Clean air starts with the floor and everything under it.
What VOCs are and why they matter
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can "off-gas" from building products such as flooring, glue, and finishes. Short-term effects include throat, eye, and nose irritation, headaches, and worse asthma symptoms.
People with chemical sensitivities and asthma can react more strongly in high-VOC rooms. In a classroom, that makes the floor, the adhesive, and the underlayment part of an indoor air quality plan.
Certifications to look for
| Label | What it covers |
|---|---|
| FloorScore® | In-lab VOC testing of flooring, underlayments, wall bases, and adhesives. Phthalates are not part of the FloorScore® certification. |
| CRI Green Label Plus | The most common carpet certification. Carpets pass a 14-day test that covers 35 compounds. |
| GreenGuard | Part of an indoor air quality testing program. Companies must retest labeled products every year. |
Phthalates are a separate concern. They make plastics such as PVC more flexible, and they can be in flooring and artificial grass. FloorScore® does not cover them, so ask for phthalate-free products.
Tell us the rooms and we will list products with the certifications you need.
Classroom floor options
- Low-pile carpet tiles: our carpet tile page calls low pile (less than 1/4″) ideal for classrooms. It is easy to clean and resists crushing.
- Certified carpet tiles: Pentz Magnify Carpet Tiles are CRI Green Label certified and recommended for classrooms and schools.
- Vinyl: you can find many phthalate-free vinyl options. Look for the FloorScore® badge on the product.
- Snap-together laminate: a snap-together installation does not need VOC-releasing glue.
Adhesives and installation
Installation materials are one of the most neglected sources of VOCs. If the floor needs glue, choose a VOC-compliant adhesive. Under the floor, cork or low-VOC rubber underlayments help keep indoor air quality good.
- Follow the manufacturer instructions for installation and ventilation.
- Remove new products from their packaging in an open area for a couple of days to a week.
- Schedule the work for warm months, when you can keep the windows open.