Recycled and Repurposed Building Materials for Home Improvement

Green building is starting to take off, as policies begin to shape a more energy-conscious society, but what about small home-improvement projects? These projects add up and each year, millions on pounds of building materials, some only lightly used, end up in landfills while more home improvement buffs continue to buy new materials.

The option to use repurposed or recycled building materials is one that not many people realize. But with companies sprouting up all over the country that specialize in deconstruction of buildings that salvages all materials it can, these materials are not only readily available, but also can be an economical way to complete a home improvement project.

Sometimes these objects might need a little imagination and sometimes you'll have to look a little longer than if you were just standing in the aisle of your favorite home improvement mega-store, but the finds can be unique and the end product is something you can be proud of and feel good about.

While almost any kind of building material can be salvaged and resold, at this time it's easier to find repurposed lumber, appliances and plumbing fixtures. Tile, countertops and flooring are also popular materials to purchase from a company that gets them through deconstruction.

There are many of these companies throughout the country, but these offer large-scale, user-friendly places to go and scope out the building materials needed for your next product.

Build It Green! NYC - New York City
The Rebuilding Center - Portland, Oregon
Re Source - Boulder and Fort Collins, Colorado

While not all building materials can usually be found, remember that by choosing sustainable materials can sometimes save money and will always be better for the environment. Materials that are made from recycled matter are usually better for the environment, too. One example is recycled tile, usually made from recycled glass and other non-toxic substances that are used to bind the tiles together.

Recycled flooring can be made from many substances, including rubber, salvaged trees and boards, or bamboo, which is considered to be a sustainable resources because it grows quickly and without using a lot of resources. These retailers specialize in recycled flooring and tile, which can be used in green home improvement projects.

Green Building Supply - Offers many green building materials
Gerbert Limited - Offers rubber floors and other materials
Eco Timber - Offers sustainable and recycled wood products

Remember, in the end you should do your research about whether a product is sustainable, healthy for the environment and you, and makes economical sense. This process will ensure that you can continue to do home improvement projects without feeling guilty about your damage to the environment and massive deposits into local landfills.