Home improvement projects can be fun and exciting to embark on. Whether you’re a general contractor looking to showcase your skills and give customers a home they’ll love or a DIYer hoping to take on a project yourself, you need the right materials. While making big changes around your home can feel wasteful, with new eco-friendly trends in building materials, you’ll feel great about the result. Look to the experts at Jaeger Lumber if you’re in New Jersey and are interested in learning more.
What Are Eco-Friendly Materials?
With the recent increase in the eco-conscious mindset, the world is focused more than ever on protecting the environment. This means looking for alternatives to common materials and products. These alternatives can involve the way these products are created, the materials used, or the packaging.
When it comes to building materials, many manufacturers are offering eco-friendly options. These eco-friendly product trends allow contractors and homeowners to get the materials they need for nearly any project while still being conscious of their overall impact on the environment.
What Are Some Eco-Friendly Trends?
There are several different materials that builders are using nowadays to lessen their impact on the environment. These include:
Cob
Cob is an organic material that has been used to make houses for thousands of years. It is a mix of subsoil, water, and fibrous organic material that is easy to build with and offers natural insulation.
Recycled, Reclaimed, and Sustainable Wood
These alternatives to standard wood offer a beautiful, aged look that can make any area stand out. These versatile materials can be used throughout your home.
Cork
Cork comes from a cork oak tree and is resilient. It can absorb shock and help keep moisture at bay.
Straw
Straw bales are used in sustainable construction. This material adds insulating properties and is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
Bamboo
A quick-growing plant, bamboo serves as an aesthetically pleasing eco-friendly option. Bamboo is also praised for its strength and durability, making it great for construction needs.
Recycled Plastic
Plastic takes a long time to decompose, which is why recycled plastic is such an important material for achieving sustainability. It also helps retain sound.
Clay Brick
This 100% recyclable material is energy-efficient, which helps keep your utility bills lower. It is also great for the environment because it doesn’t release any toxic chemicals should it make its way to the landfill.
Recycled Steel
Some construction projects demand very strong materials for heightened durability. Recycled steel, like basic steel, helps save on energy costs and is the most recycled material on the planet.
How Are Builders Using These Materials?
Because there are so many eco-friendly options these days, you can find a way to incorporate them into different aspects of your home. Recycled, reclaimed, and sustainable wood make flooring, exposed beams, cabinetry, and more. Clay brick is great for a home’s exterior or a fireplace, while bamboo adds a sleek look and can be used in tiles, lumber, decking, countertops, and more.
Call On the Experts
At Jaeger Lumber, we provide a wide selection of environmentally conscious alternative building materials to help contractors and homeowners in New Jersey get the job done while still caring for the world around them. With so many eco-friendly trends in construction, homeowners are sure to love the look and functionality of these design ideas. If you are interested in learning more about these building materials or how you can incorporate them into your building plans, reach out to our team or get a quote today.