Why Resinous Flooring is the More Environmentally Friendly Flooring Choice
- mattwhite22
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
As sustainable building practices continue to gain momentum, architects, builders and facility managers are rethinking the materials they use—especially when it comes to industrial and commercial flooring. Traditional flooring options, such as tile, carpet, hardwood and laminate, may offer aesthetic appeal, but they often come with environmental drawbacks.
Resinous flooring—including polished concrete, epoxy, and urethane systems—offers a more environmentally responsible alternative. Compared to conventional flooring materials, resinous systems generate less waste, emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and provide longer service life with minimal maintenance. Let’s explore why resinous flooring is the greener choice.
1. Waste Reduction & Material Sustainability
Resinous flooring is applied directly to the existing concrete slab, eliminating the need for additional materials like grout, padding or subfloors. Installation waste is minimal, and many systems can be renewed or resurfaced instead of replaced—cutting down on long-term landfill contributions.
Compare this with tile, which generates substantial waste during cutting and installation, and typically requires grout, adhesives and backer boards. Carpet typically needs replacing every 5–10 years, with each replacement adding more padding, adhesives and synthetic fibers to landfills (According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, over 3.4 million tons of carpet enter the waste stream each year, and only 5% is recycled. Meanwhile, hardwood and laminate contribute to deforestation and pose recycling challenges due to their use of glues and synthetic coatings.
2. Low VOC Emissions & Improved Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is a major concern in both commercial and residential environments. Polished concrete produces virtually no VOCs since it’s finished mechanically rather than chemically. Low-VOC and zero-VOC epoxy and urethane coatings are available and are designed to comply with strict environmental standards, such as those from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
In contrast, carpet is a leading source of indoor air pollution, releasing VOCs from adhesives, synthetic fibers, and padding. It also traps allergens, mold, and bacteria. Tile may off-gas VOCs from grout and adhesives, and engineered wood and laminate products can release formaldehyde from the resins used in their construction (CDC).
3. Energy Efficiency & Thermal Performance
Polished concrete and light-colored resinous floors offer high reflectivity, helping reduce the need for artificial lighting and lowering electricity use. They’re also compatible with radiant heating systems, enhancing thermal efficiency in colder climates.
By contrast, carpet absorbs light, increasing lighting demands, and doesn’t contribute meaningfully to energy efficiency in large commercial spaces. Hardwood and laminate offer moderate insulation but may require additional climate control due to expansion, contraction, and heat absorption. While tile can reflect light, its manufacturing process is often energy-intensive, and it lacks good thermal retention properties.
4. Durability & Lifecycle Impact
Resinous systems are built to last. Polished concrete and high-performance epoxy coatings last decades with minimal maintenance. This longevity significantly reduces the need for material replacement, making them more sustainable over the long run.
In contrast, carpet wears out quickly—especially in high-traffic areas—while tile is prone to cracking and difficult to recycle. Hardwood can be durable but requires refinishing and is vulnerable to water damage. Laminate, though budget-friendly, chips easily and often needs full replacement rather than repair.
5. Sustainable Maintenance & Cleaning
Maintenance practices also impact environmental performance. Resinous floors are seamless and non-porous, making them easy to clean with just water or mild detergents. This reduces the need for harsh chemical cleaners and minimizes water usage. Their smooth surface also resists microbial growth, promoting hygiene in healthcare, food processing, and manufacturing facilities.
Other flooring types demand more intensive care. Tile grout must be sealed and regularly cleaned with chemicals. Carpet requires frequent vacuuming, deep cleaning, and stain treatment—often involving high water use and harsh chemicals. Hardwood and laminate floors demand specialty cleaning products and are sensitive to moisture, which limits cleaning options.
Choose the Greener Environmentally Friendly Flooring Option
When evaluating sustainability across the entire lifecycle of a floor—from raw materials and manufacturing to maintenance and disposal—resinous flooring emerges as the more environmentally friendly option. With its long lifespan, low emissions, minimal waste, and easy upkeep, it’s a smart choice for green-minded businesses and facility owners.
If you’re looking for durable, high-performance flooring that aligns with your sustainability goals, contact RIO Flooring Systems to learn more about our resinous flooring solutions.