FloorScore, GreenGuard, and CARB II Certifications: Why Should You Care?
, by Louise, 4 min reading time
When shopping for new flooring, it’s easy to get caught up in the look, feel, and price. But what about the air you breathe inside your home? Many homeowners overlook a crucial factor: indoor air quality. That’s where certifications like FloorScore®, GreenGuard, and CARB II come in. These labels ensure that your flooring meets strict standards for low chemical emissions - protecting your health and your home environment.
At My Floor Haven, we’re committed to offering flooring that’s not only beautiful but also safe for your family. Let’s explore what these certifications mean and why they should influence your next flooring decision.
🏅 1. What is FloorScore® Certification?
FloorScore® is one of the most recognized indoor air quality certification standards in the flooring industry. Developed by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) and SCS Global Services, FloorScore® certifies flooring products that meet strict indoor air emissions criteria, especially for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
✔ What It Covers:
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Vinyl flooring
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Laminate flooring
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Engineered hardwood
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Adhesives and underlayments
✅ Why It Matters:
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Ensures your flooring emits low or no harmful VOCs
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Meets strict California Section 01350 standards (a gold standard for indoor air quality)
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Ideal for families with allergies, asthma, or young children
🍃 2. What is GreenGuard Certification?
GreenGuard is a product certification program by UL Environment, designed to help buyers identify low-emitting building materials. GreenGuard has two levels:
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GreenGuard Certification
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GreenGuard Gold Certification (stricter, suitable for schools and healthcare facilities)
✔ What It Covers:
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Flooring
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Furniture
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Building materials
✅ Why It Matters:
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Reduces toxic chemical exposure in indoor spaces
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Ensures products are safe for sensitive environments like childcare centers
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Supports sustainable and healthier living
🧪 3. What is CARB II Compliance?
CARB II (California Air Resources Board Phase II) is a regulation that limits formaldehyde emissions from engineered wood products like laminate, hardwood, and hybrid flooring. This standard is widely respected across the U.S. and internationally.
✔ What It Covers:
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Particleboard
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MDF (medium-density fibreboard)
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Plywood and engineered wood
✅ Why It Matters:
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Protects against formaldehyde exposure, which has been linked to respiratory issues and long-term health risks
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Assures that engineered wood flooring meets California’s most stringent emissions requirements
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Reflects a manufacturer’s commitment to safe and responsible production
🌟 Why Should You Care About These Certifications?
Your floors are part of your daily life—where your children play, your pets nap, and your family gathers. That’s why certifications like FloorScore®, GreenGuard, and CARB II aren’t just technical badges—they’re your assurance that the products in your home are healthier, safer, and more environmentally responsible.
✅ Benefits of Choosing Certified Flooring:
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Cleaner indoor air and reduced health risks
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Confidence in product quality and safety
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Supports sustainable, environmentally friendly practices
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Aligns with green building certifications and wellness standards
To know more about Indoor Air Quality Flooring, read our blog How Flooring Affects Indoor Air Quality
At My Floor Haven, we offer a wide selection of flooring products that are FloorScore®, GreenGuard, and CARB II certified. From elegant hybrid floors to durable luxury vinyl and engineered wood, you can find styles that are not only stunning but also safe and sustainable.
Discover our Indoor Air Quality Floor Collection and enjoy the feeling of cleaner, fresher air with every breath.