Find Laminate Flooring with Low VOCs

Desirable due to its attractive appearance, easy maintenance, and low price, laminate flooring developed a poor reputation for green performance in the past. Notably, it tended to give off toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) due to chemical components of the fiberboard, the printing ink, or the adhesive used to install the laminate floor. However, in recent years manufacturers have responded to consumer demand and are offering laminate that is much more environmentally friendly.

Choose laminates printed with water-based ink, which contains low- to no-VOCs. The glue used for your laminate flooring installation should also be low in VOCs and isocyanine-free. Alternatively, opt for floating laminate that doesn't require adhesive at all -- the interlocking planks simply "float" above the underfloor.

Investigate whether the manufacturer typically off-gasses its laminate flooring products at the factory, prior to shipping them to suppliers. Purchasing this type of material will help protect your home's air quality.

Find out about maintenance as well. Your laminate flooring should not require harsh chemicals for either sealing or cleanup. I have laminate floors installed in my home, which are easy to keep looking good with just a sponge mop and warm water (add a few drops of vinegar if desired). No waxing or other treatment is necessary.

Browse the websites of various reputable flooring manufacturers to check out the green scorecard of their products. Contact them directly if you have questions you'd like answered. Try to get definite facts and figures rather than vague description of their products as environmentally sound.

If you are visiting the showroom, you can try the "smell test." Take a whiff of the floor material you are considering purchasing, to see whether it has a readily detectable chemical odor.