PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called "forever chemicals," have become a growing concern for Michigan homeowners — especially given Michigan's history with PFAS contamination in water supplies. Some flooring products, particularly certain luxury vinyl and laminate options, may contain PFAS in their wear layers or surface treatments. Here's what you need to know.
Which Flooring Types May Contain PFAS?
Some Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Some LVP products use PFAS-based surface treatments for stain and scratch resistance. Look for products that explicitly state "PFAS-free" or "no fluorinated compounds."
Some Laminate Flooring
Certain laminate wear layers may use fluorinated compounds. Check manufacturer certifications.
Solid & Engineered Hardwood
Natural hardwood flooring does not contain PFAS. Water-based and oil-based polyurethane finishes are generally PFAS-free.
The Safest Choice: Natural Hardwood
For Michigan homeowners concerned about PFAS, natural hardwood flooring — both solid and engineered — is the safest choice. Hardwood contains no synthetic polymers, no fluorinated compounds, and no PFAS. When finished with water-based or oil-based polyurethane (which are also PFAS-free), hardwood is one of the healthiest flooring options available.
Michigan has a particular reason to be concerned about PFAS. The state has been at the center of PFAS contamination issues, with multiple communities dealing with contaminated water supplies. For Michigan homeowners who are already concerned about PFAS in their environment, choosing PFAS-free flooring is a logical extension of that concern.
How to Identify PFAS-Free Flooring
Identifying PFAS-free flooring can be challenging because manufacturers are not required to disclose PFAS content on product labels. Here are some strategies for Michigan homeowners:
Look for FloorScore or GREENGUARD Certification
These third-party certifications test for VOC emissions and some chemical compounds. While they don't specifically test for PFAS, certified products are generally produced with more attention to chemical safety.
Choose Natural Materials
Solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and natural stone contain no PFAS by definition. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, these materials are the safest choice.
Ask the Manufacturer Directly
Some manufacturers now explicitly state that their products are PFAS-free. Contact the manufacturer or ask your flooring retailer to inquire on your behalf.
Avoid Stain-Resistant Treatments
PFAS are most commonly used in stain-resistant surface treatments. Products marketed as "stain-resistant" or "easy-clean" may contain PFAS. Choose products without these treatments if PFAS avoidance is a priority.
Choose Reputable Brands
Premium brands like Karndean, COREtec, and Appalachian have made public commitments to reducing or eliminating PFAS from their products. Ask your retailer about specific brand policies.
PFAS in Michigan: Context for Homeowners
Michigan has been at the forefront of PFAS awareness in the United States. Communities like Wolverine World Wide's contamination area in Rockford, the Parchment water supply contamination, and PFAS in the Huron River have made Michigan residents acutely aware of these chemicals. The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) has been working to address contamination across the state.
In this context, Michigan homeowners have good reason to consider PFAS content when making purchasing decisions — including flooring. While the PFAS exposure from flooring is generally considered lower than from contaminated water or food, reducing overall PFAS exposure is a reasonable goal for health-conscious Michigan families.
The good news is that the flooring industry is moving away from PFAS. Many premium brands have already eliminated PFAS from their products or are in the process of doing so. Natural hardwood flooring — the specialty of Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — has never contained PFAS and remains the safest choice for Michigan homeowners concerned about these chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy PFAS-free flooring in Michigan?
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan specializes in natural hardwood flooring — the safest, most PFAS-free flooring option available. Visit our showroom at 1799 Northfield Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 or call (248) 853-2232.
Is hardwood flooring PFAS-free?
Yes. Natural solid and engineered hardwood flooring contains no PFAS. Standard polyurethane and hardwax oil finishes are also PFAS-free. Hardwood is the safest flooring choice for Michigan homeowners concerned about PFAS exposure.
Does LVP flooring contain PFAS?
Some LVP products use PFAS-based surface treatments for stain and scratch resistance. Premium brands like Karndean and COREtec have made commitments to reducing or eliminating PFAS from their products. Ask your retailer about specific brand policies if PFAS avoidance is a priority.
Choose PFAS-Free Hardwood Flooring in Michigan
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan specializes in natural hardwood flooring — the safest, most beautiful, and most durable flooring choice for Michigan homes.