Green Building Methods and Materials

Looking for a unique and eco-friendly flooring option? Weigh the pros and cons of cork.

Fiber cement board is an extremely durable exterior cladding. It proves more environmentally friendly than vinyl siding.

Find out our top 10 amazing alternative building methods for a true green home renovation.

Bamboo flooring has become so wildly popular of late that it deserves a special look.

What's the difference between horizontal and vertical bamboo flooring?

Find out how metallic wall finishes can actually be eco-friendly.

You have a pretty good idea of what constitutes a "green" building material . That's all well and good, but you're ready to get to work and want to know where you can go to purchase them. While it's not possible for most of us to walk into a specialty green building material store, these products aren't as hard to find as they might sound. In...

Green Building Materials - Greenwashing

It may not be as beautiful as traditional wood, but plastic deck lumber offers several advantages. For starters, it's 100% recyclable.

Green Depot takes the guesswork out of reading labels to determine if a building product is green, because everything they sell is guaranteed good for the environment. But how do they stack up against the big box retailers?

Ceramic tile is synonymous with bathroom decor. Chances are, your bathroom features this tile on the walls, floor, counter or a combination thereof. If you're planning a bathroom renovation, however, consider opting for a greener option.

Bamboo and cork are the heavy-weights in the sustainable flooring category. Does one out green the other?

Before you pick up that roller or brush, do you know what's in your paint? The majority of paints on the market contain VOCs, which are responsible for their strong odor. However, many manufacturers are going green. Learn to tell the difference between eco-friendly and un-friendly paints.

It's cheap, it gets the job done—what's not to love about vinyl siding? However, it may not be as wonderful as you think...

When you think of building materials, you probably think of wood, brick or stone. Have you considered other natural products such as straw or even dirt? Learn the benefits of energy efficient homes constructed from these alternative materials.

Green runs deeper than the surface. Be sure your renovation is green all the way through.

Thinking about re-surfacing your patio or building a new deck? Make your patio renovation green, literally and figuratively.

Some people think that "carpet" and "green" are antonyms. However, carpet has come a long way in recent years. Learn to decipher the myths from the facts.

Though cutting down a tree seems at odds with being green, it certainly makes a difference where and how that tree was grown. That's where the FSC steps in, regulating sustainable forestry practices. What does FSC stand for, and what makes forestry sustainable? Read on to find out.

You're tempted to choose the cheapest roof possible, though it may cost more in the end due to high maintenance and energy bills. Discover which roofing materials are sustainable and most suitable for your home.

Just because the label says a product is green doesn't mean it's actually good for the environment. Check out this list of eco-friendly building materials that you should use for your home remodeling project.

Make your home office green without spending a lot of your hard-earned green. These five easy tips will help you improve your office's energy efficiency and air quality without sacrificing style.

If you can't have the lush yard you always dreamed of, consider installing an earth-friendly green roof or living wall. Reduce your energy costs, improve air quality and bring the outdoors into your home.

Your kitchen or bath's backsplash offers an opportunity to get creative and showcase interesting materials. Consider using recycled glass tile for your next backsplash design.

Love the look of wood flooring but can't stand the thought of all those trees sacrificed? Opt to use reclaimed floorboards as part of your green renovation. This eco-friendly option will add warmth and texture to your home's interior.

If you love the log cabin look but want an eco-friendly home, cordwood construction might be a viable option.

Papercrete is a mixture of — you guessed it — paper, water and cement. It provides a cheap way to add onto your house and a second life for junk mail.

As a child, you might have built forts out of earthen materials. With these same basic skills, you can build your own earthbag home or addition.

Life underground offers many advantages. Earth sheltered homes and underground homes are extremely energy efficient and not as cave-like as you might imagine.

Earthship homes feature unorthodox building materials and utilize ancient methods to produce an off-grid and funky dwelling. Could you live in home made of old tires and dirt?

Low-e film can make your existing windows more energy efficient if you can't afford to replace them. No matter what type of climate you live in, window insulation film proves a cost-effective solution.

It's one of the cheapest green renovations and you can do it yourself: install tap aerators on all the faucets in your house.

Buying low or no VOC paint is only half the equation. Follow this green painting guide to ensure that your painting practices are sustainable throughout the entire project.

Paper and water don't mix, but paper composites prove to be a surprisingly durable material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Paper countertops look a lot like solid surface or stone counters.

Learn to love your small house: it's good for the environment! Still not convinced? We offer a few ways to make it more livable.

Broken glass has a new purpose as part of a recycled glass countertop. These green counters are durable, attractive and versatile.

Should you approach your green kitchen renovation in a different way than the bedroom? Absolutely. Design strategies vary depending on the function of the space.

Aluminum countertops can incorporate high levels of recycled material. Choose from slap formats and aluminum tiles to dress up your kitchen.

You often think about what your home will be like after your green renovation is complete. But what about during the process? Implement green construction practices as part of the renovation process to ensure the best results.

Wood counters lend warmth and character to your kitchen. If you love the look of traditional butcher block, consider using FSC wood certified counters, bamboo counters or reclaimed wood counters as part of your kitchen remodel.

A garage is a place to keep your car and your stuff, but is it possible to green such a space that is so opposite from the concept of eco-friendliness? Absolutely! Follow our tips for a greener, healthier garage.

Renovating an old home is inherently green, not to mention they are full of character. However, these historic beauties aren't very energy efficient. We provide tips on updating older homes without sacrificing character.

Bamboo is a renewable resource and can be using for several building purposes. Consider installing bamboo flooring, millwork or substrate as part of your green home renovation.

Using natural materials from the earth is always green. We examine the options, from the typical to the unexpected.

When it rains, it pours. Design your home and yard to work with nature, not against it, by following these stormwater management techniques.

Want your home to feel comfortable and be green year round? Vary your strategy depending on the season.