What ecological building materials in Quebec should you choose for your construction
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Choosing materials is more than just a matter of price: it affects durability, occupant health, aesthetics, and ecology. At Plan Maison Québec, experts in house, cottage, and garage plans, we understand that every choice has a significant impact on the overall cost and sustainability of a project. This article guides you, step by step, to choose the right materials for you—whether you're building a new home or renovating a new home.
1. Floors: Finding the balance between durability, comfort and budget
Ecological building materials in Quebec
Solid wood, ideally FSC-certified and sourced from local softwoods like maple or oak, offers a durable and warm finish. Its classic aesthetic is enhanced by the ability to sand it to make it last for decades. Pay attention to the finish: choose natural oil over chemical varnishes to facilitate future repairs—a key tip from Plan Maison Québec.
Engineered wood
Made from plywood topped with a thin layer of hardwood, engineered wood offers stability and ease of installation, even over soundproofed subfloors. Although sometimes treated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it remains an attractive solution when you choose low-emission products, as we recommend at Plan Maison Québec.
Ceramics and tiles
Timeless materials, especially in humid areas (bathrooms, kitchens), they are durable and water-resistant, provided you choose low-VOC adhesives/tiles. The downside: the style can quickly become outdated. Consider timeless models if you want to maintain their appeal over the years.
Cork
Naturally insulating, anti-allergy, and noise-reducing, cork is an excellent eco-friendly choice. However, it's often imported from Europe and may contain VOCs depending on the manufacturing process. Plan Maison Québec therefore recommends choosing products certified VOC-free, even though installation may require professional intervention.
Bamboo
Bamboo is strong and renewable, but it comes primarily from Asia, which increases its carbon footprint and sometimes raises ethical concerns about manufacturing conditions. Again, a formaldehyde-free FSC version is preferable, according to the experts at Plan Maison Québec.
Reclaimed floors and local stones
Using reclaimed wood or local slate/stone fits perfectly with a circular economy approach and the recovery of Quebec materials. They offer unique character and durability, even if their installation can be costly in terms of restoration or sealing.
Linoleum and smoothed concrete
For a natural, durable, and neutral finish, linoleum/marmoleum is a healthy option. Smoothed concrete, perfect for a contemporary style, provides an interesting inert and thermal base. Be careful, however, with sealing, which can generate polluting fumes: Plan Maison Québec always recommends low-VOC products and regular maintenance to preserve these surfaces.
What to avoid
Avoid materials like vinyl floating floors or wall-to-wall carpeting, which are often not very durable, polluting and difficult to recycle.
2. Roofing: durability, gray energy and longevity
Asphalt shingles
Very common in Quebec, asphalt shingles are inexpensive to purchase (~$7/sq ft) but their limited lifespan (15–25 years) and their contribution to heat islands make them less attractive from an ecological perspective.
Cedar shingles
With a lifespan of up to 50 years, thanks to their natural protein, cedar shingles are authentic and slightly more environmentally friendly. However, they require rigorous maintenance and can be susceptible to hail.
Metal roofs
Choosing a 100% recyclable metal roof means opting for exceptional longevity (more than 60 years), minimal maintenance and improved energy efficiency, which aligns with the sustainability values defended by Plan Maison Québec.
Composite roofs and EPDM/TPO membranes
Composite materials made from recycled tires or EPDM/TPO membranes for flat roofs are highly durable and require little maintenance. They offer long-lasting durability (30 to 50 years) and significant thermal efficiency.
Green roofs and thatch
Although rare in Quebec due to their high cost ($10–30/sq. ft.) and their need for a reinforced structure, green and thatched roofs are extremely durable, insulating and beneficial for the environment, reducing urban heat islands and rainwater management.
3. Exterior cladding and walls: protect with style
Fiber cement, vinyl and treated wood coverings
The choice between these options comes down to a trade-off between cost, maintenance, style, and environmental impact. Locally treated wood offers a natural look, vinyl is economical, while fiber cement, more expensive, offers excellent durability.
Stone or brick facings
These materials add character, stand the test of time, and require little maintenance. Their installation is more demanding and their cost higher, but the result is worth the investment.
Ecological insulation for walls
Choosing insulation materials like cellulose, hemp fiber, or cotton wadding improves thermal comfort while limiting carbon footprint. For example, hemp naturally regulates humidity and is fungicidal, but be careful when choosing whether to import it and when installing it, which may require a suitable coating. Plan Maison Québec recommends carefully analyzing the construction context before choosing these insulation materials.
Walls: combining insulation, durability and aesthetics
Wooden frames and natural insulation
Timber-framed walls remain a popular choice in Quebec, particularly due to their flexibility. This structure allows for the easy integration of different types of insulation, whether traditional, such as mineral wool, or more environmentally friendly, such as cellulose and hemp. These natural materials not only improve thermal insulation, but also regulate humidity, reducing the risk of mold and contributing to healthier indoor air—an essential aspect of the projects we carry out at Plan Maison Québec.
Insulating concrete: strength and thermal inertia
Insulating concrete is a robust and high-performance alternative. It combines structural strength with excellent thermal inertia, keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter. This material is ideal for withstanding Quebec's harsh climatic conditions while ensuring lasting comfort. Plan Maison Québec often recommends this option for constructions where durability and strength are priorities.
Exterior cladding: durability and timeless charm
Exterior finishes play both an aesthetic and protective role. Brick, stone, or fiber cement siding is valued for its durability, low maintenance, and ability to effectively protect against fire and weather. Although their initial cost is higher, they add a distinctive touch to your home, enhancing its value and unique style, as we regularly recommend to our clients at Plan Maison Québec.
Interior walls: air quality and comfort
Interior walls shouldn't be neglected. Choosing eco-friendly plasterboard or natural coatings like lime stucco improves indoor air quality and occupant well-being. These materials help regulate humidity and reduce the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), promoting a healthy and comfortable environment—a commitment that Plan Maison Québec takes very seriously in each of its projects.
5. Health, VOCs and Wellness
VOC emissions from glues, paints, varnishes, and sealants can be harmful to the health of occupants. Plan Maison Québec emphasizes the importance of choosing certified low-VOC products (paints, adhesives, finishes). Natural materials (cork, oiled wood, untreated concrete) contribute to healthy indoor air, without compromising on style.
6. Return on investment and costs
Purchase and long-term costs
Choosing sustainable materials may seem more expensive upfront, but when you factor in savings on maintenance, replacement costs, and property value, it's a wise investment. For example, comparing $60 worth of durable hardwood to $40 worth of lower-quality laminate, as solid wood has a much longer lifespan, is a strategy recommended by Plan Maison Québec.
Circular economy and local materials
Promoting the use of local materials (stone, certified wood) reduces the carbon footprint and facilitates recycling or reuse at the end of their life cycle. Barn flooring and Quebec slate are good examples of this virtuous approach.
7. Climate situation and regulations
In Quebec, the climate requires good insulation, good drainage, and frost- and moisture-resistant coatings. Novoclimat and LEED standards encourage the use of high-performance, durable materials that achieve high levels of energy efficiency. At Plan Maison Québec, we design your plans with these factors in mind to ensure performance, comfort, and compliance.
8. Practical advice for choosing
Define your priorities: durability (metal roof), aesthetics (cork, solid wood), budget (economical vinyl), environmental impact. Check certifications: FSC for wood, low VOC for finishes, recognized labels.
Compare lifecycle costs: purchase + maintenance + replacement + resale.
Plan for installation and maintenance: some materials require specific expertise or regular upkeep.
Prioritize local materials: reduce transportation costs, support the regional economy; see the examples of slate and Quebec wood.
Conclusion
Making the right choice of ecological building materials in Quebec ensures a solid construction, a healthy interior, an eco-friendly project, and a good return on investment. At Plan Maison Québec, we specialize in designing plans tailored to your ambitions, incorporating the best materials for your environment, your budget, and your expectations.
Are you planning to build a house, cottage or garage?
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