Are you planning a home building or remodeling project? If you’re like many homeowners today, you might be looking for ways to not only build well, and with style, but also build responsibly. Awareness of the shortages that many natural materials and resources are facing has made “going green” appealing on multiple levels.
This growing, positive trend has opened the doors to numerous alternatives that maximize your home’s style while minimizing its impact on the environment. And, in many cases, these options will also minimize the impact on your wallet. Who doesn’t love that?
Let’s take a look at a few popular alternative building materials.
Alternative Flooring Materials for Your Home
Hardwood is a limited resource. And, while some manufacturers are dedicated to ethically sourcing materials, not everyone is.
What are your options?
- Solid or engineered hardwood floors that are sustainably harvested and made with non-toxic adhesives and finishes
- Explore reclaimed and sustainable wood flooring
- Recycled clay and cement tile<
- Recycled rubber tile
- Stone tile and mosaics
- If hardwood is a must-have, look for options that have been infused with an acrylic to increase durability, but also decrease how much wood is needed to meet manufacturing demands
- Bamboo and cork are tough, attractive, and replenish themselves very quickly
Renewable Resources That Are Perfect for Your Remodeled Kitchen
- Butcher-block counters are an attractive, sensible option. The materials used range from reclaimed/recycled lumber to lesser-known types of trees that are harvested in a sustainable way
- Bamboo countertops
- Stainless steel countertops
- Concrete counters
- Recycled glass countertops
- Bamboo cabinets
- Wheatboard cabinets, made from compressed plant fibers
- Check to see if your kitchen’s wood is FSC-certified, guaranteeing that it’s being sourced responsibly
- Eucalyptus (grows at 4x the speed of traditional hardwood options!)
- Recycled metal tile for your backsplash
- LED lights are a bright idea, offering decreased costs, efficient energy usage, and practical power
Talk To an Experienced Home Builder
The key to successfully building in a green way is to work with an experienced professional who shares your values. Ask what they suggest, what they have seen work in the past, and how you could think outside the box during your project. The results will be stunning, and one of a kind, adding a unique flavor to the colors and textures within your home.
