Whether your home is custom or part of a larger development, I’m sharing my top non-toxic materials for your new build. The materials your builder will use in your home will be there for decades, so you have a unique opportunity to choose high-quality materials right from the start. From creating an eco-friendly home that is safe for the environment to selecting safe materials that can contribute positively to your loved ones’ long-term health, these non-toxic building materials will serve you for years to come.

Flooring

For non-toxic flooring, you are probably familiar with the OGs: natural wood, tile, or stone. When sustainably sourced, these fabulous options will serve your home well. 

If you’re looking for something outside the usual go-tos, consider HempWood. This new product is made in the USA and is more durable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly than bamboo, which often contains urea-formaldehyde and is shipped from overseas. 

HempWood has a unique texture and comes in three colors. This means you can easily select an option that will work for your space. 

Walls & Ceiling

We will get into paint and wallpaper here in a minute, but first, let’s dive deeper. When it comes to constructing your walls and ceiling, it’s important to know drywall is not your only option. 

• Plaster

  We are taking it back to the old school. Installing plaster walls, while a more significant investment, is a fabulous non-toxic option. 

• Wood Wall Features

  An SFC-certified/responsibly harvested wood feature is not only a great non-toxic option, but it also brings in a really lovely texture that is fun to work with from a design standpoint.

Wool Insulation

I recommend wool insulation over standard fiberglass. It’s a renewable building material that can be harvested easily. Wool is non-toxic, has no side effects associated with long-term exposure, and is naturally flame retardant. 

Wool insulation is an all-around superior product and one I would highly recommend investing in, as the opportunity to swap it out in the future is practically nonexistent. 

Roofing

A significant investment for any homeowner, there is a wide range of non-toxic options for your roof. 

• Solar 

  This big-ticket investment pays for itself over the years. However, if solar is not something you are ready to execute when you build your home, you can still set up your home to be a Zero Energy Ready Home. 

• Tile Roof 

  Either slate or terra cotta clay tile roofs are excellent options. While more expensive upfront, they last an incredibly long time, saving you money in replacement costs. They can also be recycled at the end of their lifetime. 

• Cool Roof 

  A cool roof is made from wood shingles and reflects the sun's rays more efficiently than a standard roof. This means lowered costs and fewer fossil fuels required to maintain your home's temperature. Additionally, this is another roof option that can be recycled at the end of its life. 

• Metal Roof 

  This durable option lasts for decades and is perfect for the homeowner who never wants to worry about their roof again—and it’s also recyclable. You may need to consider the sound impact of this option as not everyone loves the sound of rain on their roof.

Paint & Wallcoverings

Your walls and ceiling provide the largest surface area in your home, which means you will be absorbing a large amount of the substances that go on them. It is vital that you request low-VOC paints for your home and select wall coverings that will not off-gas toxic chemicals. You can check out my list of the best non-toxic paint and wallpaper to select a finish that you love and that will nourish your family for years. 

If you’re preparing to work with a builder or you’re in the middle of building your new home, the time to connect with an interior designer is now. When you have a great builder and interior design team, they can work together to ensure an amazing, earth-friendly environment for you and your loved ones to enjoy. 

Schedule your Connection Call today, and let MOTIV work with you to create a sophisticated and sustainable new build home.