Resilient Flooring vs Stone: Why Stone Outlasts Them All

The building and construction industry, a powerhouse of economic activity, fuels various sectors through trade, commerce, and employment. Its growth has led to a surge in demand for high-quality, durable materials, driving the popularity of resilient flooring and natural stone.

With its flexibility, ease of installation, and affordability, resilient flooring has carved a strong niche in residential and commercial spaces. Meanwhile, natural stone remains a top choice with its long-term value that stands the test of time. The increasing demand for both materials underscores the ongoing battle between resilient flooring options and the enduring allure of natural stone.

What is Resilient Flooring?
Resilient flooring refers to flexible, durable, and cost-effective materials commonly used in residential and commercial settings. These materials offer a balance of affordability, ease of installation, and resistance to wear. The three most popular types of resilient flooring are:

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)

Market Overview and Sustainability in Building Materials:

The construction industry is essential for the economy. Many other sectors depend on it for business, trade, and jobs. Flooring materials form a crucial part of this ecosystem, with natural stones and resilient flooring products vying for market share. While resilient flooring has grown in popularity due to its affordability and flexibility, the sustainability of natural stone places it at the forefront of long-term, responsible building practices.

Market Share and Environmental Footprint of Resilient Flooring:

Resilient flooring has grown significantly in popularity due to its affordability and versatility, now accounting for about 30% of the non-natural stone flooring market. However, while the building trade widely uses SPC, LVT, and WPC, their environmental impact is substantial. These flooring types use synthetic polymers and petrochemical-based raw materials, which are not biodegradable. Therefore, when discarded, they accumulate non-biodegradable waste in landfills, posing a long-term environmental problem.

Moreover, resilient flooring typically needs replacement within 10-20 years, further adding to the waste problem. The short lifecycle of these products leads to a continuous cycle of disposal and replacement, increasing the volume of non-biodegradable materials and exacerbating the environmental burden.

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
– Native American Proverb

Natural Stone’s Sustainable Market Position:

Natural stone, in contrast, is an inherently sustainable material. Its quarrying and processing require fewer energy resources than the production of synthetic alternatives, and its longevity – often lasting centuries – drastically reduces the need for frequent replacements. As a result, natural stone generates far less waste over its lifetime. When it reaches the end of its useful life, it can be repurposed, recycled, or returned to the earth without leaving harmful pollutants or non-biodegradable waste.

Why Natural Stone is the Sustainable Winner?

While resilient flooring may be economical in the short term, the trade must address its environmental impact. Natural stone emerges as the clear winner when considering both market value and sustainability:

Durability and Longevity: Natural stone offers unmatched longevity, often outlasting synthetic alternatives for decades or centuries. Thus, it reduces long-term environmental waste and resource consumption.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Quarrying stone requires less energy than manufacturing resilient flooring, which relies on petrochemicals and plastics. Additionally, processors can source stones locally, reducing transportation emissions.
Recyclability and Reusability: Natural stone can be repurposed or recycled, unlike many resilient flooring materials that often end up in landfills.
Natural and Non-Toxic: Stone is a non-toxic, naturally occurring material that contributes to healthier indoor environments by not emitting VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), a problem often associated with synthetic flooring.
Sustainable Quarrying: Modern quarrying practices have become more environmentally responsible, ensuring minimal harm to ecosystems and landscapes.

Installation Practices of Resilient Flooring and Natural Stone

In addition to sustainability, the installation practices of both resilient flooring and natural stone play a critical role in their overall impact on the flooring ecosystem.

Installation Methods for Resilient Flooring:

The most widely used methods for resilient flooring installation are click-lock systems and glue-down or paste-down installations, each offering unique benefits and raising environmental concerns.

Paste Down Method:

This technique involves applying adhesives to secure the resilient flooring. However, it raises environmental concerns due to adhesives that often contain harmful chemicals. It leads to the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air adversely affecting indoor air quality. These compounds can linger, posing health risks to occupants, particularly during installation or as the flooring degrades.

Click Lock Installation:

It is a popular floating installation method. The click lock system allows flooring planks to snap together without adhesive. One of the main advantages of resilient flooring like SPC, LVT, and WPC is the click lock installation system, which allows for a floating floor that requires no adhesives or nails. This patented system makes installation quick and efficient. While some click lock flooring products come with an IXPE backing – which acts as a sound-dampening layer to minimise footstep noise and adds cushioning for comfort – it is not a requirement for this installation method. The IXPE backing is an additional feature that varies by product. The IXPE backing, typically made from non-biodegradable materials, can contribute to environmental waste over time.

IXPE (Irradiated Cross-Linked Polyethylene): It is a backing often included with click lock flooring products to provide sound dampening, cushioning, and moisture resistance. However, only some click-lock flooring comes with IXPE backing, and it’s optional for the installation method. Depending on the manufacturer’s design and the installation’s specific requirements, some flooring products may use different types of underlayment or none at all. The developers of the locking systems and the backing patent them to Resilient Flooring Brands. IXPE is the most widely used type of backing.

Potential Environmental Impacts:

However, the long-term environmental impact of these backings is concerning. Some manufacturers employ innovative techniques like cross-serrated backings to recycle raw materials during production, thereby increasing the number of tiles produced. This process only addresses the pre-use stage. Once the project uses these materials, they become non-biodegradable and challenging to recycle.

Even though manufacturers may recycle production waste efficiently during manufacturing, post-consumer recycling of used flooring is far more complex and requires specialised processes. The challenge lies in the non-biodegradable nature of the backing materials like IXPE, which contributes to long-term environmental waste once the flooring reaches the end of its life cycle.

Hidden Environmental Costs of Click Lock Installation:

Resilient flooring proponents often highlight the ease of click lock installation, which allows for installation directly over existing surfaces such as concrete, natural stone, or other engineered materials. While this method is convenient and cost-saving, it has significant environmental drawbacks. The layers of resilient flooring, often containing non-biodegradable materials like vinyl and plastic, act much like non-biodegradable packaging. Therefore, it adds to long-term environmental waste.

Over time, even though the initial flooring remains intact, the eventual need for replacement or disposal of resilient flooring adds to the growing problem of non-recyclable waste. Additionally, multiple flooring layers increase the difficulty of recycling, ultimately contributing to landfill accumulation and complicating any efforts to repurpose the materials for other uses.

This convenience-driven approach may save short-term effort, but the hidden costs, in terms of environmental sustainability, are much higher than they seem.

Installation Methods for Natural Stone:

Natural stone installations are highly durable and versatile, requiring various methods depending on the specific application. These installations often rely on adhesives like epoxy and thin-set and traditional methods like the mud bed technique to ensure longevity and sustainability.

Adhesives Used in Natural Stone Installations:

Natural stone uses adhesives like epoxy or thin-set mortar (e.g., Laticrete). These adhesives help secure the stone to the substrate, particularly in wall cladding, ledger panels, and heavy paving. Though some installations use epoxy, its durable nature reduces the frequency of replacements, contributing to environmental sustainability compared to resilient flooring adhesives.

Thinset Mortar:

A widely used adhesive in natural stone installations, thin-set mortar is a cement-based bonding material. Thin-set mortar is favourable for flooring and wall applications because of its strength and durability. Its cementitious composition makes it less environmentally harmful than synthetic adhesives used in resilient flooring.

Mud Bed Installation:

The mud bed method is a traditional installation technique for natural stone, especially in flooring applications. It involves laying the stone on a bed of mixed cement and sand to create a level surface and firm foundation. This method is durable and eco-friendly, using natural materials without synthetic adhesives. The long-lasting nature of mud bed installations adds to the sustainability of natural stone.

Epoxy for Ledger Panels:

Epoxy is sometimes essential for securing ledger panels, especially to create a solid and lasting bond along the edges of pre-mounted panels. While epoxy does contain synthetic components, we apply it in relatively small quantities. As a result, it offers greater sustainability over the long term when compared to the adhesives typically used in resilient flooring installations. Additionally, the exceptional durability of epoxy bonds significantly reduces the need for frequent replacements, further lessening its environmental impact.
In some instances, epoxy may also bond natural stones to substrates.

However, the amount required is minimal, and because natural stone installations are known for their longevity, they seldom require replacement. Thus, natural stone is a more sustainable choice in the long run, even when epoxy is involved.

Environmental Benefits of Natural Stones compared to resilient flooring:

Natural Materials: Natural stone is harvested through sustainable quarrying practices, resulting in minimal environmental disruption. This approach supports the ecosystem compared to synthetic materials.
Longevity and Durability: Natural stone has a significantly longer lifespan than resilient flooring options, reducing the need for replacements and minimising waste. Its durability ensures that we can rely on it for long-term use.

Why Natural Stone is the Better Choice?

A Sustainable Option:

Eco-Friendly Extraction and Installation: Sustainable quarrying practices and low environmental impact during extraction and installation make natural stone an environmentally responsible choice.

Healthier Indoor Environments:

No Harmful Chemicals: Natural stone is free from VOCs and other harmful substances, improving indoor air quality and making it ideal for homes and commercial spaces.

Cost-Effectiveness Over Time:

Lower Replacement Frequency: With a longer lifespan and reduced need for replacements, natural stone is more economical in the long run while reducing waste and its impact on the environment.

Health and Safety Considerations in Flooring Choices:

When selecting flooring materials, health and safety considerations are paramount. Understanding the potential risks of various flooring options can guide consumers toward safer, healthier environments.

Natural Stone, A Safe Choice:

Natural stone is a naturally occurring material free from harmful chemicals or toxins. Its inert nature makes it an excellent choice for indoor environments, particularly in homes and commercial spaces. With no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or synthetic additives, natural stone contributes to better indoor air quality and minimizes health risks. Additionally, its durability means it can withstand wear and tear without degrading into harmful particles or substances.

Health Risks Associated with Resilient Flooring (SPC, LVT, and WPC):

In contrast, resilient flooring materials like SPC, LVT, and WPC often contain VOCs and other chemicals that may adversely affect indoor air quality. Using these products usually involves releasing these compounds into the air during installation or when the flooring degrades.

Potential Health Concerns Related to PVC:

Indoor Air Quality: SPC and LVT typically use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in their composition. These chemicals can release VOCs during production and use. Prolonged exposure to these emissions can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems.
Chemical Additives: Many SPC and LVT products include plasticizers and other additives that can migrate from the material over time. These substances may pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
Degradation Products: As resilient flooring materials age and wear, they may break into smaller particles. Inhalation or ingestion of these particles potentially results in long-term health effects.

By understanding the health and safety implications of flooring choices, consumers can make informed decisions, thus prioritizing the well-being of their families and the environment. In this regard, natural stone is a safer alternative to synthetic flooring materials, promoting healthier indoor spaces and contributing to overall well-being.

Maintenance of Flooring Materials:

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of flooring materials. Understanding the care requirements of different flooring options is helpful in the decision-making process for homeowners, depending on their lifestyles and environmental concerns.

Maintenance Needs of Resilient Flooring (SPC, LVT, WPC):

Resilient flooring materials like SPC, LVT, and WPC often require routine cleaning to maintain appearance and functionality. However, the maintenance process can vary depending on the specific product:

Regular Cleaning: Resilient floorings typically need mechanical sweeping or vacuuming to remove embedded dirt. Additionally, it needs damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damage. Some resilient floors may require periodic waxing or refinishing to maintain their lustre.
Deep Cleaning: Over time, deep cleaning may be necessary to remove embedded dirt and stains. Thus, it often involves specialized cleaners or machines, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Despite their ease of installation and immediate affordability, maintaining resilient flooring can become burdensome over time, contributing to environmental waste.

Natural Stone Maintenance – Simplicity and Longevity:

Natural stone, on the other hand, offers a more straightforward maintenance routine, which contributes to its sustainability:

Regular Care: Natural stone typically requires regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping with a gentle cleaner to maintain its surface. Unlike resilient materials, natural stone does not require frequent waxing or refinishing.
Longevity: Natural stone can last for decades due to its inherent durability, significantly reducing the need for replacements. This longevity minimizes waste and resource consumption, as less frequent replacements lead to reduced environmental impact.
Natural Resilience: Natural stone is less prone to scratches and dents than resilient flooring. Therefore, it has an extended lifespan and reduces maintenance demands.

Hidden Costs of Resilient Flooring: Maintenance, Availability, and Long-term Impact:

Maintenance Costs and Challenges:

When comparing the long-term costs and efforts of maintaining resilient flooring, such as dealing with scratches, dents, and repairs, to stone, which typically requires minimal wear and regular sealing, it’s essential to consider the durability and maintenance requirements of each option over an extended period.

Sustainability:

When considering the eco-friendliness of stone, it’s crucial to examine its environmental impact on quarrying and its lifespan. Quarrying rocks can have a significant environmental impact, including habitat destruction and air and water pollution. Additionally, the transportation of stone from quarries to processing facilities can contribute to carbon emissions.

On the other hand, stone is a highly durable and long-lasting material, which can contribute to its eco-friendliness. Properly maintained stone can last decades, reducing the need for frequent replacement and minimizing waste.

In contrast, resilient flooring materials like Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) often contain plastic components and may involve toxic chemicals in their production. These materials can contribute to environmental degradation from extraction to manufacturing, use, and disposal. Additionally, the disposal of SPC and LVT flooring at the end of their lifespan can present challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature.

Remember to consider the entire lifecycle of these materials and assess their environmental impact based on factors such as resource extraction, manufacturing processes, durability, and end-of-life considerations.

Case Studies and Example:

Like most engineered products, the resilient flooring industry frequently updates designs, styles, and sizes to drive repeat business. Their product retention time is short compared to natural stones. Thus, it is challenging for customers to find matching tiles/planks when only minor repairs are needed. Therefore, consumers have few options but to replace entire sections or redo the flooring prematurely, adding unnecessary costs.

Real-world example: Imagine a hotel that chose luxury vinyl planks for its lobby. A few years later, a floor section suffered damages, but the brand discontinued the design. Unable to find an exact match, the hotel has to replace a more significant portion than needed. By contrast, a natural stone installation could have involved sourcing a matching slab or refinishing existing stones.

Texture and Aesthetic:

Natural stone offers a unique tactile and visual experience that resilient flooring must often improve. Each stone tile has its natural variations in colour, veining, and texture, which create a sense of depth and character. Over time, stone develops a rich patina, enhancing its beauty and individuality. With options like polished, honed, or textured surfaces, stone can be tailored to different design needs, offering both luxury and authenticity. Resilient flooring, by contrast, tends to have a uniform appearance that can fade or become outdated more quickly.

Sustainability of Natural Stone Through Maintenance:

The simplicity of maintaining natural stone and its long lifespan underscores its position as a sustainable flooring choice. Homeowners benefit from a timeless aesthetic and superior durability by investing in natural stone. Therefore, it contributes to sustainable practices in waste reduction and eliminates the need for frequent replacements.

In contrast, the ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement of resilient flooring materials often result in increased environmental waste, reinforcing the argument for natural stone as the more sustainable and responsible choice for flooring. By selecting natural stones, consumers support a circular economy that values durability and long-term resource conservation.

Conclusion:

Finally, choosing the suitable flooring material is about aesthetics and functionality and making sustainable choices that benefit our homes and the environment. Natural stone is superior due to its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Moreover, the lack of harmful chemicals makes it a sustainable flooring choice.

For those interested in learning more about how sustainable quarrying practices contribute to environmental preservation, we encourage you to read our previous article on Sustainable Limestone Quarrying. Additionally, to further understand the potential health impacts of VOCs found in many resilient flooring options, you can explore the information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Let us prioritize health and sustainability for ourselves and future generations.