April 5, 2010 @ 6:05 pm

Going green…we all want to do whats right. “Green” products have been available for sometime now, and more products are available than ever for your consideration when remodeling or renovating. Low VOC Paint, Cellulose Insulation, Composite materials for decking, environmentally friendly products are everywhere. But at what cost? Composite decking can be easily twice the cost of traditional treated lumber, Cellulose insulation can cost 3 times more than fiberglass, but there are exceptions.

Deck stains for example, amongst other things as reported by Consumer Reports in their 2010 buying guide states that while the Behr Deck, Fence and Siding 200 line product out performed all others tested it had 2/3rds more VOC..( Volatile Organic Compounds )…than the next closest competitor. Sears Weatherbeater Deck, Fence and Siding nearly performed as well as the Behr product, is “greener” than the Behr product and costs $5.00 less per gallon.

The moral of the story here is, going green doesn’t always cost more. But overall if you want to go green on your next Kitchen remodel, or renovation project it will cost you more at some point. Seems odd doesn’t it, I mean if going green is such a good thing why are the products priced so high? Hopefully as time progresses green remodeling will be a viable option for more and more homeowners. But until that time comes, educate yourself, and prepare to dig deep in your pockets for most “green ” items.