Best 15 Sustainable Building Material Companies in Virginia
Images courtesy of Rammed Earth Works, Earth-Bound Building, and PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc..
The first step for a sustainably-built home in Virginia is getting the right materials from an authentic company.
Sourcing high-quality, sustainable building materials from a reputable company will help create a durable and long-lasting home. I wrote this article to help Virginia residents find the best sustainable building material companies in Virginia to work on their project.
From rammed earth and cob to reclaimed wood and precast concrete, a wide variety of green building materials are at your disposal.
Unfortunately, as the demand for eco-conscious building surges, so does the number of companies claiming to be โsustainable,โ some of which are not. Therefore, you must be vigilant when selecting a sustainable building material company in Virginia.
I’ve rounded up the best 15 sustainable building material companies in Virginia to make finding the right firm for your project easier. These companies provide high-quality, sustainable construction materials and services tailored to your needs. Keep reading!
Rammed Earth Construction Companies in Virginia
Rammed earth construction entails ramming a mixture of clay, sand, silt, gravel, and water into formworks to build walls. The technique is also used to build foundations and floors.
Rammed earth is considered a sustainable building material due to its higher thermal mass and lower carbon footprint than concrete.
The best rammed earth construction companies in Virginia include:
1. Rammed Earth Works
Established in 1976, Rammed Earth Works boasts a global reputation for promoting research and refining technologies that make rammed earth a reliable building material.
The company specializes in rammed earth panels that are shipped across the world for construction projects. Its panels are 3 inches (7.62 cm) thick, 5 inches (12.7 cm) high, and 12 inches (30.48 cm) long.
Besides the above dimensions, the company can make customized panels to meet different needs.
Rammed Earth Works has continuously refined its forming system, mix design, and compaction techniques to deliver excellent quality as a company that has been going strong for decades.
This company has a unique approach that entails collaborating with clients and architects from design conceptualization and design development to delivery and construction. This way, it makes projects less complex to save on costs.
Finally, the company formulates its mix design during the submittal phase to:
- Assess suitable formulations for finished rammed earth panels in line with the client’s aesthetic preferences and expectations.
- Assess the ingredients to ensure the final products meet or exceed durability and strength specifications.
You can order your rammed earth panels from Virginia since the company ships its products throughout the U.S.
Cob Building Companies in Virginia
Cob is an eco-friendly material made by trampling sand, clay, straw, and water into a homogenous mixture. The mixture is laid in courses to build structural walls.
Like rammed earth, cob has a high thermal mass that helps absorb heat during the day and release it at night to keep the indoors warm.
The best cob building companies in Virginia include:
2. Earth-Bound Building
Established in 2014, Earth-Bound Building is a worker-owned construction cooperative made up of people with a common love for the land.
The cooperative focuses on designing and building ecological, affordable, and functional structures using local materials.
Besides cob, Earth-Bound Building specializes in other sustainable materials like clay plasters.
As a company that values people more than profit, the management uses this business to achieve long-term land sovereignty.
Since Earth-Bound Building is a registered member of the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, itโs dedicated to creating economic opportunities for its workforce.
The best part is that the company works with clients from start to finish, providing hands-on guidance during design and construction. Its primary services include:
- Timber frame construction.
- Agricultural infrastructure.
- Natural building.
3. PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Established in 1998, PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. is a sustainable company headquartered in Klamath Falls. However, it’s licensed to offer its services in all 50 states of the United States. Therefore, you can contract it for your cob building needs in Virginia.
The company is dedicated to providing high-quality engineering services to residential, commercial, and industrial clients nationwide.
Due to its commitment to promoting natural building techniques, the company specializes in cob as one of its eco-friendly materials.
PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. designs its cob structures to be:
- Highly economical.
- Insect and fire-proof.
- Highly resistant to wind and earthquakes to ensure longevity.
- Exceptional in terms of design flexibility.
With a focus on providing the highest level of professional and timely service at competitive rates to clients, you can rely on this company for the best cob building services in Virginia.
Earthbag Building Companies in Virginia
Earthbag is a cost-effective building technique that entails filling polypropylene bags with soil or other earthen materials for building walls.
The filled earthbags are compacted and tamped to create load-bearing walls.
The technique is also suitable for building foundations, stairs, and retaining walls.
The best earthbag building companies in Virginia include:
4. PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc.
PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. prides itself as a leader in green home design in the U.S.
The company recognizes the need for incorporating more eco-friendly practices into construction.
Therefore, it has added earthbag building to its list of services to satisfy the growing demand for sustainable building materials.
It specializes in designing and constructing strong, durable earthbag homes with flexible design options that meet clients’ specifications.
Moreover, PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. is committed to delivering high-quality engineering services at competitive rates to its clients in the U.S.
Since this company offers its services throughout the U.S., meeting local building code requirements for each state can be challenging. To address this, it partners with local agencies in each state to merge code enforcement with its sustainable building methods like earthbag.
As a team of licensed structural engineers, PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc. will help you secure the final stamp of approval before commencing the project.
Straw Bales Construction Companies in Virginia
Straw bales are cost-effective, sustainable building materials for walls and insulation. The commonly used straws are wheat, barley, rice, and rye.
Straw bales are eco-friendly materials because the raw materials are natural and locally available. Moreover, you can recycle straw bales at the end of their life.
The best straw bale construction companies in Virginia include:
5. Virginia Ground Covers
Established in 1985, Virginia Ground Covers specializes in high-quality bag products and landscaping bulk at pocket-friendly prices.
The company supplies a wide variety of landscaping products, including straw bales.
Itโs committed to providing products that meet its clients’ quality requirements and specifications.
Virginia Ground Covers provides delivery services at fair prices based on your location. Here are the delivery charges and service areas.
It’s worth noting that the company can deliver more than one item, depending on volume. However, the total volume of the products must meet the minimum required conditions.
6. Earth-Bound Building
Earth-Bound Building comprises craftspeople who focus on preserving land and the natural world.
The company designs and builds eco-friendly, functional, and affordable homes using locally sourced materials. It aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from manufacturing and transporting building materials.
Earth-Bound Building specializes in straw bale insulation to keep homes warm and minimize energy costs for heating and cooling.
With an R-value of approximately 2.38 per inch, straw bales make an excellent insulator to reduce over-reliance on a central heating system and save energy.
After building a house or installing insulation, the company applies a clay-based plaster to enhance longevity.
Unlike conventional plasters, natural plasters, like those made from clay, are chemical-free. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about exposure to harmful compounds like VOCs.
Precast Concrete Construction Companies in Virginia
By casting concrete in forms and curing it in a controlled environment to produce precast concrete, the process ensures the consistency of strength and quality for each piece. This is a sustainable approach that minimizes wastage during the manufacturing process and reuses materials like slag and fly ash.
Moreover, precast structures can be recycled at the end of their life to minimize the environmental impact.
The best precast concrete construction companies in Virginia include:
7. Nansemond Pre-Cast Concrete Company
Located in Suffolk, Virginia, Nansemond Pre-Cast Concrete Company fosters strong values that guarantee excellence.
The company ensures its products are delivered accurately and in a timely manner to help clients achieve their construction goals.
Having been in operation since 1970, Nansemond Pre-Cast Concrete Company is among the few in Virginia that offer credit options at a 2% interest rate for 30 days. This is especially useful for clients with tight budgets.
After 30 days, you’ll incur a monthly interest rate of 1.5% of the unpaid balance.
To ensure excellent quality, this company has a team of quality control technicians certified by the American Concrete Institute (ACI), which monitors every production phase.
Moreover, since the company is a National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) member, you can rest assured of the highest quality precast concrete from it.
The company’s products include:
- Sanitary manholes.
- Storm drain manholes.
- VDOT structures.
8. Concrete Pipe and Precast (CP&P)
Based in Ashland, Virginia, Concrete Pipe and Precast is one of the best sustainable building material companies in Virginia.
Established in 2012, the company is a valued supplier of precast concrete and its products like pipes and structures throughout the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States.
CP&P focuses on providing exceptional quality by incorporating production capacity, market insights, commitment, and integrity.
The best part is that CP&P works with clients to formulate solutions that meet their needs. After specifying your requirements, the company’s experienced staff will identify opportunities that guarantee your project’s success.
CP&P incorporates integrity, mutual respect, and positive relations throughout its projects to satisfy each client.
Moreover, the company holds itself accountable to customers and employees by honoring its commitments.
As a certified NPCA member, CP&P guarantees high-quality products and services.
Some of the company’s products include:
- Storm drainage
- Pipes
- Box culverts
- Buildings
- Underground detention
9. Tindall Corp
Established in 1988, Tindall Corp has been at the forefront of advancing the incorporation of precast concrete and its products in construction projects in Virginia.
The company employs excellent engineering horsepower and capacity to make high-quality precast concrete products.
By delivering a diverse catalog of precast concrete projects like large-scale construction and buildings, the company has proven its capability of executing complex contracts.
What sets Tindall Corp apart is its focus on cost-effective, unique designs that meet project specifications. It achieves these requirements by collaborating with clients to understand their needs and build products that meet the specs.
What’s more?
The company understands its way around budgeting. Therefore, through decades of constant innovation and creative problem-solving, it lowers the final cost of precast concrete installations to make its services affordable to many.
Through its huge workforce, the company handles huge volumes under tight schedules without compromising quality.
Tindall Corp handles various projects, including architecturally driven commercial buildings and multi-story residential structures.
10. Coastal Precast Systems
With over 70 years of experience in the precast industry, Coastal Precast Systems supplies high-quality precasts for different construction projects.
The company is more than just a precast supplier โ it has experienced engineers with in-depth knowledge of precast installations.
For a complete package, it has a transportation department that offers delivery and installation services for its precast products.
The company’s precast process makes it stand out. It guarantees the highest quality and accuracy for each product by incorporating an in-house precast process from design and fabrication to delivery and installation.
Its team comprises:
- Qualified engineers
- Estimators
- Drafters
- CAD operators
- Accountants
- Sales team
- Project managers
With such a team, you’re sure to get high-quality products and services.
The best part is that this company is a Precast Concrete Institute (PCI) member. Therefore, its products adhere to PCI’s specifications.
Engineered Wood Construction Companies in Virginia
Engineered wood is made by binding wood fibers, veneers and adhesives in layers under high pressures. This process produces an engineered material resistant to moisture, denting, and mold.
Engineered wood makes use of offcuts and sawdust from the milling process, diverting these materials from landfill, and utilizes fewer tree planks than solid wood. Therefore, it contributes towards forest conservation.
The best Engineered Wood Construction Companies in Virginia include:
11. Virginia Frame Builders & Supply, Inc.
Established in 1975 in Fishersville, Virginia Frame Builders & Supply, Inc. is one of the best sustainable building material companies in Virginia.
The company prides itself on skilled artistry, productive employees, and quality materials.
As one of the best suppliers of engineered lumber, the company has expertise in sourcing, stocking, and delivering high-quality products.
Due to its partnership with Weyerhaeuser, a Japanese company specializing in engineered wood, Virginia Frame Builders & Supply, Inc. gets some of the best lumber for its customers.
The best part is that this company offers free expert wood analysis and floor designs.
12. Massey Builders Supply
Serving Richmond Metroplex, Massey Builders Supply supplies different building materials, including engineered wood.
Founded in 1921, this is one of Virginia’s most experienced building material suppliers.
Besides supplying engineered lumber, the company specializes in siding, roofing, doors, decking, and windows. It also has a millwork shop for custom wood job orders.
Engineered wood includes the company’s plywood, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and OSB products.
Massey Builder Supply offers the following services:
- Delivery
- Cabinet design
- Installation
- Estimation
Wood Plastic Composite Companies in Virginia
Wood plastic composites (WPCs) are eco-friendly building materials because they incorporate wood which sequesters carbon and is a renewable resource.
Moreover, they don’t contribute to more deforestation since they donโt use virgin wood, instead using waste wood particles or fibers that would otherwise end up in landfill, and recycled plastic.
The best Wood Plastic Composite Companies in Virginia include:
13. Dream Builders
Dream Builders is a renowned builder of wood plastic composite decking in Virginia.
The company serves King George, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Prince William.
Besides wood-plastic composite decking, the company specializes in premium Trex decks for commercial and residential use.
With more than 17 years in business, the company boasts a dedicated staff with hands-on experience in WPCs decks. These staff offer the following services:
- Deck designing and building.
- Additions.
- Patios.
- Gazebos.
- Screened-in porches.
- Sunrooms.
- Roof installation and replacement.
The company’s top-notch designs and 3D renderings set it apart from the rest.
14. Hal Co Fence
Established in 1981, Hal Co Fence is an experienced manufacturer and installer of high-quality decks, fences, and screened porches. It makes these structures extremely beautiful to add value to homes.
In the decking category, Hal Co Fence provides a strong offering in high-quality wood-plastic composite decks.
The company has a unique approach that entails sourcing the best recycled plastic and wood fibers for its WPC decks. This way, it guarantees its clients the best products that will stand the test of time.
Furthermore, all WPC decks are designed and built by an in-house team to guarantee excellent services.
The best part is that the company commences the project after the client approves material choices and design. Consequently, you can rest assured of getting exactly what you desire.
15. Dependable Home Services
Dependable Home Services prides itself as the best composite deck builder in Chesterfield, Virginia.
With over 20 years of experience, Dependable Home Services is a class-A contractor due to its excellent services and products. It’s among Virginia’s few home improvement companies with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
The company has an experienced staff who works with every client to blend the composite decking into the home’s architecture. This process requires expertise since the deck must enhance the home’s beauty and functionality.
By providing color, style, and quality in line with the customer’s specifications, the company aims to ensure clients get nothing less than their preferred results. Additionally, the staff ensure clients get quality services that match their budget.
Therefore, you can be sure to get value for your money with Dependable Home Services.
Final Thoughts On Sustainable Building Material Companies in Virginia
With decades of experience, the above sustainable building material companies in Virginia are among the best in the industry.
Whether you’re interested in the materials alone, or the installation, these companies have quality services to meet your needs.
However, you must check each company’s portfolio to ensure it provides your specific service or product.