Dear Forum,
We are considering which types of flooring to choose for our new prefabricated house. It is very important to me that no harmful substances are present (formaldehyde, VOCs, permethrin, etc.).
We plan to install tiles in the bathroom, kitchen, and hallway. For the living area, bedroom, and children’s rooms, we prefer a warmer floor covering, ideally with a wood appearance. I do not want carpet, and cork is probably out since it is too sensitive to light and pressure for us.
I have read a lot online, and cork, linoleum, natural flooring, and parquet or wood planks are often mentioned as particularly low in harmful substances. However, it is also pointed out that details matter a lot—for example, whether the floorboards are click-fit or glued (risk of formaldehyde), whether the top layer has a lacquer that contains pollutants, or whether the substrate board contains toxins… all of which makes sense.
It is also mentioned that certifications, like the Blue Angel, do not guarantee the absence of harmful substances but only that the levels are below legal limits. Some posts even suggest that the pollutant levels of materials used in the room add up—for example, if the wall paint is just below the limit. This is frustrating to me. What can I really rely on if even certifications are questioned?
I am now wondering how to find a floor that contains NO harmful substances. Of course, price is a factor. Our prefab house supplier offers parquet flooring including installation for €140 (about $150), which is our budget limit. We could install a click-system ourselves to save money. Is this possible with underfloor heating?
Does anyone know of a brand (e.g., for laminate, engineered wood, parquet, natural flooring, linoleum…) or have tips for reliable certifications? How do you assess “natural flooring” referred to as low in harmful substances? The polyurethane it contains is said to be critical as well.
Kind regards,
Catibu74
We are considering which types of flooring to choose for our new prefabricated house. It is very important to me that no harmful substances are present (formaldehyde, VOCs, permethrin, etc.).
We plan to install tiles in the bathroom, kitchen, and hallway. For the living area, bedroom, and children’s rooms, we prefer a warmer floor covering, ideally with a wood appearance. I do not want carpet, and cork is probably out since it is too sensitive to light and pressure for us.
I have read a lot online, and cork, linoleum, natural flooring, and parquet or wood planks are often mentioned as particularly low in harmful substances. However, it is also pointed out that details matter a lot—for example, whether the floorboards are click-fit or glued (risk of formaldehyde), whether the top layer has a lacquer that contains pollutants, or whether the substrate board contains toxins… all of which makes sense.
It is also mentioned that certifications, like the Blue Angel, do not guarantee the absence of harmful substances but only that the levels are below legal limits. Some posts even suggest that the pollutant levels of materials used in the room add up—for example, if the wall paint is just below the limit. This is frustrating to me. What can I really rely on if even certifications are questioned?
I am now wondering how to find a floor that contains NO harmful substances. Of course, price is a factor. Our prefab house supplier offers parquet flooring including installation for €140 (about $150), which is our budget limit. We could install a click-system ourselves to save money. Is this possible with underfloor heating?
Does anyone know of a brand (e.g., for laminate, engineered wood, parquet, natural flooring, linoleum…) or have tips for reliable certifications? How do you assess “natural flooring” referred to as low in harmful substances? The polyurethane it contains is said to be critical as well.
Kind regards,
Catibu74
H
HoisleBauer2228 Sep 2023 21:21xMisterDx schrieb:
However, when installing a floating floor, larger or more expansion joints are required.Why is that, and who else claims this? How is this supposed to work with click-lock laminate flooring, since the tongue and groove are manufactured to fit precisely?