Breathe Easier at Home with Low-VOC Flooring that Improves Air Quality

Healthy indoor air is the foundation of overall home wellness. At A Step Above Flooring, we know that the flooring underfoot plays an important role in creating a comfortable and healthy living space. By choosing non-toxic flooring options with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, you not only enhance your home’s aesthetic but also support a sustainable, cleaner environment. Let’s take a tour of how updated, low-VOC flooring can make your indoor space healthier. 

How Flooring Affects Your Indoor Air 

Your flooring not only adds style but also influences the air you breathe. It's not just about chemicals and dust—some floors release harmful chemicals from adhesives and finishes, which can cause allergies or breathing issues. In addition, floors can trap dust, pet dander, and moisture that may lead to mold growth. They even affect how air moves around your home. Choosing modern, easy-to-clean flooring can help keep your indoor air healthier. 

Top Flooring Choices for Better Indoor Air Quality 

Each type of flooring offers a different set of benefits and fits various lifestyle needs. Read on to learn more about the best flooring options for cleaner air in your home.  

Hardwood Flooring  

Breathability Rating: 9/10  

Hardwood flooring exudes timeless elegance and warmth, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a refined living space.  

How Hardwood Flooring Affects Air Quality 

Solid hardwood naturally emits minimal chemicals. When paired with low-emission finishes, it stands as one of the most appealing options for a clean indoor environment. The careful selection of coatings and stains contributes to maintaining a healthier space while preserving the inherent beauty of wood. 

Best Rooms for Hardwood Flooring 

Hardwood flooring works particularly well in areas where moisture is not a major concern. Living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways benefit from its warm, inviting character and ease of maintenance. Its polished yet natural look makes it a favorable choice for families and high-end homeowners alike. 

Hardwood Flooring Options from A Step Above Flooring 

At A Step Above Flooring, our pre-finished hardwood collection is carefully sourced and finished with products that meet strict low-emission standards. Our commitment to quality means that every hardwood option is designed to harmonize with a range of interior styles while providing a healthier living environment. Visit our Hardwood FAQs for additional information and expert guidance.

Laminate Flooring  

Breathability Rating: 6/10  

Laminate flooring offers a versatile aesthetic and a smooth, uniform finish, making it an appealing choice for spaces that require a practical yet stylish foundation. 

How Laminate Flooring Affects Air Quality 

Modern laminate flooring has evolved significantly, incorporating innovative adhesives and resins that conform to strict low-emission standards. The sealed surface of laminate discourages dust and allergen accumulation while offering a sleek finish that suits both modern and traditional interiors. 

Best Rooms for Laminate Flooring 

Laminate flooring is well-suited to high-traffic areas such as living rooms and hallways. Its durability and straightforward maintenance make it a dependable option for busy households, even as its performance in moisture-prone areas remains more limited. 

Laminate Flooring Options from A Step Above Flooring 

A Step Above Flooring presents a range of laminate products designed to combine style with performance. Our offerings cater to diverse design preferences and budgets, ensuring that each installation not only elevates your home’s appearance but also contributes to better indoor air quality.  

Vinyl Flooring  

Breathability Rating: 5/10  

Vinyl flooring merges resilient practicality with contemporary style, offering a waterproof surface and dynamic design that appeals to active, urban lifestyles. 

How Vinyl Flooring Affects Air Quality 

Recent advancements in vinyl flooring technology have led to products that focus on reducing chemical emissions without compromising on durability or water resistance. Modern, low-emission vinyl is engineered to support a clean indoor environment, addressing concerns associated with older formulations while retaining the benefits of resilience and ease of cleaning. 

Best Rooms for Vinyl Flooring 

Vinyl is particularly suited for areas where moisture is a constant factor. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements benefit from its robust and water-resistant nature, making it a smart option for spaces that require both functionality and an attractive finish. 

Vinyl Flooring Options from A Step Above Flooring 

At A Step Above Flooring, our vinyl flooring options are selected with an eye toward both performance and design. Our products offer a blend of durability and low-emission technology, appealing to homeowners and interior designers who appreciate quality solutions that meet a variety of lifestyle needs. 

Tile and Stone Flooring  

Breathability Rating: 10/10   

Tile or stone floors deliver a luxurious, enduring aesthetic with clean, polished surfaces that elevate any space with sophisticated functionality. 

How Tile and Stone Flooring Affects Air Quality 

Tile and stone are outstanding choices when a healthy indoor environment is a priority. These materials naturally refrain from releasing chemicals, and their smooth, non-porous surfaces do not trap dust or allergens. Their performance in maintaining a clean air profile makes them an attractive option for many homeowners. 

Best Rooms for Tile and Stone Flooring 

Areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic spaces benefit from the moisture resistance and polished look of tile and stone. Their ability to maintain an immaculate appearance while supporting indoor air quality makes them a favored option in both upscale and cost-conscious projects. 

Tile and Stone Flooring Options from A Step Above Flooring 

A Step Above Flooring offers an extensive range of tile and stone products that cater to both traditional tastes and modern design sensibilities. Our selection is curated to provide low-maintenance, high-performance options that enhance both the look and the air quality of your home. 

Eco-Friendly Flooring Options: Bamboo and Cork  

Breathability Rating: 8/10 

Bamboo or cork floors blend sustainable design with organic beauty, providing a serene and stylish foundation that enhances the ambiance of every room. 

How Bamboo and Cork Flooring Affect Air Quality 

Bamboo and cork introduce distinctive textures and sustainable practices into your home environment. Bamboo, known for its rapid renewability, and cork, valued for its natural resistance to allergens, are manufactured with low-emission finishes that support cleaner indoor air. Their unique appeal lies in the combination of sustainability and practical benefits. 

Best Rooms for Bamboo and Cork Flooring 

These eco-friendly options are well-suited to living spaces and bedrooms where their natural warmth creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Bamboo’s contemporary allure and cork’s sound-absorbing qualities make them desirable choices for both family homes and upscale projects. 

Bamboo and Cork Flooring Options from A Step Above Flooring 

At A Step Above Flooring, our bamboo and cork selections are finished with environmentally mindful coatings that help maintain a healthier indoor setting. Our offerings reflect a commitment to style, performance, and sustainable practices, providing clients with flooring solutions that complement both budget-conscious and high-end design needs. 

How to Choose the Right Flooring for a Healthier Home 

Selecting flooring that contributes to a healthier home environment involves weighing several factors. It is important to consider products that meet strict low-emission criteria while offering surfaces designed to minimize dust accumulation. Matching each flooring type to the specific requirements of your rooms—taking into account factors such as moisture levels and maintenance—can make a significant difference. At A Step Above Flooring, our experienced team is ready to offer comprehensive advice and installation services, guiding you toward a solution that enhances both air quality and design. 

Breathe Easier with A Step Above Flooring 

Choosing the appropriate flooring can transform your home into a space where air quality and design coalesce seamlessly. A Step Above Flooring is dedicated to providing premium products paired with professional installation services. Our offerings are crafted to support healthier indoor environments while meeting the aesthetic and practical demands of our clients. 

For personalized advice and a closer look at our flooring solutions, visit A Step Above Flooring’s Product Page or reach out to our team through our Contact page. Experience the difference that comes with flooring designed for both style and well-being.