It’s What’s Not in Tiles'

When it comes to flooring, what you see is only part of the story. What you don’t see, the hidden chemicals, weak materials, and short lifespans, can matter even more. 

At Tile Warehouse, we believe in floors that give you beauty, safety and peace of mind.

Tiles: What’s Not in the Floor - and Why It Matters

Tiles stand apart because of what they don’t contain. So what does that means for your home, health, and the planet?

• No harmful chemicals or plastics - Tiles are made mainly from natural clays and minerals, without reliance on petroleum-based materials.
• No VOC emissions - Unlike some flooring finishes and adhesives, tiles don’t release volatile organic compounds into your indoor environment.
• No toxic smoke in fires - Tiles are non-combustible, and don’t emit harmful gases if exposed to flames.
• No premature failure - Tiles are engineered for strength and longevity, lasting up to 60 years with proper care.

What Tiles Do Give You

Because of what’s not in them, tiles bring a range of benefits that many other flooring products simply can’t match:

• Long lifespan, reducing waste and replacement cycles
• Healthier indoor air quality, with no off-gassing or allergen trapping
• Fire resistance for greater home safety
• Superior moisture resistance in bathrooms, kitchens, and flood-prone areas
• Thermal mass properties that support energy efficiency

The Hidden ‘Nasties’ found in many Flooring Products

Many common flooring materials bring challenges you may not realise until years down the track. It’s only fair that consumers are well-informed about what they are actually putting into their homes….

List of Chemicals that are found in many flooring products but NOT in Tiles!

Phthalates

Formaldehyde

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Styrene

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PBDEs

TBBPA

Isocyanates

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Lead

Cadmium

Mercury

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Toluene and Xylene

Methylene chloride

Phenols

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

Urea-formaldehyde

Chlorinated paraffins

Epoxy residues

Organotin compounds

Solvent-based stains

Ammonia-based residues

Plasticisers

Solvents

Adhesives

Phthalates

Toluene

Xylene

Benzene

Lead

Cadmium

Flame retardants (PBDEs, TBBPA, etc.)

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Antimony

Urea-formaldehyde

Ammonia

Paraffin

Polystyrene

Epoxy resins

Organotin compounds

Biocides & fungicides

Mothproofing chemicals (e.g., permethrin)

Solvents (e.g., methylene chloride)

Acetone

Chlorinated paraffins

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

Isocyanates

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Phenols

Where are these Chemical Found and Why are they used?

• Phthalates – used as plasticisers in vinyl
• Formaldehyde – common in adhesives/resins for laminate and engineered wood
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – released from adhesives, finishes, and coatings
• Styrene – present in some carpet backings
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – base material in vinyl flooring
• Flame retardants (PBDEs, TBBPA, etc.) – used in carpets and vinyl to meet fire standards
• Isocyanates – used in polyurethane adhesives/foams
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – stain-resistant treatments on carpets, persistent and bioaccumulative.
• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) – sometimes in pigments, stabilisers, or recycled content in cheaper flooring.
• Bisphenol A (BPA) – can be in some vinyl or resin coatings.
• Toluene and Xylene – solvents in adhesives and finishes
• Methylene chloride – sometimes used in vinyl adhesives or coatings.
• Phenols – found in certain resins and adhesives
• Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) – surfactants used in some coatings
• Urea-formaldehyde – in cheap particleboard under laminate flooring.
• Chlorinated paraffins – used as plasticizers and flame retardants in some vinyl flooring.
• Epoxy residues – from certain floor coatings or adhesives
• Organotin compounds – sometimes used as stabilisers in vinyl flooring.
• Solvent-based stains or dyes – in wood flooring.

Health Concerns related to Chemicals Commonly Found in Non-Tile Flooring