What is non-toxic flooring?

Healthier indoor environments have steadily become a priority for our homes, schools, offices, and businesses, and the flooring underfoot plays a bigger role than many may realise. Non-toxic flooring uses materials, adhesives, and coatings that minimise the emission of harmful chemicals. This contributes to better indoor air quality and healthier spaces. 

Unlike conventional flooring that releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time, non-toxic flooring options focus on maintaining cleaner indoor air while delivering the performance and aesthetics you expect from quality flooring materials.

What is low VOC, and what does it have to do with flooring?

VOCs refer to chemicals that evaporate at room temperature to create that ‘new floor smell’ many associate with fresh renovations. The toxicity often comes from adhesives, finishes, and coatings rather than the base materials themselves. While this might seem harmless, prolonged exposure can cause symptoms like headaches, respiratory issues, allergies, and eye irritation.

Low VOC means the material emits minimal volatile organic compounds, typically less than 0.5 grams per litre. This dramatically reduces indoor air pollutants and creates a healthier environment for everyone. 

For detailed guidance on healthy flooring choices, explore our comprehensive article on Creating healthier indoor environments: the best flooring for allergy sufferers.   

The best non-toxic and low-VOC flooring options

The good news is that you don’t have to compromise on style or performance to create a healthier space. Today’s top non-toxic flooring options, like natural cork or hardwood, offer beautiful, durable solutions brimming with benefits. 

Cork flooring

Thanks to its naturally occurring antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties, cork flooring doesn’t require the heavy-duty chemical coatings that other flooring materials depend on for protection. It inherently offers natural benefits for various applications like healthcare facilities, yoga studios, and residential spaces. 

Cork flooring also works particularly well in kitchens because cork naturally resists moisture and bacteria without chemical treatments. 

Hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring proves that timeless materials don’t need modern chemical treatments to perform exceptionally. Solid timber with natural oil finishes rather than synthetic coatings represents quality, low-VOC flooring that works wonders in residential and commercial settings. 

Unlike engineered alternatives that often rely on formaldehyde-based adhesives or synthetic topcoats, properly selected solid timber lets the wood’s natural character shine through. The result is flooring that ages gracefully, can be refinished when needed, and contributes to healthier indoor environments.

For hardwood flooring that requires sanding and finishing on site, Market Timbers offers coating and adhesive options that are rated at zero or near-zero VOC. 

Installation considerations

Once you’ve selected your cork or solid timber flooring, it’s time to think about installation. Even the healthiest base materials can be compromised by toxic installation products. 

Choose low-VOC adhesives and avoid unnecessary chemical treatments. Professional installers experienced with non-toxic flooring can ensure proper installation while maintaining air quality benefits. 

Here are some red and green flags to look out for when it comes to adhesives, coatings, and materials:

Red flags

• High formaldehyde content (especially in engineered products)
• Synthetic polyurethane coatings
• Phthalates in vinyl or flexible flooring
• Solvent-based adhesives
• ‘Antimicrobial treatments’ with chemical additives
• Stain-resistant coatings (often contain PFCs)
• Products that smell strongly or have persistent odours
• Lack of third-party certifications
• Vague labelling like ‘eco-friendly’ without specific VOC data
  

Green flags

• GREENGUARD Gold or FloorScore certifications
• Natural oil finishes (e.g. linseed or tung oil)
• Water-based adhesives and sealers
• Natural cork or bamboo without added chemicals
• Clear VOC emission data (under 0.5g/L)
• FSC-certified wood sources
• Products specifically labelled ‘formaldehyde-free’
• Natural wax finishes
• Manufacturers who provide detailed ingredient lists
  

When in doubt, ask suppliers for safety data sheets and emission testing results. Reputable companies selling truly non-toxic products will gladly provide this information. 

What flooring is the least toxic?

If there were a Market Timbers prize for the least toxic flooring out there, we’d hand Cork Pure a medal! 

Naturally non-toxic from the start, Cork Pure’s unfinished cork flooring delivers exceptional health benefits because it arrives in its natural, untreated state. While other flooring materials require multiple chemical treatments to achieve basic performance standards, you’re getting flooring in its purest form.

With no hidden chemical treatments, what you see is what you get. The unfinished Cork Pure range gives you the choice to leave the tiles completely natural, stain them to any colour to desire, or apply your own non-toxic finishes. 

Market Timbers: flooring good for you, good for the planet

At Market Timbers, we specialise in healthier flooring options like cork and solid hardwood that deliver exceptional performance without the need for harsh chemicals. 

Our commitment to eco-friendly materials means every product has been selected for its health benefits and environmental credentials. From naturally antimicrobial cork to classic solid timber, contact Market Timbers today to explore our range.