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When shopping for new flooring, you may see labels like FloorScore® or others. These certifications help homeowners understand whether flooring products meet air quality, environmental, and safety standards.
But what do these labels actually mean—and why should they matter when choosing flooring?
What Is FloorScore?
FloorScore is considered one of the most trusted indoor air quality certifications for flooring products. It helps ensure that the materials used in flooring meet strict standards for low chemical emissions.
FloorScore focuses on VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are chemicals that can be released into indoor air from building materials. In flooring, VOCs can come from things like adhesives, backing materials, or finishes and coatings.
High levels of VOCs can affect indoor air quality, especially in tightly sealed modern homes. Flooring that is FloorScore certified has been tested to ensure it produces very low emissions, helping keep the air inside your home cleaner and healthier.
Not all manufacturers place the same level of importance on limiting these emissions. Independent certification programs like FloorScore help hold products to strict standards so consumers can make more informed choices.
Why FloorScore Matters for Homeowners
Choosing FloorScore-certified flooring helps ensure:
✔ Better indoor air quality
✔ Lower chemical emissions
✔ Safer environments for children and pets
✔ Compliance with strict health standards
Other Common Flooring Certifications
In addition to FloorScore, you may see other certifications that verify safety and environmental standards.
· GREENGUARD Certification GREENGUARD certification also focuses on low chemical emissions. Products tested under GREENGUARD are verified to improve indoor air quality in homes, offices, and schools.
· California Air Resources Board Phase 2 (CARB2) CARB Phase 2 regulations control formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products, such as: laminate flooring, engineered hardwood, or plywood components. CARB2 compliance ensures products meet strict limits for formaldehyde emissions.
· U.S. Green Building Council LEED Contribution. Some flooring products can contribute points toward LEED-certified buildings. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) promotes environmentally responsible building practices. Flooring with low VOC emissions or sustainable materials may qualify for LEED points.
Which Flooring Types Often Have These Certifications?
Many modern flooring products meet these standards, including:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Engineered Hardwood
Laminate Flooring
Carpet
Manufactures commonly test products for multiple certifications.
How to Tell If Flooring Is Certified
You can check for certification by:
looking for labels on product packaging
checking manufacturer product specifications
Final Thoughts
FloorScore certification helps ensure that the flooring products installed in your home meet strict indoor air quality standards. As a trusted flooring retailer we know that while certifications are not the only factor when choosing flooring, they can give homeowners peace of mind about the products installed in their home.
