What is Low VOC Flooring and Why It Matters

When homeowners start shopping for new flooring, most of the focus is on appearance, durability, and price. Wood species, plank size, color tone, and wear layers tend to dominate the conversation. But there’s another factor that’s just as important, especially for families, pet owners, and anyone concerned about indoor air quality: VOCs.

Low VOC flooring has become a major topic in the flooring industry, and for good reason. Flooring materials cover a large surface area in your home, and the products used to manufacture, finish, and install them can impact the air you breathe every day. Understanding what VOCs are, how they relate to flooring, and why low VOC options matter can help you make a healthier, more informed decision for your home.

What Does VOC Mean?

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. VOCs are found in many everyday products, including paints, adhesives, cleaning products, furniture finishes, and flooring materials.

In flooring, VOCs can come from several sources:

• Adhesives and glues used during installation
• Finishes and sealers applied to hardwood floors
• Backing materials in vinyl, laminate, and carpet
• Manufacturing processes and treatments

When VOCs are released into the air, a process known as off-gassing, they can contribute to indoor air pollution. Some VOCs are noticeable right away through strong odors, while others are odorless but still present in the air.

Why VOCs Matter for Indoor Air Quality

Most people spend a significant amount of time indoors, especially at home. Indoor air quality can sometimes be worse than outdoor air quality, particularly in newer or recently renovated homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency.

High VOC levels indoors can cause short-term symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Eye, nose, or throat irritation
• Dizziness or nausea
• Worsening asthma or allergy symptoms

For sensitive individuals, including children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions, prolonged exposure to VOCs can be more concerning. While not all VOCs are equally harmful, reducing unnecessary exposure is widely considered a smart and proactive choice.

Because flooring covers so much square footage, it can be a major contributor to VOC levels, especially immediately after installation.

What is Low VOC Flooring?

Low VOC flooring refers to flooring products that are manufactured, finished, and installed with minimal VOC emissions. These products are designed to off-gas at much lower levels than traditional materials, helping maintain healthier indoor air quality.

Low VOC does not necessarily mean VOC-free, but it does mean the product meets strict limits set by third-party testing and certification programs. These limits are designed to ensure emissions stay well below levels known to cause health concerns.

Common Low VOC Flooring Options

Today, many flooring manufacturers prioritize low VOC materials due to increased consumer awareness and stricter regulations. Some flooring types naturally lend themselves to low VOC performance, while others depend heavily on how they’re made and installed.

1. Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood can be a low VOC option, particularly when finished with water-based or natural oil finishes. Prefinished hardwood often has controlled factory finishes that meet low VOC standards. However, site-finished hardwood can vary widely depending on the stain, finish, and installation products used. Choosing low VOC finishes and adhesives is key.

2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood is often a strong low VOC contender, especially when certified by recognized third-party programs. The best engineered wood flooring brands typically use low-emission core materials and factory-applied finishes that significantly reduce off-gassing. As with any industry, there are some engineered wood brands you should avoid.

3. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP flooring used to raise concerns about VOCs, but modern manufacturing has improved dramatically. Many reputable vinyl plank and tile products are now certified low VOC and safe for residential use. It’s important to look for third-party certifications, as quality can vary significantly between brands.

4. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring can be low VOC when manufactured with low-emission adhesives and core materials. Again, certifications matter, as some lower-quality laminates may still emit higher levels of formaldehyde or other VOCs. For more info, have a look at the laminate flooring brands we recommend.

5. Natural Flooring Options

Materials like cork, bamboo, and linoleum can be excellent low VOC choices when sourced responsibly and finished with low-emission products. These materials appeal to homeowners seeking more natural or eco-conscious solutions.

The Role of Certifications

One of the best ways to identify low VOC flooring is through independent certifications. These labels indicate that a product has been tested for emissions and meets strict indoor air quality standards.

Some commonly recognized certifications include:

• FloorScore
• GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold
• Green Label Plus (commonly used for carpet)

These certifications evaluate how much a product emits into indoor air over time, not just what ingredients are listed on a label.

At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, a leading flooring company in Portland, Oregon, we help homeowners understand what these certifications mean and which products align with their health and lifestyle priorities.