Floor coverings
- Choose long-lasting, low-VOC floor coverings
- Install the right flooring in the right place
- Choose high-quality, VOC-free or low-emission paint and primer
- Eco-responsible suggestions for installing floor coverings
Is the flooring somewhere in your home badly scratched, water damaged or simply getting too old? There are more and more healthy, long-lasting products on the market that can be used to freshen up your floors in an environmentally friendly way. While comfort and appearance dictate most floor covering choices, you can also choose options that will reduce waste and protect your health.
Of the many products available, the best choices lend themselves to different decorating styles, require little maintenance and are strong and long-lasting to reduce resource use. To improve the air quality in your home and reduce the impact on human health, your best bet is to choose floor coverings that require the least amount of glue, varnish and waterproofing products during installation and maintenance.
To sort through the alternatives, take a look at the floor covering comparison chart to learn about the properties of each flooring type and the most environmentally friendly options.
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| Floor covering | Room | Properties | The healthier, more ecological choice | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Dining room | Living room | Bedroom and office | Bathroom | Basement | Advantages Disadvantages |
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| Wood | X | X | X |
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The most ecological option is boards made in Canada from local species grown in FSC certified forests, especially if the wood is recycled. Use a natural or low-VOC coating. Hardwood is stronger and more common, but some softer woods, such as red pine, offer an interesting, rustic look. | |||
| Linoleum | X | X | X | X |
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The most ecological choice. Linoleum is made from natural, renewable products, and can be made from recycled materials. To apply, use low-VOC emission glue. |
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| Cork | X | X | X | X |
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An ecological choice if it is made with a low-VOC binder. Cork floors are made with the by-products from cork stopper production. To apply, use low-VOC glue and coating. |
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| Tiles(Ceramic and natural stone) | X | X | X |
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Tiles are a healthy choice because they emit no volatile organic compounds. Natural stone is the most ecological choice if it is from local sources. Choose ceramic tiles made with recycled content. Use low-VOC glue and grout for the installation. |
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| Engineered wood | X | X | X | X | X | X |
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Choose formaldehyde-free engineered wood. Select local species from FSC forests. Use a natural or low-VOC coating. If the floor must be glued, choose a low-VOC adhesive. |
| Parquetry | X | X | X |
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Choose formaldehyde-free parquetry. Select local species from FSC forests. Use a natural or low-VOC coating. Choose a low-VOC adhesive for the installation. | |||
| Stratified flooring (floating floor) | X | X | X | X |
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Choose a low-VOC stratified floor covered with a decorative veneer of wood, rather than melamine. Choose thicker flooring, as it will be more durable. | ||
| Bamboo | X | X | X | X | X | X |
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Bamboo is often presented as an environmental choice because it is so rapidly renewed, but its intensive cultivation leads to deforestation and the use of chemical products. For the most ecological choice, use bamboo made with formaldehyde-free glue. Choose bamboo from FSC forests. |
| Carpet | X | X | X |
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Choose carpets made from recycled or renewable materials. Look for the following labels: Green Label carpets contain few VOCs, EcoLogo carpets emit few VOCs and are made with at least 40% recycled or renewable materials. | |||
| Vinyl | X | X | X | X | X | X |
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Vinyl is not a very ecological choice. It does not reduce resource waste and does not protect human health. For application, use a VOC-free tile adhesive. |