Eco-Friendly Recycled Tile

(Page 3 of 4)

February/March 2009
By Dan Chiras 
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Recycled-content tiles are available directly from manufacturers, at some flooring supply stores and at online green building materials outlets. To locate a specific product, you may want to contact manufacturers to find a local supplier. You can also check with your local home improvement centers to see if they carry recycled-content tile, as it continues to gain popularity.

Choosing recycled over conventional tile is a great way to green your home. Recycled tile even offers some unique designs you won’t find elsewhere.

Green Adhesives and Grout

When installing tile, consider using nontoxic thin-set mortars and adhesives. Many conventional products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could cause health problems. Look for low-VOC products such as American Formulating & Manufacturing’s (AFM) Safecoat 3 in 1 Adhesive, EcoTimber’s HealthyBond Flooring Adhesive or Envirotec’s Floor Covering Adhesive. Bostik also manufactures two no-VOC thin-set mortars.

What Will It Cost?

Cost estimates for green flooring options, cost per square foot installed:

Recycled-content tile (from basic, tile-only installation to higher quality tile including new wood underlayment): $10 to $33
Conventional ceramic tile: $13
Stone tile: $22 to $178
Bamboo: $12
Oak strip: $9
Maple strip: $12
Cork tiles: $10
Wood laminate: $8
All-natural linoleum: $7

Cost estimates for installation of 100 percent recycled-material floor tiles, installed in a 12-foot-by-8-foot room, including underlayment (subflooring), spacers, mortar, grout and sealer:

Cost for materials only: $2,250
Contractor’s total, including materials, labor and markup: $3,200

(Costs are national averages and do not include sales tax.)

Clean Tile the Green Way

To clean tile or other counters without chemicals, sprinkle on baking soda, then rub with a damp cloth or sponge. For stains, make a baking soda-and-water paste and let it sit on the stain for several minutes. When dry, brush off and remove the residue. For a natural disinfectant, mix 2 cups of water with 3 tablespoons liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops tea tree oil.

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