Posted by Snow in 
Don't throw this away!
When planning one of those rainy day projects, the availability of inspirational second generation materials is not ready to hand. By scouting garage sales, dumps, resale stores and thrift shop, green shoppers can make more eco-friendly choices. Knowledge of older practices of lead based paint and asbestos fibers in discarded construction materials should govern any reclamation sprees. Recycling used wood from dismantled architectural remodels or scrap lumber can shine a light of creativity just by encountering the forms,
lumber wood re-use aftermarket
The vast number of home remodeling projects taking place across the country is filling junkyards, salvage yards and recycle centers to the brim. Dismantled wooden frames, discarded bookcases, stripped cabinetry and other bits of wood make excellent recycling material. Sustainable living energy cycle demands that when a viable existing source for wood or structured seasoned materials can be used, the sourcing of it from pre-used supplies for re-use is paramount. Saving virgin wood from unnecessary production is a sustainable living goal.
What kinds of things can be made from reclaimed lumber? Pet houses, bird houses, and tree houses are excellent ways to use mismatched scrap lumber for recycling into a new architectural project. Garden fence screens, trash and recyclable bin “bays” can use odd pieces of weathered second generation scrap wood to make a unique and biodegradable recycled project. Start browsing online web sites that feature selling or giving away reclaimed wood. Glue should be water resistant and non-toxic.
Planters in creative home or mailbox shapes can be made with scrap lumber, even extremely aged reclaimable wood. Oblong pieces of wood can be used to form up a flower bed without cement or chemicals. Arbor screens using trellises or cross hatched pieces of wood make a cottage-style look that spreads charm. Walkway borders, transitional steps, or structuring wood for muddy areas can provided stability that gives vegetation something to anchor onto.
Popular green friendly projects for reclaimed natural woods are items like cutting boards or porch benches. But kitchen and garden shelving and outdoor trim can have a more cottage-style feel with variable cuts of wood forming a vertical gate or a fence from “planted” spikes of wood in a trail. Such fencing can provide privacy from home windows from street or neighbor lines of sight.
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