Floors and stairs

Some alternatives

Bamboo and cork: These materials are ecological, sustainable, healthy and renewable. However, the long distances they have to travel (Europe, Asia) make them polluting materials (if you live in Canada). It is to be noted that in the process of preparing bamboo for flooring, glues and urea formaldehyde can be used. This can affect indoor air quality and pose a health risk for people who suffer from environmental sensitivities.

Concrete: It is a material that helps retain heat, and chemicals are added in the manufacturing process. The manufacture of concrete is not environmentally friendly.

Hemp: Without adding other components, hemp is a healthy product, which can be recycled continuously. It has a low carbon footprint because it is easily grown in North America and Europe. In addition, it is a bio-sourced raw material that grows rapidly (eco home).

Linoleum and marmolium: Linoleum and marmolium linings are made from jute cloth that have been waterproofed with linseed oil and wood powder. It is a natural, anti-allergenic and antibacterial solution (eco home). 

Recycled flooring: It is an ecological, sustainable and healthy solution. However, their price is higher. 

Also think about recycled tiles (40% minimum). Eco home

Slate and stone: It is a sustainable, local and healthy solution.  

Solid wood: It contains little or no VOCs and is an environmentally sustainable choice. Opt for FSC certified wood and choose a hardwood such as oak, cherry, maple, etc.

Tile and Ceramic: By using low or zero VOC adhesives, tile is a durable and healthy solution for your home. However, they often come from Italy or China and therefore have a high carbon footprint.

Tips

Some FSC engineered flooring and scrap wood may contain backings composed of glues containing carcinogens such as formaldehyde.

Carpets (fixed to the floor) are often made from petroleum products or non-biodegradable synthetic fibres and contain chemicals such as glues, dyes, flame retardants, etc.

Laminate floors (laminate, floating) are composed of wood fibres that are not very durable and are held together by glue, which may contain carcinogenic formaldehyde.

Also avoid toxic vinyl (PVC), which is present in many floor coverings.

Finally, avoid the use of tropical wood. Although it is not toxic as such, its use contributes to deforestation. It is preferable to use recycled, recovered wood that you can stain with non-toxic products.

To maintain your floors, use VOC-free oils. Eco home recommends the non-toxic Monocoat oil.

Type

Wood Flooring

Bamboo

Hevea wood

Hardwood

Hemp flooring

Natural Sheet Flooring

Marmoleum

Brand

Many available

Farbo

Cork

Details

Many bamboo flooring products are made with adhesive or binders containing urea formaldehyde, which can emit formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). To be avoided if you are vulnerable, have children, are pregnant, or if you have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.

Hevea wood flooring is considered to be one of the best wood products in the world for a number of excellent reasons. Primarily it is very environmentally friendly.

Birch, basswood, maple, oak are ecological choices. See “Sealants” for non-toxic finishes.

https://hempwood.com/

Hemp wood flooring is naturally 100% non-toxic. Made from all-natural hemp stalks, a non-toxic liquid finish, and a non-toxic soy-based glue, hemp flooring is free of toxins, VOCs, or formaldehyde

https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-ca/

This is the old all natural resin flooring known as Linoleum.

This is sustainably harvested from the bark of the cork tree.