originate natural building materials

Are There Budget Friendly Sustainable Products?

by Kate Maassen
October 22, 2024

Managing a home improvement or construction project can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to staying within budget, while trying to create a functional and beautiful space. While many people assume that eco-friendly options come with a high price tag, we’re here to dispel that myth. We pride ourselves on offering a broad range of products at various price points, ensuring that we can cater to everyone—from DIY enthusiasts looking to freshen up a room to contractors working on large-scale projects. Whether you’re after premium materials for a luxury build or more economical options for a small renovation, we have something for you.

Why Shop Local for Building Materials?

Big-box stores may carry a vast inventory, but what they don’t always provide is the personalized service and attention that we offer. We’ll take the time to understand your project and budget. Rather than pushing you towards the most expensive option, our goal is to help you find materials that balance quality and cost. You might be surprised to learn that many of the products we carry are comparable in price. If you’re not sure which material will fit your budget and your vision, our knowledgeable team can guide you through different options, offering insight on where you can save money without sacrificing durability or style. You can count on us for honest advice, high-quality materials, and competitive pricing, making your project a success from start to finish.

Since COVID, the cost of building materials has skyrocketed, affecting everything from lumber to paint. However, at Originate, we understand the challenges this poses for homeowners and contractors alike. As a small business, we’re committed to offering a range of budget-friendly, high-quality materials to help keep your project on track without breaking the bank. From sustainable flooring to healthy paints, we work hard to provide affordable options that meet your needs while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.

Romabio Interior Paint

Romabio Interior Paint is not only a sustainable, zero-VOC option, but it’s also easy on your wallet. This mineral-based paint offers excellent coverage, beautiful finishes, and long-lasting durability, making it a fantastic choice for those who want quality without the premium price tag. Their Microgrip primer is available for $35/2.5 Liters. Their Matte paint starts at $53/2.5 Liters and their Satin paint starts at $66/2.5 Liters. Whether you’re freshening up a room or tackling a larger project, Romabio is an affordable, healthier choice for your home.

Ecoprocote Soycrete Concrete Stain

For those looking to update concrete surfaces, Ecoprocote Soycrete Concrete Stain is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution. Made from soy-based ingredients, this stain is free from harmful chemicals while offering beautiful color options. It’s a perfect choice for those on a budget looking to transform their space with an eco-conscious product. The Soycrete stain is $60/gallon and covers 400-600 square feet. The recommended sealers, Acrisoy and EcoPoly, are $40/gallon. The Acrisoy penetrating sealer covers 400-600 square feet/gallon. EcoPoly is a thin film bio-polyurethane sealer and covers 1000-1500 square feet/gallon.

Paperstone Remnant Slabs

If you love the idea of using sustainable surfaces but think it’s out of your price range, think again! Paperstone offers remnant slabs at a discounted price, this is an affordable way to get the beauty and durability of recycled paper countertops without the higher cost of having to buy larger slabs. These remnant pieces are perfect for smaller projects like bathroom vanities or shorter lengths in kitchens. The remnant pieces start at $20/square foot for 3/4″ thick, $35/square foot for 1″ thick, and $42/square foot for 1-1/4″ thick. Paperstone can also be machined with woodworking tools, making it a good option for DIY projects.

APC Cork Truly Green Collection

Cork flooring is known for its sustainability, but it can also be a budget-friendly option. APC Cork’s Truly Green Collection offers an excellent combination of affordability, durability, and eco-conscious design. Cork is naturally insulating, durable, and comfortable underfoot, making it a fantastic value for your next flooring project. APC’s Truly Green ranges from $5-$6.50/square foot.

Marmoleum Natural Linoleum Flooring

Marmoleum is another flooring option that proves you don’t need to sacrifice quality to stick to a budget. Made from natural ingredients like linseed oil and jute, this flooring is both sustainable and affordable, starting at $5.30/square foot. Marmoleum offers a wide range of colors and styles, giving you plenty of options to choose from without stretching your budget and is long lasting 40-50 years. Marmoleum offers a click flooring option that is more DIY friendly and is waterproof with the addition of a proprietary ingredient in the core.

UltraTouch Cotton Batt Insulation

For those looking to improve energy efficiency in a cost-effective way, recycled denim insulation, from Bonded Logic, is a great option. Made from pre and post-consumer denim scraps, this insulation is not only eco-friendly but also competitively priced compared to conventional insulation at $.75/square foot R13 and $1.45/square foot R21. It’s made in Arizona which drastically cuts down on shipping costs. Plus, it’s safe to handle and provides excellent thermal and acoustic performance.

Fireclay Essentials

Fireclay is known for its beautiful, handcrafted tiles, but did you know they also offer budget-friendly options? The Essentials Collection features timeless styles and colors starting at $10 per square foot, allowing you to incorporate gorgeous, sustainably-made tiles into your space without overspending. They are also a quick ship item, shipping within 1 week of placing an order.

Salvage

Salvaged building materials are often less expensive because they come from deconstructed buildings or leftover materials, which can be repurposed instead of newly manufactured. Our salvaged, solid wood doors start at $45! By giving these materials a second life, you not only save money but also add a unique, one-of-a-kind aesthetic to your project. Whether it’s reclaimed wood with natural patina or vintage fixtures with character, salvaged materials bring history, charm, and sustainability to any space, making them a cost-effective and creative choice.

Affordable Sustainability at Originate

At the end of the day, we’re here to work with you. We believe that everyone deserves quality materials, and we know that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to building and home improvement. Sustainability should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget, that’s why we offer products across the spectrum, ensuring you can make choices that fit your needs. Whether you’re working on a small renovation or a major build, stop by Originate, and we’ll help you find high-quality, affordable, and sustainable materials that work for you!