Healthy Building Materials: Flooring

With the goal of sustainability in mind, one must think about both the earth and its inhabitants. Often times, building materials save resources but are unhealthy for humans. Finding the perfect material that is sustainable for humans and nature is sometimes difficult. Flooring is no exception. Because it is mass produced and in constant contact with humans, it is of the utmost importance that flooring be sustainable. Here are some examples of healthy flooring.

Formaldehyde-free OSB
Oriented strand board (OSB) is the chip board that you often see on the outside of homes before siding goes up. It is used for a variety of building purposes, including wall sheathing and floor decking. Unfortunately most OSB contains formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound that evaporates at room temperature and can cause a host of health issues. Purchasing low/no formaldehyde OSB improves a building's indoor air quality.

Stained/painted Concrete
If a building is on a concrete slab, you don't have to worry about OSB on the floors. Stained concrete eliminates the need to use any extra natural resources. When done correctly, stained concrete costs very little and can be as attractive as tile or hardwood.
Kemiko

Natural Carpet
Choose carpet that is made from natural materials like wool or biobased-plastic (sustainably grown). Avoid PVC and other petrochemical based products. Natural carpet is recyclable, renewable, and takes less energy to produce. Carpet pads are also produced using petrochemicals. Buy carpet pads made from wool, recycled nylon, rubber, or newsprint.
Earth Weave
Nature's Carpet

Tile
From mining to production, tile usually has a high embodied energy. Make sure that any tile that you purchase is locally produced (Within 500 miles), so there is less energy wasted on transportation. Tile made from recycled glass and mine material also saves energy and reduces waste.
Tiles made from recyclables

Hardwood Alternatives
Cork, bamboo, and reclaimed lumber are attractive alternatives to wood flooring. Typically these alternatives are more renewable and have a smaller embodied energy than virgin timber. One of the cons of bamboo is that it is usually grown and shipped from areas in East Asia. This adds to the embodied energy of the product and also causes concern for human rights. If you must choose hardwood flooring, make sure that it is FSC certified for sustainable growth.
APC Cork
Expanko
Olde Wood Ltd.
Plyboo

Natural Linoleum
PVC is considered the most dangerous plastic when it comes to its affect on human health. During production, it releases chemicals that have been known to cause certain types of cancer. Furthermore, throughout its consumer lifespan, it slowly releases phthalates that have been linked to respiratory, reproductive, and endocrine disorders. PVC is present in all vinyl flooring. The best alternative to vinyl flooring is natural linoleum which is usually made from cork, sawdust, and natural resins.
Marmoleum



(Many of these flooring products can be purchased in Cincinnati at Greener Stock.)


(Disclaimer: Some of these products are manufactured and shipped from more than 500 miles away. Make sure to weigh the costs and benefits of using a non-local product.)


Photo by: Kepanok http://www.flickr.com/photos/kepano/