Across Australia, more and more homeowners are choosing eco-friendly tiles to inject sustainability into their building and renovation projects.
It’s worth noting that a sustainable choice for greener living doesn’t necessarily mean buying new. With a suitable tile repair method, existing tiled surfaces can often be saved, which in turn reduces waste. But, if you are actively building and considering a new tiled design, what does it really mean to choose eco-friendly tiles for your home?
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Tiles: The Benefits
- Choosing eco-friendly titles is a design decision to start with. But it’s more than that. It is a long-term investment in your home and in the planet.
- Environmentally speaking, these tiles reduce landfill waste and use less energy in manufacturing.
- They are also made with sustainable materials. This has a positive impact on the indoor air quality, which creates a healthier space for your family.
- Eco-friendly tiles are typically designed with durability in mind, which requires fewer replacements and saves you money in the long run.
Types of Sustainable Tiles
Recycled Glass Tiles
Made from post-consumer glasses, these eco-friendly tiles bring a beautiful design to your home. They reduce the need for new raw materials and keep waste out of landfills. The translucent finish is great for brightening kitchens and bathrooms, or as a feature wall.
Recycled Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Offcuts and discarded tiles are crushed, reprocessed, and given a new life as durable ceramic or porcelain tiles. This approach reduces the energy used compared to making tiles from scratch. It also gives your eco-friendly tiles a strong and versatile finish, which is ideal for both floors and walls.
Natural Stone from Sustainable Sources
When sourced responsibly, stone like slate or granite is long-lasting and low-maintenance. Choosing quarries that follow best practice ensures responsible extraction. These tiles give your home a timeless and natural look.
Low-VOC & Zero-VOC Options
When it comes to manufactured tiles, adhesives and finishes can often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Low-VOC or zero-VOC options maintain healthy indoor air quality without compromising durability.
Practical Tips for Choosing & Maintaining Eco-Friendly Tiles
Durability & Suitability
You want sustainable tiles fit for your space, from high-traffic areas that require toughness to bathroom walls that need water resistance. Your tiles need to tick all the boxes.
Maintenance
Every material needs specific maintenance. Knowing the best maintenance method for your tiles will prevent unnecessary damage. But even if damage happens, you don’t need to start over. The handy tile repair guide can help restore surfaces and eliminate loose edges and chips.
Sourcing & Certifications
Locally produced options reduce transport emissions, while recycled content or responsibly sourced material also supports sustainability. You also want to look out for
- GECA certification
- Tiles and adhesives that contribute to Green Star building ratings
- Manufacturers with ISO 14001 certification
Eco-Friendly Tile Design
Eco-friendly tiles are available in an impressive range of colours, finishes, and textures, so you never have to sacrifice style for sustainability. From recycled glass to natural stone and recycled ceramic, homeowners have a plethora of options.
Even technology is finding its place in design, with innovations like smart tiles for modern homes, showing how sustainability and cutting-edge design can go hand-in-hand. Whatever your aesthetic, there’s an eco-friendly option to bring it to life.
TRIM’s Commitment to Greener Choice
Eco-friendly tiles provide a unique way to reduce environmental impact while protecting your family’s well-being. You can continue to enjoy surfaces that are beautiful and stand the test of time, and, at the same time, preserve the planet.
As TRIM specialists, we’re committed to helping homeowners support their stylish and sustainable tiling designs with our long-lasting repair solutions. We’re ensuring your eco-friendly tiles have a bright and green future ahead.