says

    September 10, 2019 at 12:59 am

    Older floors were much worse, if it was made with urea formaldehyde it can offgas for a long time.

    Reply
  71. mo.mai says

    September 6, 2019 at 4:00 pm

    I have some Shaw laminate flooring that has been stored in boxes for fifteen years. Does it continue to off gas, or does it stabilize acceptably after a time?

    Reply
  72. Unknown says

    July 26, 2019 at 6:01 pm

    Hi! We are looking to replace all of our lower level flooring while redoing the kitchen. If I'm reading this article correctly, wood-like tiles are a good option but text to see if they have lead in them or ask for lead testing? Is that correct? Anything else we need to consider? I'm new to your site – thanks so much!

    Reply
  73. Unknown says

    July 23, 2019 at 2:28 am

    You are correct that many engineered floors with a plywood backer use a resorcinol glue for the plys which contains formaldehyde. They may meet CARB2 requirements but they still have added formaldehyde in their glues. The Eddie Bauer Adventure Collection is one of the few true "NAF" No Added Formaldehyde engineered floors with a very tough No-VOC finish. You can find it at Eddie Bauer Floors or at Revel Woods. Use the floating install method over a benign pad like Quite Walk. Edge glue the floor with Roberts 1406 engineered flooring glue. This is the no VOC no Formaldehyde solution

    Reply
  74. Unknown says

    June 23, 2019 at 9:16 pm

    Is aluminum oxide safe on hardwood flooring?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      June 24, 2019 at 6:44 am

      Yes when it's in solid form, no if it wears off an becomes dust and you ingest or inhale it…

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        January 9, 2020 at 8:43 am

        Does this mean that Geowood could be unsafe if the finishing layer gets “sanded” from moving furniture or other tasks of daily living over time???? Since it is aluminum oxide (7 layers with a UV cure)?

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          January 12, 2020 at 11:02 am

          personally, I’m wary of aluminum dust. Though the wear and tear is very very minimal compared to other sources of aluminum in the environment that unless someone is going to the utmost extremes with metal avoidance I consider it a safe option for floor.

          Reply
  75. Unknown says

    May 23, 2019 at 2:04 am

    What is the best organization for "green" floor certification?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 26, 2019 at 10:26 pm

      Hi there, I don't currently find any of the certifications good enough for sensitive folks, they could work for healthy folks. I explain them here: https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2016/06/what-green-certifications-mean-for.html

      Reply
  76. Texasboutique says

    April 24, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    Hi! I’m better but still super sensitive. We just purchased a home and redoing most everything. I’m trying to stay as low toxic as possible being from a area that doesn’t understand or appreciate non toxic things.

    I went to a local floor place yesterday and they looked at me like I had 2 heads when I asked to be pointed towards the low toxicity flooring…lol!

    So, would you suggest looking at a 100% wood floor? Wouldn’t the stains on them be toxic? I looked at some beautiful hand scraped wood but they were finished. We’ve used the ceramic tile that looks like wood in the past. I’m curious what makes something like that toxic? Is it that you have to glue it down? Reason I ask is, is I’m super sensitive to smells and the tile has no smell but real wood does?

    Thanks for the great article and information!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      April 28, 2019 at 1:37 am

      Hi there, see the post on paints and sealers for finishing wood floors. Post on mortar and grout for non toxic tile installation.

      Reply
  77. HeliHelistin says

    April 17, 2019 at 11:27 pm

    Hi there, I am doing a renovation and am looking for a suitable subfloor to install underneath tiles. I am having challenges finding something that is both well tolerated and good in insolation – construction requirements demand good insolation and for instance Ardex is not good enough. Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      April 28, 2019 at 1:40 am

      Ardex makes a self leveling cement to level out a concrete floor. I'm not totally sure what all the factors here and what you're trying to accomplish.

      Reply
  78. Unknown says

    April 17, 2019 at 3:49 am

    You are correct about the pre-finished floors with UV cured finishes and embedded aluminum oxide anti-scratch components. They are no-VOC and much tougher than the old solvent based finishes. Also look for engineered flooring made with No Added Formaldehyde glues (NAF or NAUF) Some manufacturers include Eddie Bauer HOME, Luzon, and Revel Woods. Use a floating install method or a nail down method. Direct glue to the subfloor introduces yet another set of chemicals into the environment. Also consider the construction of the cabinets and furniture you are using as these often include elements of particle board that contain formaldehyde based glues.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      April 17, 2019 at 7:56 pm

      No added formaldehyde and no added urea formaldehyde are quite differnt. No added urea formaldehyde means it has phenol formaldehyde. I haven't seen flooring recently that is using urea formaldehyde. It might still exist.

      Reply
  79. Unknown says

    March 4, 2019 at 5:42 am

    Can you also explain how LVT can be a good lower toxic option. Even the newer phthalate free brands are still made with plastic aren’t they? I’m getting mixed opinions online. And manufacturers are vague. Thank you

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      March 9, 2019 at 4:09 am

      I tested a few different types of the Armstrong brand that do not require glue. Good better and best I believe they are called. I also tested Cali bamboo. Cali bamboo discloses their V O C levels which are very low.

      Reply
  80. Unknown says

    March 4, 2019 at 5:14 am

    Which Armstrong vinyl plank did you test. Do you know of any other LVT brands that are good?

    Reply
  81. Jake says

    February 10, 2019 at 2:27 am

    How did your test of Armstrong's Luxury planks turn out?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      February 13, 2019 at 7:27 pm

      Decent. Will work for some people.

      Reply
  82. Unknown says

    February 1, 2019 at 3:13 pm

    How do you test porcelain tile for lead and radioactivity? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      February 6, 2019 at 11:07 pm

      You need to hire someone that has the tools for this. Someone will come out and do the testing. First you should ask the company if they have a certificate for lead testing.

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Hirsch says

        May 18, 2020 at 6:51 pm

        Is it necessary to test porcelain for heavy metals, or just ceramic tile?

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          May 27, 2020 at 12:40 am

          I would test porcelain and ceramic.

          Reply
  83. charlene336 says

    October 17, 2018 at 2:58 pm

    I'm assuming radiant heating under laminate flooring is highly toxic? What is the best alternative for radiant floor heating?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      February 6, 2019 at 11:08 pm

      Heating anyting that off gases from underneath is going to increase the off-gassing. I'm not sure what you mean by the alternative to in floor heating. There are many other types of heating systems and less toxic floor systems that would go better with in-floor heating.

      Reply
      • Olha says

        March 29, 2020 at 12:46 pm

        Hi! Which wood resemblant material would you recommend for under heated floor in a house with kids ands pets? Thank you so much for your time!

        Reply
        • Corinne says

          April 1, 2020 at 4:29 pm

          Kahrs is usually my top pick!

          Reply
  84. Unknown says

    July 28, 2018 at 11:58 pm

    I am chemically sensitive but have to replace nasty old carpet in my mobile home. About to put pure wool carpet in the two bedrooms but worried if it can affect those who cannot wear wool clothing. I saw a comment above about this and am concerned as will be the bedroom. Do people react to pure, untreated wool carpet sometimes? Will the air in the bedroom be clear?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 31, 2018 at 5:57 am

      Yes people do react to wool.

      Reply
    • Unknown says

      November 5, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      I did! Put ig in den to test, had a bad time, so cancelled my master bedroom! Thanks.

      Reply
  85. Unknown says

    June 25, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    Any ideas for a good moisture barrier?

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 31, 2018 at 5:57 am

      Will add to sheathing/subfloor post soon

      Reply
  86. C & B says

    May 22, 2018 at 8:47 pm

    I am going to have a van built out for me. The flooring will need to have 2" furring strips glued to the floor of the cargo area. Since the cargo van is new, the floor of the cargo area has a shiny auto paint on it. What adhesive would you recommend? Will the AFM Safecoat Almighty Adhesive be strong enough to keep the furring strips attached to the floor of the van/paint and then subsequenty hold in place a 3/4" NAF PLYWOOD FLOORING on top of the furring strips? The plywood will be screwed into the furring strips.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 22, 2018 at 9:16 pm

      Hi, this is complex and I don't have all the info that I need from that message. I would consult with an architect here this sounds like there's a very high chance of it going moldy if I'm understanding correctly.

      Reply
  87. Unknown says

    October 21, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    Hi Corinne – your site is incredible! Just bought my first home, 130 years old and needs some work. Pretty overwhelming to try and make good choices, thanks for making it a lot easier! Saw your carpet recommendations above… We are not the biggest fans of wall to wall carpeting. Do you have any recommendations on safe rug providers?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Unknown says

      January 7, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      I am very sensitive (MCS) and I had great luck with Hook and Loom for chemical free Cotton & Wool rugs at a reasonable price. Great customer service as well. Best Wishes. https://hookandloom.com/browse/eco-cotton-rugs/

      Reply
      • Corinne says

        January 12, 2020 at 10:58 am

        I have a post on rugs https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2019/09/11-best-non-toxic-natural-rugs.html

        Reply
  88. Faith Oh! says

    October 3, 2017 at 8:24 am

    Well done!

    Reply
  89. Danielle Soler says

    September 18, 2017 at 2:13 am

    How about vocs in porcelain tiles that look like hardwood? A printer digitally scans a photo onto the tile

    Reply
  90. Linda Kingston says

    July 29, 2017 at 5:45 pm

    I am looking for a low toxicity option for my living room, dining room, and hallway. I have a dog, so need something that will be easy to clean and not likely to stain when he throws up, etc. I have old carpet now that I want to get rid of. I need something affordable, preferable $2.5 to $4 per square foot. What do you suggest? I like the fake wood look of some of the laminates and luxury vinyl, but I am concerned about toxicity. Not sure if engineered wood is affordable or practical with a dog. I don't have allergies or sensitivities. I am worried about long-term risks of exposure to chemicals.

    Reply
    • Unknown says

      July 29, 2018 at 12:02 am

      What did you end up doing? I am in the same situation, aging dog, need easy flooring, but chemically sensitive so limited in what can get. Did you solve the flooring dilemma?

      Reply
  91. Ala Uddin says

    May 27, 2017 at 7:15 am

    Excellent post.

    Reply
  92. Phyllis MacLuan says

    May 25, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    So I finally had my husband on board to install the click together bamboo flooring from our local green store. It's pretty affordable for us at $4.50/sq ft but now I'm thinking that it might be more toxic then they are leading me to believe. I then started looking at kiln dried hardwood available here in Oregon but I can' imagine him installing that. What do you recommend? we have about 1200 sq ft. Right now, we have wool carpeting but I am allergic to wool so I can never be barefooted and I'm sure it's affecting me in other ways. Thanks for any suggestions.

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      May 28, 2017 at 2:04 am

      There isn't a bamboo I would use. It depends on your level of sensitivity.

      Reply
    • PJames says

      June 23, 2017 at 4:18 am

      Due to your sensitivities or concerns over emissions?

      Reply
    • Corinne says

      June 23, 2017 at 4:05 pm

      Yes. Bamboo is problematic for other reasons but I was thinking offgassing.

      Reply
    • Unknown says

      July 28, 2018 at 11:52 pm

      I am about to get untreated pure wool carpet in my bedroom, just been measured, but cannot wear wool clothing against my skin. I thought briefly walking on wool carpet should not be a problem but your comment worries me. Is this much of a problem?

      Reply
  93. Unknown says

    April 27, 2017 at 11:19 pm

    Nice article. I'm thinking about going with cork flooring, but I can't seem to find a natural one (not finished at all) and try to finish it myself with natural options. The only brand that sells natural cork is Thermacork and that is only for insulation.

    Reply
  94. Unknown says

    April 19, 2017 at 4:00 am

    Get an engineered hardwood floor rather than laminate. Less glue in the assembly because engineered hardwood uses a plywood backer and laminate uses a pressboard backer. Pick a product that has low or no added formaldhyde. Eddie Bauer Floors and some other good US manufactures offer this kind of product with no added formaldehyde and a UV cured acrylic matte finish which does not contain solvents and so does not emit VOCs.

    Reply
  95. WilliamKing says

    September 27, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    nice

    Reply
  96. ady says

    July 24, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    Hello is laminate flooring from home depot toxic the one you just lay like a puzzle? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Corinne says

      July 24, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      I don't know their brands. Look for low VOC brands such as ones with GreenGaurd certification.

      Reply
  97. Chase Edward says

    July 9, 2015 at 5:45 am

    Wonderful blog, I like this type of chemical free natural homes, And i need to make such a home with special flooring works and all other works.

    Reply
  98. Laura says

    March 4, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    Thank you for the info. I found this interesting document which talks more about the Retroplate process from a chemical standpoint and compares it to 2 other concrete flooring types.
    http://www.absolutepolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/A-brief-overview-of-Concrete-and-Chemical-Hardeners.pdf

    Reply
  99. Chicagoland Pro Hardwood Flooring says

    June 9, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    Gorgeous Green Home! Absolutely love the natural look and feel. Very impressed with your knowledge and expertise.

    Reply
  100. Smith Joe says

    May 13, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    Simply we know that some using this techniques is good. But I think this is not possible without using different types of flooring. So I really appreciated for the posting. Kindly provide these types of article in future.

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Corinne, I am a Certified Building Biologist Practitioner with 6 years of experience helping people create healthy homes.

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