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Whether you're updating your flooring or remodeling the whole house, using materials made from reclaimed sources can be a great way to cut down on the cost and keep your home eco-friendly. What makes material reclaimed? And what can it be used for within the home?

Defining Reclaimed

Last year we shared the scoop on reclaimed flooring. No matter which areas you're remodeling, the principle stays the same: reclaimed sources of materials include those salvaged from old buildings, antique barns, river bottoms, trees removed from urban settings, etc. It's basically any type of material that was used for something else, discarded and then reclaimed for a new purpose. These materials are great for eco-friendly flooring, but it doesn't stop there.

Home Solar Power Discounts - One Block Off the Grid

When most people think of sustainable homes, they think of bamboo floors and low-energy appliances, but there are a LOT of options when it comes to building a green home. In fact, did you know eco-friendly carpeting is an option to consider?

What makes carpeting eco-friendly? Mother Nature Network does a good job of laying out factors to consider:

What is the carpet made from? Does it contain any toxic chemicals or volatile organic compounds? Was it responsibly manufactured? Is it recyclable?

A sustainable option for those that want eco-friendly hardwood floors, reclaimed flooring is wood salvaged from old buildings, antique barns, river bottoms, trees removed from urban settings, etc. As this type of flooring is made from wood that doesn’t serve a functional purpose anymore, it’s a great way to reuse historical resources and keep your home green.

Curious how the process works? There are a few key steps when it comes to reclaiming wood to use as hardwood flooring in a home: