Non-Toxic Flooring Brands (6 Safe Options!)
Ever walk into a home and just feel… good?
Like, instantly comfortable and at peace?
I’ve been a flooring contractor for over 15 years, and I’ve learned that a huge part of that feeling comes from the floor under your feet.
Think about it: your floors are the foundation of your home.
Kids play on them, pets nap on them, you spend countless
hours walking, standing, and just living on them.
But what if your floors were secretly making you sick?
Scary thought, right?
That’s why I’m so passionate about
non-toxic flooring.
It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthy, safe haven for you and your loved ones.
I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know
about choosing non-toxic flooring, including six brands that
I personally recommend.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Non-Toxic Flooring
So, what exactly is non-toxic flooring?
Well, it boils down to this: it’s flooring that’s free from
harmful chemicals that can off-gas into your home’s air.
I’m talking about things like:
-
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These sneaky
compounds can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and
even long-term health issues. -
Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen that’s often found in
adhesives and some types of manufactured wood flooring. -
Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make plastics
more flexible, but they’ve been linked to hormone
disruption and other health concerns.
Think of it this way: traditional flooring can be like a
slow-releasing air freshener, except instead of a pleasant
scent, it’s releasing potentially harmful chemicals into your
home.
No thanks!
I’ve seen firsthand the impact that toxic flooring can have on
people’s health.
I’ve worked with clients who suffered from
chronic respiratory issues that cleared up completely after
they switched to non-toxic flooring.
It’s a game-changer.
And let’s not forget about the bigger picture.
Choosing non-toxic flooring aligns with the growing trend
towards sustainable living.
It’s about making conscious choices that are good for your
health and good for the planet.
Win-win!
The Benefits of Non-Toxic Flooring
Okay, so we know what non-toxic flooring is, but why should you care?
Here’s the lowdown on the awesome benefits:
Improved Indoor Air Quality: This is the big one.
Non-toxic flooring releases fewer (or zero!) harmful
chemicals into your home, leading to cleaner, healthier air.
Imagine breathing easier and feeling better in your own
home.
That’s the power of non-toxic flooring.Safety for Children and Pets: Kids and pets spend a lot
of time on the floor, so it’s crucial to make sure it’s a
safe environment.
Non-toxic flooring eliminates the risk of
exposure to harmful chemicals through skin contact or
inhalation.Reduced Environmental Impact: Many non-toxic flooring
options are made from sustainable materials and manufactured
using eco-friendly processes.
You can feel good knowing that
you’re making a choice that’s better for the planet.
But don’t just take my word for it.
Studies have shown a clear link between indoor air quality and
health.
For example, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has
found that indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher
than outdoor levels.
EPA Indoor Air Quality
Choosing non-toxic flooring is a proactive step you can take to create a healthier, more sustainable home for yourself and your family.
Criteria for Choosing Non-Toxic Flooring
Alright, so you’re sold on the idea of non-toxic flooring.
Great!
But how do you actually choose the right option for
your home?
Here are the key factors I consider when recommending non-toxic flooring to my clients:
Material Sourcing: Where does the material come from?
Is
it sustainably harvested?
Look for brands that use recycled
or renewable resources.Manufacturing Processes: How is the flooring made?
Are
eco-friendly adhesives and finishes used?
Avoid products
that use harsh chemicals or solvents.Certifications: This is your best friend!
Look for
certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, FloorScore, and
others that verify low VOC emissions.
These certifications
are like a stamp of approval that the product has been
independently tested and meets strict standards for chemical
emissions.-
Durability: Non-toxic doesn’t have to mean flimsy!
Choose a flooring option that’s durable and can withstand
daily wear and tear. Brand Reputation: Do your research!
Read customer
reviews and look for brands that have a strong commitment to
sustainability and health safety.
I always tell my clients to think of it like this: you’re not just buying flooring; you’re investing in your health and the health of your family.
Take the time to research different brands and products, and
don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Your health is worth it!
Top 6 Non-Toxic Flooring Brands
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff!
I’m going to share my top six non-toxic flooring brand
recommendations.
These are brands that I’ve personally worked with and trust to deliver high-quality, safe, and sustainable flooring options.
1. Brand 1: Modin Vinyl
-
Overview: Modin Vinyl is known for its luxury vinyl plank
(LVP) flooring that combines style, durability, and safety.
They’re committed to creating products that are both
beautiful and environmentally responsible. Product Range: Modin Vinyl specializes in LVP flooring
that mimics the look of hardwood and tile.
They offer a
wide range of styles, colors, and textures to suit any
décor.-
Safety Certifications: Modin Vinyl products are
FloorScore certified, ensuring low VOC emissions and
compliance with strict indoor air quality standards. Unique Selling Points: Modin Vinyl stands out for its
realistic designs, waterproof construction, and easy
installation.
Their LVP flooring is also incredibly durable
and resistant to scratches, stains, and dents.-
Customer Reviews: Customers rave about Modin Vinyl’s
realistic appearance, durability, and ease of installation.
Many reviewers also appreciate the company’s commitment to
sustainability and health safety.
2. Brand 2: Cali Bamboo
Overview: Cali Bamboo is a pioneer in sustainable
flooring, specializing in bamboo and eucalyptus flooring
options.
They’re dedicated to providing eco-friendly
products that are both beautiful and durable.Product Range: Cali Bamboo offers a wide range of bamboo
flooring, including solid, engineered, and strand-woven
options.
They also offer eucalyptus flooring, which is
another sustainable and durable alternative to hardwood.-
Safety Certifications: Cali Bamboo products are
FloorScore certified and meet CARB Phase 2 standards for
formaldehyde emissions. Unique Selling Points: Cali Bamboo is known for its
innovative designs, sustainable sourcing practices, and
exceptional durability.
Their strand-woven bamboo flooring
is incredibly strong and resistant to scratches and dents.Customer Reviews: Customers love Cali Bamboo’s beautiful
designs, durability, and eco-friendly qualities.
Many
reviewers also appreciate the company’s excellent customer
service.
3. Brand 3: Forbo Marmoleum
Overview: Forbo Marmoleum is a classic linoleum flooring
option that’s been around for over 150 years.
It’s made
from natural, renewable materials and is known for its
durability, sustainability, and unique aesthetic.Product Range: Forbo Marmoleum offers a wide range of
linoleum flooring options, including sheet, tile, and
modular formats.
They offer a vast array of colors and
patterns to choose from.-
Safety Certifications: Forbo Marmoleum is certified by
various organizations, including GREENGUARD Gold and
Blue Angel, for its low VOC emissions and environmental
performance. Unique Selling Points: Forbo Marmoleum is naturally
antimicrobial, making it a great choice for kitchens and
bathrooms.
It’s also incredibly durable and resistant to
wear and tear.Customer Reviews: Customers appreciate Forbo
Marmoleum’s durability, sustainability, and unique
aesthetic.
Many reviewers also praise its ease of
maintenance and antimicrobial properties.
4. Brand 4: Green Building Supply
Overview: Green Building Supply isn’t a manufacturer,
but rather a retailer that specializes in curating a wide
selection of non-toxic and eco-friendly building materials,
including flooring.
They carefully vet each product to
ensure it meets their strict standards for safety and
sustainability.Product Range: Green Building Supply offers a diverse
range of non-toxic flooring options, including hardwood,
cork, bamboo, linoleum, and more.
They carry products from
various brands that meet their rigorous standards.-
Safety Certifications: Green Building Supply only carries
products that are certified by reputable organizations, such
as GREENGUARD Gold, FloorScore, and others. Unique Selling Points: Green Building Supply is a one-stop
shop for all your non-toxic building needs.
Their team of
experts can help you choose the right flooring option for
your home and answer any questions you may have.-
Customer Reviews: Customers appreciate Green Building
Supply’s wide selection of non-toxic products, knowledgeable
staff, and commitment to sustainability.
5. Brand 5: Nature’s Carpet
Overview: Nature’s Carpet specializes in wool carpeting
that’s made from natural, renewable materials.
Their
carpets are free from harmful chemicals and dyes, making
them a safe and healthy choice for your home.Product Range: Nature’s Carpet offers a variety of wool
carpeting options, including Berber, loop pile, and cut
pile styles.
They offer a range of natural colors and
patterns to choose from.-
Safety Certifications: Nature’s Carpet products are
certified by various organizations, including CRI Green
Label Plus, for their low VOC emissions and environmental
performance. Unique Selling Points: Wool is naturally fire-resistant,
making Nature’s Carpet a safe choice for homes with children
or pets.
It’s also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant
to mold and mildew.Customer Reviews: Customers love Nature’s Carpet’s
natural beauty, durability, and health benefits.
Many
reviewers also appreciate the company’s commitment to
sustainability.
6. Brand 6: USFloors
Overview: USFloors is a leading manufacturer of
sustainable flooring, specializing in cork, bamboo, and
wood products.
They’re committed to creating innovative
and eco-friendly flooring solutions that are both beautiful
and durable.Product Range: USFloors offers a wide range of flooring
options, including cork, bamboo, hardwood, and LVP.
They
offer a variety of styles, colors, and textures to suit any
décor.-
Safety Certifications: USFloors products are certified
by various organizations, including FloorScore and GREENGUARD
Gold, for their low VOC emissions and environmental
performance. Unique Selling Points: USFloors is known for its
innovative designs, sustainable sourcing practices, and
commitment to quality.
Their cork flooring is incredibly
comfortable and provides excellent sound insulation.Customer Reviews: Customers appreciate USFloors’ beautiful
designs, durability, and eco-friendly qualities.
Many
reviewers also praise the company’s excellent customer
service and commitment to sustainability.
Installation and Maintenance of Non-Toxic Flooring
Okay, you’ve chosen your non-toxic flooring.
Now what?
Installation and maintenance are key to ensuring its longevity
and performance.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
Installation: The installation process will vary
depending on the type of flooring you choose.
LVP and
linoleum can often be installed as a DIY project, while
hardwood and bamboo may require professional installation.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.Maintenance: Regular cleaning is essential to keep your
non-toxic flooring looking its best.
Use gentle,
non-toxic cleaners that are specifically designed for your
flooring type.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
that can damage the surface.
Here are some general tips for maintaining non-toxic flooring:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly: This will remove dirt and
debris that can scratch or dull the surface. - Mop with a damp cloth: Use a mild, non-toxic cleaner
and avoid over-wetting the floor. - Clean spills immediately: This will prevent stains and
damage. - Use rugs and mats: Place rugs and mats in high-traffic
areas to protect the flooring from wear and tear.
Cost Considerations and Value
Let’s talk about money.
Non-toxic flooring can sometimes be
more expensive than traditional options, but it’s important to
consider the long-term value.
Here’s a general overview of price ranges:
- LVP: \$3-\$7 per square foot
- Bamboo: \$4-\$8 per square foot
- Cork: \$5-\$10 per square foot
- Linoleum: \$6-\$12 per square foot
- Wool Carpet: \$8-\$20 per square foot
- Hardwood: \$8-\$25 per square foot
While the upfront cost may be higher, non-toxic flooring can actually save you money in the long run.
It’s more durable than traditional flooring, so you won’t have
to replace it as often.
Plus, the health benefits can lead to
lower medical bills and improved quality of life.
Think of it as an investment in your health and your home.
It’s a decision that will pay off for years to come.
Conclusion
Your floors are more than just a surface to walk on.
They’re the foundation of your home, the backdrop to your
life, and a key factor in your overall health and well-being.
Choosing non-toxic flooring is a conscious decision to create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable living environment.
I hope this article has empowered you to make informed choices
about your flooring.
Explore the brands I’ve highlighted, do
your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Your home is your sanctuary. Make it a healthy one!
