Laminate Flooring
When it comes to environmentally friendly flooring, laminate walks a fine line. Laminate flooring offers a durable and
long–lasting floor surface that can help minimize waste. It
can also give the look of hardwood without resorting to deforestation. Unfortunately, some of the harder and more durable
laminate types are made with melamine resin, a toxic
substance commonly associated with skin and lung irritation, cancer and even death.
Moreover, adhesives and glues used during the laminate installation process could emit harmful levels of VOCs. You can
help reduce some of this pollution by choosing glueless
laminate planks rather than glued or pre–glued.
Pros
- Glueless laminate installation
does not require adhesive or glue, which means less risk of exposure to VOCs or formaldehyde
- High–pressure laminate (HPL) is very durable and can last for a long time. Potentially, this means less floor
waste as a result of repairs and replacement
- Laminate flooring can be made to look just like hardwood flooring without the need for deforestation
Cons
- Some laminate overlays* are made with melamine resin
- Some laminate sealers contain VOCs, which can pollute indoor and outdoor air
- The adhesive used to bond the laminate layers could contain formaldehyde
*Overlay Layer is the top layer of laminate flooring. Its purpose is to protect the floor and make it
more durable.
Green Flooring Tips – Laminate
- Make sure laminate flooring is sealed with a VOC–free sealant
- Look for laminate flooring made with glue that meets E–1 Standards
- Use a green–friendly flooring adhesive when installing
