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The Most Eco-Friendly Home Is…

In honor of Earth Day The Beard Group would like to remind you that the most eco-friendly house is the house that’s already built.  The most eco-friendly flooring solution are the floors already in your home.  Remodeling existing space is always more eco-friendly than constructing a new one.  However, here are some other options for you to consider.

Flooring Options

Bamboo

Traditional Kitchen by Seattle Design-Build Firms Michael J Cox

 

Midcentury Bedroom by Sunnyvale Interior Designers & Decorators Urbanism Designs

 

Cork

Modern Home Theater by Calgary General Contractors Home Completions

 

Traditional Kitchen by Philadelphia Architects & Building Designers Kass & Associates

Cork is harvested from the bark of Cork Oak trees, which are mainly located in Southern Europe.  Harvesting the bark doesn’t harm the tree and the bark can be harvested again after 9 years, making cork an environmentally sustainable flooring option.  Due to its spongy nature, cork is very comfortable underfoot, making it ideal for areas where you’ll be spending long periods of time standing.  There are also many different grain styles and colors to choose from to fit your homes design aesthetic.

Countertop Options

IceStone

Modern Bathroom by Ellicott City Architects & Building Designers Brennan + Company Architects

IceStone countertops are made from recycled glass, portland cement and non-toxic pigment.  Similar to terrazzo in appearance, IceStone is a durable and sustainable option for countertop, backsplash and flooring applications.

Paperstone

Contemporary Kitchen by Chicago Interior Designers & Decorators Lugbill Designs

Paperstone is constructed from compressed 100% post-consumer recycled paper saturated with phenolic resin and natural pigments.  In appearance it is very similar to soapstone and is warm to the touch.  Paperstone is a non-porous surface and is easily cleanable.

Backsplash Options

Oceanside Glasstile

Contemporary Kitchen by Carlsbad Tile, Stone & Countertops Oceanside Glasstile

Almost all the glass tile from Oceanside Glasstile contains recycled content, and they offer a wide range of styles and colors to match with your decor.  Glass tile is non-porous and a durable option for backsplash applications

Sabine Hill Cement Tiles

Traditional Kitchen by Philadelphia General Contractors Buckminster Green LLC

Cement tiles manufactured by Sabine Hill are composed of natural materials, and are not fired in a kiln so no fossil fuels are used during production.   Cement tiles are extremely durable and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors to customize your space.

Reclaimed Materials

Reusing materials already existing in your home is the most eco-friendly option.  Here are some ideas on what you can salvage and re-use in your home:
-Reclaiming your existing floors by refinishing them
-Reusing doors and windows
-Refinishing cabinets
-Reusing lighting fixtures

Here is a great article on eco-friendly ways to renovate your home:

10 Eco-Friendly Ways To Renovate Your Home

Happy Earth Day!