Health is a hot topic these days. To make your home as green and healthy as possible, pay attention to all the details, including the type of flooring you use.

Here are 7 do’s and don’ts for selecting the healthiest flooring in Sevenmile.

1. DO read labels carefully. Find out what that flooring you’ve fallen in love with is actually made of. Look for certifications such as Greenguard (indicates low level of VOCs) or Forest Stewardship Council (shows wood that is responsibly sourced).

2. DON’T purchase flooring which has been treated with hazardous chemical products such as fungicides or biocides.

3. DO go natural. Hardwood, pine (a softwood), stone, porcelain or ceramic tile, cork, and linoleum are all natural materials that make great flooring.

4. DO exercise caution when shopping for bamboo flooring. While bamboo is a natural material, it must be both responsibly sourced and free of glues made with formaldehyde.

5. DON’T purchase carpet if anyone in the family suffers from allergies or asthma. The fibers can harbor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. Go with solid-surface flooring instead. If you absolutely have your heart set on carpet, find a hypoallergenic type.

6. DON’T use glue to install plank flooring. Nail-down or click-together types tend to be much greener and healthier installation choices. Alternatively, buy glue that is Greenguard certified.

7. DO use water-based finishes such as stains and sealants on wood, rather than the chemical kind.