Top Eco-Friendly Materials for a Green Home

There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to building a new construction home. Not only are you going to be talking with the builder about the floor plan and interior design theme for the house, but you also have to think about the type of lifestyle that you want to lead inside your new home.

If you are interested in green living, then you should carefully consider the type of materials used to build your new home.

These are the most eco-friendly materials to use in new home construction:

Bamboo has become a popular option for sustainable flooring, largely because it has the same durability, strength and appearance as wood. It is becoming the material of choice among eco-savvy homeowners because bamboo can be regenerated quicker than wood, and it is helping to dwindle the dependence people have on wood across the globe.

Reclaimed wood is a material that is created from old pieces of wood that have been previously used in construction. Reclaimed barn wood, for instance, has become particularly popular over the last decade. This wood is used to create unique, one-of-a-kind flooring as well as siding for homes. Homeowners often feel good about the fact that they are giving new life to a piece of wood rather than harvesting fresh wood that is not as sustainable.

For decades, builders have most often relied upon fiberglass insulation when building a new home. Today, however, many homeowners are finding that sustainable insulation made from natural materials is a better option. Wool insulation has been found to be a better insulation material than fiberglass, allowing people to feel warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer months while inside their homes.

One up-and-coming trend in sustainable home construction is recycled drywall. Builders now have access to drywall material that consists of nearly 80 percent recycled materials. This type of drywall is just as sturdy and durable as its newly-manufactured counterparts.

Another eco-friendly material that homeowners may want to consider is mass timber. Mass timber is a wood composite product that is so strong it can be used to replace steel or concrete parts. Mass timber is created in a more sustainable way and results in less carbon emissions than steel or concrete manufacturing.

Homeowners who want to create an eco-friendly living space may want to ask their builder or contractor to use low-VOC paints. These paints have fewer chemicals in them, and are safer for both people and the environment at-large. There are zero-VOC paints available as well, for those who are interested.

When you opt for sustainable materials for the construction of your home, you may find that there are added benefits. These materials have become known not only for being kind to the environment but also for being long-lasting, durable options. Homeowners who prioritize sustainable materials during the construction of their homes find that they have less need for maintenance and repairs in the years to come.