Resourceful Rehabs

Building a “green” home from scratch is certainly environmentally responsible. But older homes also have inherently green properties, such as thick, solid walls that reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling. And rehabbing an existing home is about as green as it gets. Preservation, after all, is the cornerstone of sustainability.

For a green-minded façade, Darrin Crook, general manager of Rhino Shield®, explains that Rhino Shield® Ceramic Coating is a durable, flexible and maintenance-free alternative to exterior paint; is designed to be nontoxic and low-odor; and has a low-E thermal barrier that may reduce energy consumption. The product resists the growth of mold and mildew and is approved for solid waste landfill disposal.

Reclaimed hardwood is another wonderful addition to a green home. At the Historic Floor Company in Chesterfield, you will find a number of eco-friendly flooring options, including 5-inch pallet pine, 3.25-inch Old World oak and Rice Mill reclaimed pine, all made from recycled wood. According to Steve Lauer, president of Historic Floor, “Salvaged and reclaimed hardwood flooring is a responsible alternative to buying new. It adds a historical flair to a home and saves wood that would otherwise be discarded as trash.”

Existing wood floors that need some TLC can find it at Mr. Sandless®, the largest floor refinishers in North America. Their finishes have low VOCs and contain no toxic, caustic or banned chemicals. According to Daniel Praz, CEO, founder and creator of Mr. Sandless®, “green” simply means “safe.” “When I developed the system, I only wanted to use safe materials – for my own health and the health and safety of my clients,” says Daniel.

But if you’re looking to make an old home go eco-forward, don’t just stop with the basics. Todd and Jenny Rausch, owners of Karr-Bick Kitchen + Bath, were devoted to preserving the past when renovating their cottage getaway home. They feel that old materials are often more intricate and unique than new items and give a space added character. The salvaged stone steps leading up to the door of their enclosed front porch were a find from the Century Used Brick Company in St. Louis.

A local shop full of antique, architectural eye candy is Fellenz Antiques on Euclid. Those interested in reusing and recycling are certain to find just what they are looking for in this warehouse of everything old. Whether you’re on the hunt for an interesting mantel for your fireplace or a special door that speaks to its history, you’re bound to find just the right piece.

Cross Creek Architectural Artifacts in Springfield, Missouri, also offers a wide selection of antique brick, old growth beams and timbers, and wide plank flooring, as well as antique doors, wrought-iron pieces and garden ornamentation.

Another amazing resource for forgotten treasures and timeworn objects of beauty is Euro Trash. Based in Jacksonville, Illinois, this 50,000-square-foot warehouse is filled with fabulous finds imported from Belgium, Holland and France. Euro Trash embodies what is known to be a thrown-away elegance.

ReStore Habitat for Humanity also offers building materials at substantial savings and serves as an outlet for many reusable items.

Helping uncover the gem beneath the dust is truly rewarding. And with the vast number of resources and recycled materials available, you can make your renovation the brightest shade of green ever!

RESOURCES
Historic Floor Company, www.historicfloorco.com
Mr. Sandless®, www.mrsandless.com
Century Used Brick, 314-962-4400
Fellenz Antiques, 314-367-0214
Cross Creek Architectural Artifacts, www.crosscreekartifacts.com
Euro Trash, www.euro-trash.us 
ReStore Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, 314-531-4155
Karr-Bick Kitchen + Bath, www.karrbick.com
Rhino Shield, www.rhinoshieldmo.net
Robben Contracting, Inc., www.robbencontracting.biz