flooring
H = healthy
Is the material safe?
C = conscious
Is the material sustainable?
D = durable
Will the material last?
Materials we actively promote.
Materials we like to use.
Materials we use.
Materials we try to avoid.
Materials we advocate against.
plank & sheet
Plank flooring consists of long, narrow strips or planks installed parallel to each other or in a pattern such as parquet, herringbone, or chevron. Plank flooring is popular for its classic and timeless look, and is available in various materials, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and even some types of tile.
Sheet flooring comes in large rolls or sheets, creating a uniform appearance and allowing for fast and efficient installation over a relatively large area. Sheet flooring is available in different materials, patterns, and styles to suit a wide range of design preferences and can be fabricated from natural or synthetic materials.
solid wood / local
H — Natural, non-toxic, zero-VOC when a natural finish selected, easy to clean, comfortable, warm under foot, naturally beautiful.
C — Sustainable, renewable when sourced from ethically managed forests, carbon sequestering, biodegradable and reusable.
D — Durable with proper care, damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture or humidity, prone to denting and scratching, can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
cork
H — Non-toxic, anti-microbial, vapor-permeable, moderates humidity and improves IAQ, important to spec products without formaldehyde, toxic sealants, or MDF backing.
C — Renewable, rapidly-growing product, usually sourced from overseas, important to spec from responsibly managed sources, carbon sequestering, biodegradable and recyclable if not bound to MDF.
D — Naturally fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, sound-absorbing, very soft and feels nice underfoot, can be dented by heavy furniture.
linoleum
H — Non-toxic mix of cork flour and linseed oil, does not off-gas VOCs, resists mold, mildew, and bacterial growth, linseed oil is non-toxic but emits strong odor for a few weeks post-installation.
C — Sustainable, renewable when sourced from ethically managed forests, widely available to limited transportation distance, some manufacturers claim carbon neutrality without offsets.
D — Susceptible to moisture damage, can fade over time if exposed to UV light, susceptible to scratching, not easily repaired when in sheet form.
engineered wood
H — Most of the same health benefits of hardwood but with concerns over binding agents, lower-quality products contain formaldehyde-off gassing glues, important to choose zero-VOC products.
C — Faster forestry cycle than standard hardwood, more complete use of wood resources, not fully biodegradable or readily recyclable, significant range in product quality and environmental consciousness.
D — Durable, resistant to warping and water damage, many options more difficult to refinish due to a thin wear layer, typically has a reduced lifespan compared to solid wood.
bamboo
H — Naturally anti-microbial and resistant to mold and mildew, may be bound with glues that contain formaldehyde, asthma-causing isocyanates, and off-gas VOCs.
C — Sustainable, renewable when sourced from ethically managed forests, carbon sequestering, usually sourced from overseas, composite materials are not recyclable.
D — Doesn't require sealing, but can be susceptible to moisture damage in wet areas, very hard and durable, resists denting and scratching better than solid hardwoods.
solid wood / imported
H — Natural, non-toxic, zero-VOC if natural finish selected, easy to clean, comfortable, warm under foot, naturally beautiful.
C — Transport distance can offset carbon sequestering, biodegradable and reusable, tropical hardwoods have concerns around illegal logging, deforestation, and displacement of indigenous communities.
D — Durable with proper care, damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture or humidity, prone to denting and scratching depending on species, can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
laminate
H — Composite product with a wood byproduct core, image layer, thin transparent plastic wear layer, may contain formaldehyde, floating floor installation avoids off-gassing concerns from adhesives.
C — Petroleum-based product with high embodied carbon footprint, may contain recycled material, not biodegradable or readily recyclable.
D — Core is susceptible to water damage, susceptible to delamination when wet, relatively short lifespan.
luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
H — 100% synthetic material, made from PVC that off-gasses and releases phthalates, adhesives can also be toxic and off-gas VOCs.
C — Non-renewable, petroleum-based product, not carbon sequestering, not biodegradable or readily recyclable, not appropriate for a conscious home.
D — Very resistant to water damage, easy to clean and maintain, lower-quality options have reduced durability, relatively short lifespan even when well-maintained.
carpet / natural fiber
H — Hold and trap allergens, mites, dirt, dust, and dander, even with regular cleaning, very susceptible to mold and mildew, underlayment may still be synthetic material that off-gasses VOCs.
C — Lower GHG footprint than synthetic, petroleum-based products, recyclable if not bound to synthetic underlayment.
D — Low durability, especially in high-traffic areas, must be replaced frequently, insulative and comfortable underfoot, susceptible to staining, water damage, and wear.
vinyl sheeting
H — 100% synthetic material, made from PVC that off-gasses and releases phthalates, adhesives are often also toxic and off-gas VOCs, cheaper options have reduced durability, not appropriate for a healthy home.
C — Non-renewable, petroleum-based product, not carbon sequestering, not biodegradable or readily recyclable, not appropriate for a conscious home.
D — Very low durability, scratches and deforms easily, water-resistant, very short lifespan, even when well-maintained, inexpensive, not appropriate for a durable home.
carpet / synthetic fiber
H — Hold and trap allergens, mites, dirt, dust, and dander, even with regular cleaning, very susceptible to mold and mildew, high VOC off-gassing, petroleum-based, toxic backing, not appropriate for a healthy home.
C — Many carpets are made from petroleum-based fibers with high GHG footprints, not biodegradable or readily recyclable, huge contributor to landfills, not appropriate for a conscious home.
D — Low durability, especially in high-traffic areas, must be replaced frequently, susceptible to staining, water damage, and wear, not appropriate for a durable home.
slab & tile
Slab flooring refers to a monolithic, horizontal element, often poured on grade. Slabs can be a structural or finished flooring element or both, tend to have high thermal mass, are solid underfoot, and offer a unified design aesthetic.
Tile flooring consists of individual tiles made from various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, and metal. Tile flooring is known for its versatility, durability, and wide range of design options. It is commonly used in moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and outdoor spaces.
clay & adobe slab
H — Hygroscopic & vapor permeable, supports positive IAQ and moderates humidity, naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, hand-troweled, soft underfoot compared to concrete or stone.
C — 100% natural materials, ecologically friendly, can be produced using locally-sourced materials, low embodied energy, sealed with non-toxic, zero-VOC oils and waxes, cleaned using household cleaners.
D — Can be damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture or heavy objects, waxes and oil sealants increase resistance to scratching and scuffing, will last many years if properly cared for, not appropriate for high-traffic areas.
ceramic & porcelain tile / local
H — Must be regularly resealed and kept clean, tiles are chemically inert and resistant to mold, mildew, fungi, and bacterial, grouts are susceptible to mold and mildew, sealants containing PFAs are toxic and bioaccumulating.
C — May contain recycled material, high embodied energy due to firing, porcelain is fired at a higher temperature with more refined clays making it more energy-intensive.
D — Individual tiles are very durable and can be replaced if chipped or broken, porcelain has increased durability and resistant to water, moisture, scratches, staining, and frost.
glass tile
H — Non-toxic, easy to clean, a chipped tile can be razor sharp and a health hazard, expensive and difficult to install compared to ceramic or porcelain.
C — Requires less energy to produce than ceramic or porcelain tile, may contain a high percentage of recycled material.
D — Durable, impervious to liquids, resistant to cracking, discoloration, stains, are however susceptible to scratching, requires regular maintenance to keep looking nice.
natural stone tile
H — Raw, non-manufactured material, includes limestone, marble, quartzite, slate, travertine, moisture, mold, bacteria, and mildew-resistant, needs to be regularly sealed, sealants containing PFAs are toxic and bioaccumulating.
C — Does not create the waste stream from the chemicals used in manufacturing like ceramic & porcelain, mining is environmentally damaging, heavy weight makes transport process high-carbon.
D — Very durable when installed correctly and maintained properly, most natural stones require periodic resealing to remain waterproof, susceptible to cracking, individual stone tiles can be replaced if damaged.
concrete slab
H — Antimicrobial when properly sealed and maintained, water-resistant, and easy to clean, hard and uncomfortable, hard and cold underfoot if not paired with radiant heating.
C — High embodied energy and GHG emissions produced in manufacturing of Portland cement, mining of raw materials can be environmentally destructive.
D — Very hard and durable, and easy to maintain, needs to be resealed regularly to avoid moisture damage, susceptible to cracking, extremely heavy, may be finished or used as subfloor.
metal tile
H — Non-toxic, no off-gassing, do not require finishing, includes aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, zinc, pattern and patina finish options, can be coordinated with appliances, copper has antimicrobial properties.
C — High embodied energy in mining and processing or raw material, fully reusable and recyclable, option to use reclaimed tiles, may contain a high percentage of recycled material.
D — Very durable, long lasting, resistant to oil, grease, petroleum products, no maintenance required beyond cleaning, difficult to cut in field and will lose beveled edge.
ceramic & porcelain tile / imported
H — Tile imported from Europe and Asia often have glazes that contain lead or off-gas VOCs, grouts are susceptible to mold and mildew, selections containing PFAs are toxic and bioaccumulating.
C — High embodied energy due to firing, transportation distance, porcelain is fired at a higher temperature with more refined clays making it more energy intensive, concerns about manufacturing and mining conditions overseas, great local alternatives exist.
D — Individual tiles are very durable and can be replaced if chipped or broken, porcelain has increased durability and resistant to water, moisture, scratches, staining, and frost.