why we avoid luxury vinyl plank flooring
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has gained immense popularity in recent years for its cost-effective, wood-like appearance and easy installation. However, beneath the surface lies a dirty secret that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Here we’re sharing why we actively choose to avoid vinyl flooring and the hidden hazards associated with this seemingly convenient flooring option.
LVP is often marketed as an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. It's praised for its versatility, durability, water resistance, and low maintenance. Homeowners and multi-unit housing developers alike are drawn to its wood-like appearance, and many believe it to be a sustainable choice due to its synthetic nature. Unfortunately, the marketing claims, however strong, can’t hide the truth about what this flooring actually is and how it impacts us.
Material palette with WD Wood Flooring as the foundational material.
Vinyl Flooring is made of toxic chemicals including phthalates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and metals. Polyvinyl chloride is widely used in plastics production because it is cheap and durable; without plasticizers, it’s very hard and sometimes brittle. PVC is a respiratory irritant and can cause damage to organs through repeated exposure. Phthalates are plasticizers used to make the flooring more flexible, but they have been linked to a variety of health issues, including hormonal disruptions, asthma, and even cancer. As noted in this article by Fast Company, phthalates in vinyl flooring can release harmful chemicals into the air over time, posing a risk to indoor air quality. Additionally, a wide variety of metals can be found in vinyl flooring depending on the brand and location of manufacturing, these can include chromium, titanium dioxide and lead.
Vinyl flooring is far from environmentally friendly. The sustainable claims you see in regard to LVP products are 100% greenwashing. The production of vinyl flooring involves the use of fossil fuels and the release of hazardous byproducts. Additionally, these floors are not biodegradable and contribute to landfill waste when disposed of. With the growing concern about sustainability and climate change, many are seeking flooring alternatives with less environmental impact.
The chemical composition of LVP flooring raises concerns about its impact on human health. The biggest risk of vinyl flooring’s toxic composition is to those manufacturing it. Bill Moyers' Trade Secrets podcast cites that workers involved in the production of vinyl flooring may face occupational hazards due to exposure to toxic chemicals since they are most exposed to the raw forms of the chemicals. For us, the ethics of specifying vinyl goes against our professional responsibility of protecting individuals’ health and safety at the manufacturing level. Moreover, all materials release particles over time when being used through off-gassing, dust, and general wear. Therefore, people living with vinyl flooring in their homes may unknowingly expose themselves and their children to the negative health impacts of these toxic chemicals which in our opinion is not worth the risk.
The flooring industry, especially residentially, has often lacked transparency when it comes to disclosing the presence of harmful chemicals in its products. Many consumers are unaware of the potential risks associated with LVP flooring, as manufacturers do not always provide comprehensive information about the materials used.
Our goal is to bring to light alternatives that are better for people and the planet. Some of these options include:
Hardwood Flooring: Traditional hardwood floors, when sourced responsibly, offer a timeless and natural material choice that can last for generations. According to our friends at WD Wood Flooring, when wood floors start to show wear, they can be buffed or refinished and this can be done many times throughout their lifetime. We will always advocate for hardwood flooring over LVP and have found that the products can be comparable in price depending on the final selection.
Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that makes for an excellent flooring material. While we recognize this aesthetic is not right for every project, manufacturers offer designs that closely achieve the look of traditional hardwood flooring.
Cork Flooring: Cork is derived from the bark of cork oak trees, and its production is environmentally friendly. It's known for its natural resilience and sound-absorbing properties.
Linoleum: Linoleum flooring, made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, jute, and wood flour, is a durable and biodegradable option. It’s known for its durability and longevity. If you living in an older home, chances are you have come across linoleum flooring that is 50+ years old.
Tile: Porcelain and ceramic tile are great alternatives when looking for a non-wood-look alternative to vinyl. Not only are they durable, but they come in a wide variety of fun shapes, patterns, and textures that bring a unique design element to the right space.
Women’s Clinic | Shaw Contract In-Tandem Plank Resilient Flooring | Photo by Spacecrafting
While Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring may appear to be a convenient and cost-effective choice for your home, the hidden hazards associated with it make it a less appealing option. Toxic chemicals, environmental concerns, and health risks have led many consumers to seek safer and more sustainable alternatives. We strive to educate and encourage homeowners and commercial property developers, away from the use of vinyl flooring as we seek to protect human health and well-being and significantly reduce the impact of buildings and construction on the built environment.