Non-Toxic Flooring | Stylish, Safe, and Sustainable Choices

Are you a chemical-sensitive person searching for new floors that keep your indoor environment healthy and eco-friendly?

Non-toxic flooring is the absolute solution you need.

Besides aesthetics and durability, the toxicity of flooring materials is increasingly vital to consider. Thus, non-toxic flooring is a smart eco-friendly choice for modern homeowners and businesses looking to reduce indoor air pollution and promote sustainable practices.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to non-toxic flooring options, its benefits, and how it contributes to a sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, Planet Art Store offers a range of natural VOC-free floor finishes to help you create healthier and safe floors.

So, let’s explore the wonders of non-toxic flooring together.

Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic Flooring: A Healthier Choice for Your Home

Certain types of vinyl and laminate flooring are known to contain harmful substances like reprocessed plastics, cadmium, phthalates, and lead. Over time, these materials can release toxic fumes through off-gassing, which negatively impacts indoor air quality.

“Off-gassing is the release of dangerous chemicals into the air from materials like flooring, adhesives, and paints. For example, the smell of wet paint.”

Risks Associated with Toxic Flooring

• Recycled plastics in some flooring can emit harmful chemicals over time.
• Lead and cadmium, highly toxic metals, can be found in certain flooring types and poses health risks if inhaled or ingested.
• Phthalates are chemicals that disrupt hormone function and can lead to adverse health effects.
• Off-gassing fumes can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and contribute to indoor air pollution. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk from these fumes.

In contrast to toxic flooring, healthy non-toxic flooring options are made with natural building materials and are considered ‘low-VOC’ or ‘zero-VOC’.

“VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) refers to gases that are released from certain products. Some VOCs are hazardous on their own, while others react with other chemicals to create pollutants.”

Some VOCs are hazardous chemicals on their own. And some react with other gases or chemicals to form other pollutants.

Non-toxic flooring contains natural materials that don’t have harmful chemicals, toxins, and pollutants that cause health risks by negatively impacting indoor air quality. These materials are made from natural, renewable, or recycled substances that do not emit VOCs or other harmful emissions.

Thus, it’s important to be aware of VOC emissions when selecting flooring and other products to minimize potential risks and promote a healthier indoor environment.

Let’s go through just some of the few best flooring options in Australia that you can opt for both residential and commercial spaces.

Top 10 Best Non-Toxic Flooring Options in Australia | Eco Floors for Healthy Home

The non-toxic flooring is divided into three categories based on VOC Levels, starting with the purest options:

• Zero VOC Flooring
• Zero-to-Low VOC Flooring
• Low VOC Flooring

Let’s explore each of these categories in detail:

1. Zero VOC Flooring | Dark Green

This is the greenest flooring option, completely free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities, zero VOC flooring options include natural materials like solid hardwood and clay-based tiles etc.

• Natural Solid Hardwood

Natural hardwood flooring is one of the healthiest and most eco-friendly choices for your home. Made from a single piece of wood, it is free from harmful chemicals and offers a pure, chemical-free option for flooring. It’s a great choice for those looking to maintain indoor air quality, as it doesn’t release any harmful VOCs or off-gas over time.

However, it’s important to consider that some people with extreme sensitivities may find certain aromatic woods, like pine, to be too strong due to their natural terpenes.

Solid hardwood floors are also not recommended for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or basements.

Pros:

• Natural and Chemical-free
• Zero-VOC and No Off-Gassing, ensuring clean indoor air.
• Eco-Friendly; opt for FSC-certified wood for sustainable sourcing.
• Durable for a lifetime with proper care.

Cons:

• Some people with allergies may react to natural wood’s aromatic compounds.
• If not properly kiln-dried or maintained, it could harbor mold in humid conditions.

 

• Polished Concrete

Polished concrete flooring is a sleek and eco-friendly choice that can be customised to suit any home. Made using sodium silicate or potassium silicate, this flooring is non-toxic and safe, making it a great option for health-conscious homeowners.

It is vapour-permeable. This means it allows moisture to pass through, which helps prevent mold buildup. You can also personalise the look of polished concrete by using natural pigments or creating unique stains for a modern touch. While it can be sealed with various products, it’s important to choose non-toxic flooring sealers.

Pros:

• Long-lasting and resilient.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Offers a clean, minimalist look that fits with various design styles.

Cons:

• Can feel cold underfoot, especially in cool weather.
• Susceptible to damage from excessive moisture if not properly sealed.
• Can be slippery, especially when wet.

 

• Tiles

Tiles are a versatile and eco-friendly flooring option that can be used in many areas of your home.

Natural stone tiles, like marble, slate, and limestone, offer timeless beauty and durability. While some tiles may contain resins or sealants, there are many natural, low-toxin sealing options available. Ceramic and porcelain tiles, when tested for lead, are also safe and inert.

For a greener choice, air cleaning tiles now feature photocatalytic coatings that help purify the air by breaking down harmful substances like VOCs and bacteria.

Types of Tile Flooring:

Tile Type	Detail
Natural Stone Tiles	Includes marble, slate, limestone, and travertine.
Ceramic/Porcelain	Mostly glazed but can contain lead; must be tested for safety.
Glass Tiles	Non-toxic but slippery, best used on walls or backsplashes.
Concrete Tiles	Can be customised with stains and natural pigments.
Air-Cleaning Tiles	Feature photocatalytic coatings for air purification.

Pros:

• Available in range of styles and finishes.
• Durable and long-lasting
• Resistant to wear and tear
• Eco-Friendly, non-toxic sealers available and air-purifying options.

Cons:

• Can feel cold underfoot, especially in winter.
• Some tiles, like glass, can be slippery when wet.
• Test tiles, especially ceramic and porcelain, for lead content before installation.

2. Zero-to-Low VOC Flooring | Medium Green

This category includes products with negligible VOC emissions. Examples are non-toxic linoleum, engineered wood with natural finishes, or carpet options.

• Natural Linoleum Flooring

Natural linoleum, such as Marmoleum, is an eco-friendly flooring option made from renewable materials like linseed oil, pine resin, wood flour, limestone, and natural pigments.

It’s a durable and sustainable choice, perfect for residential settings. Marmoleum is available in several forms, including traditional sheets, modular tiles, and click-together versions. While it is generally safe and low in VOCs, it’s important to be aware of the adhesives used during installation, which may contain mild chemicals.

3 Types of Linoleum Flooring:

Type	Detail
Roll-Down Flooring	Traditional sheets with jute backing, glued down.
Modular Tiles	Tiles with polyester backing, glued down.
Click Flooring	Sheet material mounted on HDF and cork, click-installation, no glue.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Scratch-resistant, withstands wear and tear, ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Water-resistant; Great for kitchens and bathrooms when installed properly.
• Aesthetically pleasing; available in various colours and designs.

Cons:

• Professional installation required.
• Can fade over time with prolonged sunlight.
• Some types are more vulnerable to moisture damage.

 

• Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood floors are a popular eco-friendly option with minimal VOC emissions, especially in newer brands.

However, they may still contain trace amounts of glue, making them unsuitable for highly sensitive individuals. When choosing engineered wood, look for plywood or solid slat cores with zero-VOC stains/varnishes, and avoid substrates like HDF fibreboard, which tend to off gas more.

Many finishes, such as water-based UV-cured polyurethane, are low-VOC, while oil-based finishes may emit slightly more VOCs during application.

Pros:

• Low off gassing, ideal for most sensitive individuals.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Offers a variety of finishes.

Cons:

• Potential off gassing from glue in the core.
• Requires testing for extreme sensitivity.

.

• Healthy Non-Toxic Carpets

Non-toxic carpets are available in both natural and synthetic fibers, offering safe, healthy options. Natural fibers like wool and seagrass are often untreated and free of harmful chemicals.

Synthetic carpets are low-VOC and free of harmful substances. It’s important to air out carpets before installation and use a HEPA vacuum to reduce dust and allergens.

Below are the different types given to help you choose the best non-toxic carpet for your needs.

Type	Brand/Material	Key Features
Natural Fiber Carpet	Earth Weave (Wool)	§  no treatments, §  contains latex §  great for sensitive users
	Nature’s Carpet (Wool)	§  natural latex adhesive §  some untreated lines available
	Seagrass	§  no dyes or insecticides §  natural latex used
Synthetic Carpet	Home Fresh (PET Polyester)	§  zero-VOC §  low odour
	FLOR (Nylon Tiles)	§  modular design §  low off gassing §  easy to install
Commercial Grade	Various Brands	§  low-VOC §  specialised for commercial use

Pros:

• Durable and colour-retaining.
• Eco-friendly options
• Easy to maintain.

Cons:

• Expensive, depending on grade.
• Can shed over time.

3. Low VOC Flooring | Light Green

These are flooring materials with reduced VOC levels, still environmentally friendly but not as pure as zero VOC options. Popular choices include cork flooring, laminate, vinyl and bamboo flooring.

• Eco-friendly Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is an excellent choice for those looking for a sustainable and non-toxic option. It is made from the bark of cork oak trees, which regenerate naturally, making it an eco-friendly material.

Cork doesn’t release harmful VOCs, helping to maintain indoor air quality.

However, adhesives and finishes used in cork flooring may contribute to off gassing. Despite this, cork offers several practical benefits given below. It also comes in various colours and styles to fit your decor.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Comfortable underfoot
• Provides noise and temperature insulation
• Resistant to mold, mildew, and pests
• Easy to maintain and clean
• Can be refinished

Cons:

• Susceptible to moisture damage
• Surface may fade due to sun exposure
• Prone to divots from heavy furniture or appliances
• May require special adhesives for installation

 

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood without the cost.

Traditionally, laminate is made from synthetic materials like fiberboard, resin, and melamine, which can release harmful chemicals, particularly in the adhesives.

But non-toxic laminate options are now available.

These eco-friendly versions are manufactured with safer adhesives, free from formaldehyde and other VOCs. Identifying non-toxic laminate can be tricky, as the toxins are not always detectable by smell or appearance. It’s important to research brands and their materials carefully before purchasing.

Pros:

• Affordable; budget-friendly flooring option.
• Easy to install
• Stain-resistant; holds up well to spills and stains.

Cons:

• Moisture sensitive; can warp or swell in damp areas.
• Not as durable as hardwood; can get scratched or damaged more easily.

 

• Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring, including vinyl plank and tile, offers a cost-effective and durable alternative to hardwood and stone flooring.

Its resilience and wide variety of designs make it popular for both residential and commercial spaces. While traditional vinyl flooring contained phthalates, newer options are now made with low VOCs, reducing off-gassing and improving indoor air quality.

When choosing vinyl flooring, it’s important to select products with minimal chemicals to ensure a safer living environment.

Pros:

• Durable; can withstand heavy foot traffic and wear.
• Water-resistant; ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-moisture areas.
• More affordable than hardwood or stone.
• Easy to clean and maintain.

Cons:

• Removal can be labour-intensive and time-consuming.
• May not add as much value to your home compared to wood floors.

 

• Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is a popular eco-friendly option, offering a renewable alternative to hardwood.

However, non-toxic bamboo flooring depends on the adhesives and finishes used during manufacturing. While bamboo is naturally durable and renewable, it can be sensitive to moisture and humidity.

Formaldehyde-based adhesives are commonly used, but there are formaldehyde-free options available. The finish typically involves UV-cured urethane, providing durability and a polished look.

Pros:

• Durable; resilient to wear and tear.
• Renewable; sustainable flooring option.
• Simple to clean and care for.
• Can be refinished; offers longevity with maintenance.
• DIY-friendly; easy to install.

Cons:

• Can warp or crack with excessive moisture or dryness.
• Can be challenging to coordinate with other designs.
• Limited colour options

So, let’s transform your home with non-toxic flooring that’s as safe as it is stylish.

Make Your Floors Healthier with 100% VOC-free, Non-Toxic Floor Finishes at Planet Ark Store🌱

We offer eco-friendly floor finishes that enhance durability and elevate aesthetics while keeping your indoor air clean. From protecting your floors against wear and tear to ensuring a toxin-free environment, our sustainable solutions are perfect for every home.

So, don’t wait any longer!

Contact us at 041 258 4892

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