Alternatives to Luxury Vinyl Plank
February 9, 2023
Luxury Vinyl Plank or LVP, is a popular flooring choice because it is waterproof, easy to care for, DIY-friendly, and comes in a variety of designs and price points. With its upsides comes one major downside, LVP is not eco-friendly. The primary reason for this is the polyvinyl chloride, PVC, used in the vinyl wear layer and the vinyl decorative layer. The production, use, and disposal of PVC and its waste results in the release of toxic chlorine-based chemicals. These chemicals create volatile organic compounds, VOCs, that can be harmful to all, especially children, pets, and the elderly. VOCs are emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids, we commonly know this as off-gassing. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health and environmental effects. In addition to off-gassing, PVC is hard to recycle, is not biodegradable, and can release chlorine gas and the carcinogen dioxin if incinerated or during accidental fires. Pricing starts at $6.70 per square foot for Coretec.
Are you looking for a super durable, waterproof flooring? What options exist aside from luxury vinyl plank (LVP) that are floating floors? Originate carries two options that are great alternatives to LVP. Amorim WISE flooring comes in both wood and cork designs and Forbo Marmoleum Cinch LOC Seal is available in a range of colors and patterns. Let’s look at vinyl first.
What makes WISE and Forbo Marmoleum Cinch LOC Seal options more eco-friendly than LVP? Let’s take a look.
The Amorim WISE protective surface contains PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the plastic used in food containers. PET does not give off the harmful VOCs that PVC does and it is more easily recyclable. The WISE water-resistant non PVC cork rigid core is made of cork, minerals and calcium. WISE is non-toxic and has a negative carbon balance. WISE flooring can also contribute towards LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points. WISE flooring can be swept, mopped, and vacuumed making it easy to care for and maintain. These floating floors have a lifetime warranty for residential use (10 years for commercial). The click flooring is easy to install for DIYers. Pricing for the floating floor is $6.50 per square foot for the wood and $7.25 per square foot for the cork (both are available in 7.5″x48″ planks). Installation costs range from $3.50-$4 per square foot. (Pricing based on Tucson, AZ averages.)
Another flooring with superior eco-friendly qualities and lots of colors and textures to choose from is Forbo Marmoleum Cinch LOC Seal. The linoleum layer of this plank flooring is made from all natural materials – limestone, linseed oil, wood flour, natural rosins, and mineral pigments. Marmoleum is compostable, biodegradable, and does not release harmful gases. Just like WISE, Marmoleum flooring also improves the environmental and well-being score in building rating systems such as LEED. The easy installation of the Cinch LOC system means Marmoleum floating floors are DIY friendly and a favorite for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, as well as other living and work areas, especially if you want to add a punch of color to enliven the space.
Marmoleum’s new waterproof core with a proprietary polymer means it is on equal footing with Luxury Vinyl Plank. Because the top shield is naturally anti-static, it repels dust and dirt, and cleaning couldn’t be easier. Just vacuum, dust, or mop with a pH neutral floor cleaner. With care and the occasional resealing, this flooring can last an incredible 40-50 years. Marmoleum includes a limited 25 year warranty (5 year for commercial). A good match for pets, Marmoleum‘s surface is durable, scratch and stain resistant. Due to its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial qualities, linoleum is often seen in schools and hospitals where maintaining sanitary conditions are a top priority. Although, Marmoleum can also be a warm, inviting, and durable option for your home. Pricing for Marmoleum Cinch LOC floating floor is reasonable and competitive at $5 square foot for the 12″x36″ plank and $6 square foot for the 12″x12″ plank. Installation can run $3.50-$4 per square foot. (Pricing based on Tucson, AZ averages.)
These two environmentally-friendly alternatives can add value and beauty to your home. Amorim WISE and Forbo Marmoleum are great options that don’t compromise your environmental values, but can compete toe to toe with other traditional flooring.