When it’s time to buy new flooring, most people focus on style, durability and cost. We aren’t saying that’s wrong, but what about indoor air quality? The surface covering almost your entire home impacts the air you breathe more than you think.
Some flooring materials catch dust, allergens and moisture, while others release chemicals into the air months after installation day. At our flooring store in Jacksonville & flooring store in Wilmington, we want to help you make the right choice. Plus, in coastal North Carolina, it gets pretty humid. Because of this, flooring directly affects the health of your indoor environment.
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important in Homes?
Did you know the air inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air? According to the EPA, it can be. When windows are closed and HVAC systems recirculate the same air, pollutants build up. Flooring has an impact in two ways:
- Trapping Particles: Some materials latch onto dust, pet dander, pollen and allergens more than others. Every time you walk across the floor, particles end up back in the air.
- Releasing Chemicals: Some adhesives, finishes and synthetic materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that off-gas into your home. The result is headaches, respiratory irritation and other health issues.
Is Hardwood Flooring Good for Indoor Air Quality?
When it comes to indoor air quality, hardwood flooring is one of the best options. The smooth, sealed surface doesn’t trap allergens the same way as carpet. Dust, pet dander and pollen sit on top so you can easily sweep them away.
Carpet fibers hold particles deep in the pile, while hardwood flooring gives allergens nowhere to hide. This creates less buildup and cleaner air over time.
Does Hardwood release VOCs?
Hardwood flooring itself doesn’t release VOCs, but certain finishes and adhesives can. Choosing the right products is essential. Prefinished hardwood doesn’t require on-site finishing so it doesn’t expose you to as many chemicals. Additionally, low-VOC and zero-VOC finishes work just as well as their traditional counterparts.
Certifications like GreenGuard and FloorScore ensure products meet strict emissions standards. These tags aren’t marketing labels, they’re third-party verified.
Does Luxury Vinyl Plank Affect Air Quality?
While luxury vinyl plank (LVP) can affect indoor air quality, choosing the right product can keep everyone in your home happy and healthy. Modern products are durable, waterproof and low-maintenance. However, since vinyl is synthetic, air quality is based on the product you purchase.
Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring Safe to Breathe?
Quality luxury vinyl flooring with FloorScore or GreenGuard certification meets strict emission standards and won’t off-gas harmful chemicals.
Like hardwood, LVP also has a smooth surface that doesn’t trap allergens. Dust and pet dander are easy to wipe and this is great for families with pets or allergies looking for better air quality.
Just know that every product is different. Those on the cheaper side don’t usually comply with these certifications and emit more VOCs. If you book a consultation with Tide & Timber, we’ll guide you toward the products that provide the best indoor air quality.
What Flooring is Best for Allergies or Asthma?
Hard-surface flooring like hardwood and luxury vinyl are ideal for those with allergies or asthma. That’s because they both withstand trapping symptom triggers. Here’s how:
- Dust mites can’t burrow into solid surfaces
- Pet dander wipes away instead of embedding
- Pollen doesn’t accumulate in pile or texture
- Mold and mildew have fewer places to grow
Carpets trap allergens deep in fibers where vacuuming struggles to reach. In coastal homes, it can get pretty humid. Hard-surface flooring stands up to moisture and discourages mold growth.
Worried about allergies? Consider engineered hardwood or certified luxury vinyl to combine air quality benefits and practical performance.
What Certifications Should I Look for in Low-VOC Flooring?
How do you know if your flooring is good for the indoor air quality of your home? Look for the following certifications:
- GreenGuard: This means the flooring meets chemical emission limits, while GreenGuard Gold is even stricter and meant for schools and healthcare facilities.
- FloorScore: This determines if hard-surface flooring meets indoor air quality standards and was established in California.
- CARB Phase 2 Compliance: The California Air Resources Board sets strict formaldehyde limits for composite wood products like engineered hardwood.
Feel free to ask questions about these certifications during your consultation. They act as the baseline for flooring that’s good for your indoor air quality.
How Can I Improve Indoor Air Quality With New Flooring?
Besides choosing the right material, you can also take your own measures to maintain better indoor air. Here’s what you can do:
- Choose Low-VOC finishes and Adhesives: If your hardwood flooring needs on-site finishing or glue-down installation, opt for low-VOC products.
- Prioritize Proper Installation: Gaps and moisture create mold, which is unfortunately very common in humid coastal climates.
- Maintain Consistent Humidity Indoors: Keep levels between 35-55% to protect your floors and prevent mold growth.
- Clean Regularly: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and stay away from harsh chemical cleaners.
We’re here to help you make healthier flooring choices. Never be afraid to ask for advice.
Finding Flooring That Supports Healthier Air
You don’t have to sacrifice style for air quality. At Tide & Timber, we want you to find flooring that looks great, but doesn’t sacrifice your health. That’s why we carry hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring that fits your vibe whether that’s coastal, modern, rustic or traditional.
On the hunt for flooring that promotes good indoor air quality? Visit one of our three showrooms in Hampstead, Wilmington or Jacksonville, NC or contact us today!
