While home flooring is easy to overlook, it’s a key component in creating a healthy indoor home environment. With new floors being a significant investment in your home, it’s crucial to opt for non-toxic flooring options that won’t harm your loved one… especially if you have kids or pets who spend a lot of time on the floor. With flooring being the largest surface in your home, it’s important to make a conscious decision about what materials you use.
What’s the best non-toxic all-nature flooring material? What should you avoid? What are the best brands?
Keep reading to learn more about the best flooring options!
Note: This article containsย affiliate links, meaning In On Around will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain the site. As always, we value full transparency & only work with brands we love and trust.
Author: In On Around Founder & CEO,ย Catherine Power.
- Published On: April 24, 2023
- Updated On: June 26, 2024
Table of Contents
What Are VOCs?
VOCs stands forย Volatile Organic Compounds.ย Home building materials, flooring, and other products can โoff gasโ chemicals into the air, which can be inhaled. Toxicย acetone, toluene, formaldehyde, and many other potentially toxic chemicals can be found in these off-gassed vapors.
People who are especially sensitive to chemical exposures, or those who have asthma, may have worsened reactions to VOCs in the home environment.
To learn more about VOCs, check out this article about paint: Top 11 Healthy, Zero-VOC, & Non-Toxic Paint Brands
It’s important to reduce indoor VOC exposure as much as possible.
VOCs & Your Health
Indoor home air can contain a number of VOCs, such as:
- Formaldehyde – this one of the most significant concerns when it comes to flooring
- Toluene
- Benzene
- Phenols
- Glycol ethers
- Xylene
- Methylene chloride
- Perchloroethylene
- Acetaldehyde
- Isocyanates
… and more. Some of these VOCs, like formaldehyde, are oftentimes used in glues for preservation and to combat bacteria. These chemicals are linked to a number of potential health issues, like respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, fatigue, central nervous system disruption, loss of coordination, cancer, and more.
Flooring Materials
With so many different home flooring options, how do you choose?! Let’s dive into the potential pros and cons of each option.
1 - Solid Wood
Solid hardwood is the best option for indoor flooring. True hardwood flooring contains solid wood throughout and
Pros:
- Looks beautiful – a lot of visual appeal with a variety of stain colors
- Easy to clean off dust or allergens
- High return on investment – increases home value
- Can be resurfaced every 3-5 years
- Strong and durable
Cons:
- More expensive compared to some other options
- Heat can make the wood expand and contract, leaving gaps between the boards if not properly maintained
- May scratch or dent over time
- Hardwoods (ex: oak, maple) are more resistant to damage unlike softwoods (ex: pine, birch).
- Can warp from water damage or hidden sources of moisture
- Pre-finished hardwood is usually cured under UV lights with polyurethane, which contains aluminum oxide
2 - Engineered Hardwood (Composite Wood)
Engineered hardwood is NOT the same as solid hardwood.It uses a top layer of real hardwood that’s glued to plywood or other wood-like materials. This includes pressed wood, plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard.
Pros:
- Has a real hardwood top layer
- Less likely to warp
- Usually more affordable than solid hardwood
Cons:
- Oftentimes used with glues and resins which can off-gas formaldehyde and VOCs
- Can’t be refinished more than once
- Will fade over time
- Can sound hollow when walking on it
3 - Carpet
One of the most popular home flooring options. To learn more about the best rugs and carpeting choices, check out: The Best Non-Toxic Rugs, Carpets, and Rug Pads
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Soft, warm, and available in multiple colors and styles
- Can help soundproof the room
Cons:
- Can collect dust, mites, mildew, and mold
- Can contain formaldehyde, benzene, stain repellants, moth-proofing chemicals etc… Stain-resistant varieties are very common.
- More difficult to maintain
- Can contain different fiber materials, dyes, padding, adhesives, and chemicals
- Oftentimes produced from petroleum, and uses nylon, polyester, and olefin
- Can absorb smells, moisture, and other home pollutants
4 - Laminate
Laminate is usually made of a particleboard wood base topped with a photo of wood or tile topped with a plastic layer. It’s made to look like real wood.
Pros:
- Looks like real wood, but less expensive
- Easy to install
- Durable and affordable
- Comes in a variety of colors/stains like hardwood
Cons:
- A synthetic product that’s made to look like real wood, but can look very fake
- Very prone to water and moisture damage, so not a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Easy impacted by moisture damage
- Can chip
- Can sound hollow or plasticky when walking on it
- Oftentimes used with glues and resins which can off-gas formaldehyde
5 - Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic flooring material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin and other additives.
Pros:
- Durable, economical and versatile
- Can last up between 10-20 years
- Affordable
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin and plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and pigments
- Can contain phthalates and other harmful toxins like lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and more.
- Contributes to poor indoor air quality
- Much lower return on investment than hardwood
- Less visually appealing
- Older vinyl likely contains asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. Working with a licensed contractor to properly remove vinyl is crucial.
6 - Linoleum or Marmoleum
This is made from oxidized linseed oil, which comes from the flax plant.
Pros:
- Durable and versatile
- Can last up to 30-40 years
- Inexpensive
- Requires little maintenance
Cons:
- Typically needs a coat of natural wax, like beeswax or linseed oil, for protection
- The term “linoleum” is commonly used to also refer to vinyl flooring – make sure you read the label to select the natural linoleum from linseed oil
- Water can damage the floor long-term. Regular cleaning is essential.
- Typically needs adhesives to install sheet linoleum, but some click-flooring systems use composite wood
7 - Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is made from natural clay that is shaped, glazed, and fired under high heat.
Pros:
- Easy to maintain
- Durable
- Non-porous, so they’re naturally waterproof (great in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms)
- Naturally fire-resistant
- Waterproof
- Won’t stain
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- More difficult to install
- Can chip if under heavy weight
- Oftentimes cold and slippery when wet
8 - Natural Stone Tile
This includes options like marble, granite, travertine, sandstone, etc…
Pros:
- Pretty durable and eco-friendly
- Offered in a number of different styles and colors
- Naturally fire-resistant
- Bold design
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Can chip if under heavy weight
- Very energy intensive to mine, handle, and transport/ship
- Most stone tiles are porous. They’ll need regular seals to protect against staining or discoloration, which can expose you to unnecessary chemicals & VOCs – oftentimes every 6 months.
- Natural tile can release low levels of naturally-occurring radon
9 - Concrete
Concrete is a strong material made out of a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates.
Pros:
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Unique indoor design options
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Will require resealing every year, which can off-gas
- Pricey since it usually requires professional installation
- Can easily stain from oil
- Limited insulation
- Can be cold and hard on feet
- Prone to cracking over time
10 - Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is a type of sustainable flooring made from bamboo stalks that have been flattened, dried, and glued together.
Pros:
- More eco-friendly and looks like wood
- Resistant to moisture
- Durable
Cons:
- Oftentimes used with glues and resins which can off-gas formaldehyde
- While it’s a renewable resource, it commonly is harvested by poorly-managed and questionable logging/working practices
Remember: “eco-friendly” options are not always non-toxic.
11 - Cork
Cork is a renewable resource that’s made from the bark of the cork oak tree. It’s processed into tiles and planks.
Pros:
- Low-VOC
- Naturally fire-resistant and sound-blocking
- Repellent to bugs, mold and mites
- Warm and soft flooring
- Sound-absorbing
Cons:
- Oftentimes sold as a cork-vinyl composite with a PVC backing – this can off-gas toxins into the air
- Cork commonly is made with crumb rubber, isocyanate (a carcinogen), or formaldehyde binders
- Can fade under a lot of sunlight exposure
- Not waterproof, unless coated
- Vulnerable to damage
- Usually uses a resin (glue) to bind all the cork together
12 - Rubber or Latex
Rubber flooring is made from either natural or synthetic rubber and is oftentimes used in high-traffic areas in gyms, playgrounds, and hospitals.
Pros:
- Non-slip and can be helpful in a home gym
- Some natural rubber options are available, however, it’s more expensive, harder to find, and can still off-gas
Cons:
- Can off-gas nasty chemicals into the air and can contain lead, hydrocarbon processing oils, and other hazardous materials
- Rubber can off-gas for over a year
- Commonly made with crumb rubber
- Will easily stain from oil and fat
Types Of Wood Glue
Certain home flooring materials, like laminate, bamboo, engineered hardwood or composite wood products, use a combination of resin and glues to make the final product. These glues can off-gas toxic chemicals into the air, like formaldehyde, which is a known human carcinogen. The glue is needed in order to fuse the wood together.
Usually, formaldehyde-based glues use either urea or phenol. Urea glues can off-gas formaldehyde forever. Phenol glues typically emit less formaldehyde long-term. [1]
California’s Air Resources Board created standards to track the amount of formaldehyde exposure per product. NAF-certified products mean that there was “no added formaldehyde”. ULEF stands for ultra-low emitting formaldehyde, meaning some amount is still emitted.
What To Look For
Of course, there are many things to consider when shopping for home floorings, such as budget, style, room use, and material. Follow these tips to help in the selection process:
- Look for these certifications:
- Best: Greenguard Gold – limits emissions of over 360 VOCs
- Second Best:
- FloorScore
- Greenguard (not their “Gold” standard)
- California Air Resources Board (CARB2) NAF certified also measures formaldehyde levels
- Opt for these materials:
- Natural hardwood from FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) solid wood
- Natural linoleum
- United States manufactured ceramic tile
- Make sure it’s American-made to avoid lead glaze and free of fungicides
- For ceramic, travertine, granite, soapstone or limestone tile may not always require a sealer… but if they do, opt for low-VOC sealer
- Opt for low-VOC or Greenguard Gold-certified cement backer boards
- Use unmodified cement-based grout that’s free of latex additives
- Before purchasing tile, even if it’s USA-made, you can use a lead swab test kit to see if the glaze has any superficial lead in it.
- Cut all tiles outside in a well-ventilated area to reduce inhaling dust
- Low-VOC mechanically polished concrete
- This will off-gas initially, but after a week or so it won’t off-gas much at all
- If possible, it’s best to install via nail-down or click-lock instead of glue.
- If you need to use glue, opt for low-VOC glue options that are Greenguard Gold certified. While this isn’t 100% non-toxic, it’s a “better” option than conventional glues.
- The nail-down method isn’t typically an option if there’s a concrete subfloor
- When staining, opt for low-VOC water-based stains, which emit less VOCs, on average, than oil-based stains
Many flooring companies will offer different products from different materials and certification levels. Always read the label for the specific product you’re buying. If you’re also looking to paint your home, check out this article for the best non-toxic brands: Top 11 Healthy, Zero-VOC, & Non-Toxic Paint Brands
What To Avoid
Avoid or limit the following when shopping for non-toxic flooring:
- Spill-proof, stain-resistant, or scratch-resistant finishes or treatments
- These can contain forever chemicals or PFAS.
- To learn more about stain-resistant chemical treatments, check out:ย Per/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) โ What Are Forever Chemicals & How Do We Avoid Them?
- Not Recommended:
- Products that are treated with biocides or fungicides
- Avoid HDF (high-density fiberboard) or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) options. These can off-gas more than plywood.
- Limit use of these materials:
- Vinyl or PVC
- Laminate
- If you do use this opt for Greenguard Gold certified, like the brands Shaw or Swiss Korona.
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Petroleum-based, synthetic or recycled carpeting (even the ones made from recycled bottles)
- Only look for carpets without PFAS stain repellent treatment, no vinyl or polyurethane backing, and without fly ash.
- Synthetic rubber
- Composite wood
- Look for NAF-certified products (which stands for “no added formaldehyde”)
- NAF is a better standard than ULEF, which stands for ultra-low emitting formaldehyde… meaning some amount is emitted.
- Don’t fall for “eco-friendly” greenwashing or marketing schemes
How To Reduce VOCs After Flooring Installation
First and foremost, ventilation is key. Open your windows when possible, and use a high-quality air purifier, ideally in every room. If you’re pregnant or have young children, it’s best to avoid the new flooring for some time until the initial vapors are aired out.
In addition, only use contractors who are well-versed in healthy home indoor environments and make them aware that you’re trying to limit exposure to unnecessary chemicals. Ensure the contractor promptly and properly disposes of unused products.
Non-Toxic Flooring Brands
Looking for the best flooring brands? Look no further! Here are our top picks:
Hardwood
This list is certainly not exhaustive. There are many low-VOC and Greenguard Gold-certified options available even in big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowes. Green Building Supply also offers a wide range of great options, including hardwood and linoleum.
Tile
There are many USA-made tile options, so shop around. Daltile claims to be lead-free (aside from naturally occurring trace amounts), with the exception of any of their red glazes.
Carpeting
- Earthweave
- Uses natural chemical-free wool with hemp and cotton backing, jute secondary backing, and rubber adhesive.
- While Earth Weave offers carpets, they also offer rugs!
- To purchase, you can reach out to Earth Weave directly, or purchase throughย Organic And Healthy Inc.
- These carpets are of great quality, but theyโre on the flatter side. So if youโre used to very plushy carpeting, you might want to add a layer of 100% wool padding underneath.
- Natureโs Carpet (Dark Green Line Only)
- Note: Some of their products are treated with insect-resistant agents and backed with polypropylene and synthetic latex.
More information on rugs can be found here.
Wood Finishes
- ECOS – use discount code INONAROUND10 to save 10%
- AFM Safe Seal – this can help seal in formaldehyde and off-gassing fumes (some people have even used this on hardwood flooring)
- The Real Milk Paint Co Tung Oil
- AFM Poly BP
Stone & Tile Sealer
- ECOS Stone & Tile Sealer – discount code INONAROUND10 to save 10%
- Safecoat Mexeseal – for stone, concrete, and porous tile sealer
- Real Milk Paint Soapstone Sealer – for soapstone, slate, granite, and concrete countertops
Wood Floor Glues
- ECOS Wood Glue – discount code INONAROUND10 saves you 10%
- AFM Almighty Adhesive
Gym Flooring
Rubber can off-gas, so it’s best to opt for the lower VOC options, especially if you’re going to be working out on the floor. Polished concrete with workout mats can be a good option. While most cork doesn’t meet my standards, Nova Cork can work well for yoga studios since it’s soft on the feet.
Final Thoughts: Safe, Low-VOC Home Flooring
Most flooring types will release some level of volatile organic compounds… most of the time it’s impossible to avoid. Life isn’t about 100% avoidance. That being said, there are many low-VOC options available that you could opt for to lower your toxic load.
Using high-quality and non-toxic flooring options can help improve your indoor air quality, increase your home’s resale value, and reduce potential health issues. The next time you do a home renovation, consider these options.
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What did you learn?
Let me know your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!
xoxo,
Want to read more? Check out my other articlesย here!
Other references on Non-toxic flooring: Home Advisor, The Spruce, Moms Clean Air Force, One Part Sunshine, EWG, Ecofriendly Flooring, Empire Today, Go New Mommy, Mamavation, Ruan Living, Because Health, Force of Nature, Nex Systems, One Community, Forbes Home, Real Homes, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce, This Old House, All American Flooring, Bob Vila, Flooring Inc, Tesoro Woods, Easiklip, Floor Coverings, Ambient, Flooring Stores, Flooring Inc, Eco Home, My Chemical Free House, Creative Carpet Inc, Build Direct, Flooring Clarity, Healthy Materials Lab, East Coast FL, Lead Safe Mama, Green Building Supply, Mommy To Max, Gimme The Good Stuff, Nontox U
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Frequently Asked Questions โ Non-Toxic Flooring
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about: non-toxic laminate flooring, non-toxic hardwood flooring, and healthy home flooring options.
Solid hardwood with low-VOC varnish is the best non-toxic flooring option.
Using high-quality and non-toxic flooring options can help improve your indoor air quality, increase your home’s resale value, and reduce potential health issues.
No, eco-friendly options are not always non-toxic. Many brands are greenwashed and made to seem healthy when in reality they’re not.
Modern homes look great with non-toxic solid hardwood, polished concrete, or US-made ceramic tile.
![Did you know... organic food is only about 6% of food sales?
Luckily, this is up from 2% in 2012!
But we still have a long way to go.
Support your local, organic or regenerative farmers whenever you can ๐ Share if you agree!
[Stat reported from Organic Trade Association, 2021]
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