If you have allergies, asthma, a chronic condition, or are simply aware of things around you that can lead to a less-than-healthy lifestyle, remodeling to make your home safer and chemical-free may be at the top of your list. If that’s the case, one of the best places to start is at the bottom … with your flooring.
With many flooring options, you’ll find the bad with the good. From synthetic fabrics, to toxic chemicals, there are many things you will find that aren’t appealing, and just as many that are. Here’s what to look for.
Wood
Wood flooring will be at the top of your list as an option for your home. Wood is a natural product that’s easy to maintain, easy to keep clean. If you are worried about chemical sensitivity, make sure you choose a natural wood that doesn’t include aromatic oils. You can find many non-toxic, wood finishes that will keep it looking good without the toxic and high VOC fumes. Keep in mind that wood is prone to mold if kept in high concentrations of moisture. Make sure it is kiln-dried and kept dry from production to laying inside of your home. Also, if you have a concrete slab under the area that you will be laying the wood, make sure the installer doesn’t use glue. Use formaldehyde free plywood for installation instead.
Tiles
Ceramic tiles are a natural product that will also give you a low VOC flooring option. Tiles automatically come as a chemical free option; where you have to spend your time is in the installation and maintenance process. When laying tiles, make sure you ask about grout, glues and the sealers that will be used for installation. Depending on the type of tiling – slate, marble, or any porous tile – re-sealing will be an ongoing process to maintain its clean look and feel. Choose a non-toxic tile sealer to keep your home chemical free with low VOCs.
Stone
Where tiles are manmade using natural products, stone takes the concept of natural to the next level. Depending on the stone selected, you will need to be concerned about the installment process in the same manner as with tiling. Be sure to choose natural grouts, clues and sealants. Focus in on finding non-toxic options, and your stone will remain a top quality option for years to come.
Other Options
There may be many other options available to you, depending on your tolerance level for chemicals and your desire to have a low VOC home. Natural linoleum can be a great product for some, though it does require yearly maintenance with a linseed oil application, which has naturally occurring VOCs. Cork is a natural product, but does require frequent waxing. Look for a natural wax and this could be a great option for your home. Also focus in on how the cork floor will be laid, as some glues are more toxic than others. Bamboo is also an option for many of the same reasons as cork. Just be conscious of how the bamboo flooring will be adhered to the floor during installation, and what products can be used to maintain it throughout its life.
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