CDC/ATSDR found that exposure to formaldehyde in the CPSC-tested laminate flooring sold at Lumber Liquidators® could cause irritation and breathing problems. However, you can take steps to reduce formaldehyde levels in your home.

LL Flooring (Formerly Lumber Liquidators) Vinyl, Hardwood, Laminate, Hybrid Resilient, Tile & Flooring Accessories.

Things started to fall apart for Lumber Liquidators when the popular television news show, 60 Minutes, exposed the company's Chinese-made flooring and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that it had found elevated levels of formaldehyde in certain flooring products.

Some forms of vinyl and laminate flooring are considered to be toxic. This is because certain types can contain reprocessed plastic and other toxic chemicals including cadmium, toxic phthalates and lead. These flooring materials can give off toxic fumes that can impact air quality through a process called off-gassing.

Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that Lumber Liquidators was knowingly importing Chinese-made laminate flooring that had been preserved in formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colorless gas classified as a probable carcinogen.

Oak is by far the most popular type of wood flooring because it provides a good balance of durability, color range and reasonable costs. It comes in both red and white oak variations and can be used in high-traffic areas as the wood grain hides scratches well.

Unlike Lumber Liquidators which provides installation services, Floor & Decor has gained a leg up with the professional community by not competing directly with them. As a result, Seeking Alpha's Royal maintains, “FND has the edge with the pro.”

China is the world's largest importer of timber and wood products, but this growing appetite for imported hardwood is largely explained by overseas demand for finished products.

While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.

Some forms of vinyl and laminate flooring are considered to be toxic. This is because certain types can contain reprocessed plastic and other toxic chemicals including cadmium, toxic phthalates and lead. These flooring materials can give off toxic fumes that can impact air quality through a process called off-gassing.

CDC Raises Cancer Risk Estimate for Lumber Liquidators Flooring. The agency says select versions of the company's laminate flooring could cause 6-30 cancer cases per 100,000 people, compared to the 2-9 cases it had originally estimated in its February 10 report.

Top Choice: Porcelain Tile A natural fit for high-traffic areas of the home, porcelain tile outperforms every other flooring material we test for resistance to scratching, and it resists dents from light objects like falling utensils very well, says Larry Ciufo, the CR engineer responsible for rating flooring.