Many of us are on a mission to re-use, repurpose and upcycle leftover or discarded wood as
much as possible–for the pure joy of making something wonderful and useful out the old–
but especially for the good of the environment.
Think about it…
According to Sustainable Sources, most construction waste goes into landfills,
increasing the burden on landfill loading and operations.
Also waste from sources such as solvents or chemically treated wood can result in soil
and water pollution.
Some materials can be recycled directly into the same product for re-use.
Others can be reconstituted into other new and different usable products.
Unfortunately, recycling that requires reprocessing is not usually economically
feasible unless a facility using recycled resources is located near the material
source.
Of course, many construction waste materials that are still usable are donated to
non-profit organizations.
This keeps the material out of the landfill while supporting good causes.
We can make a difference personally by reusing, repurposing and recycling leftover
or discarded wood, as much as possible.
Inspiration is everywhere!
Do you have wood leftover from a knocking down your ancient garage or shed?
Or does your neighbor have loads of wood leftover from a recent renovation project?
Or has someone dumped old wooden pallets and crates in the vacant lot near your home?
Do you love to stroll around the neighborhood and pick up interesting pieces of wood?
Let’s face it, it’s a shame to let perfectly usable wood or other natural materials go to waste
–or into the waste stream.
Upcycling found or leftover wood is such a rewarding and eco-friendly way to make
something new out of something old or to create something you need without buying it!
Not quite sure what you can make?
The possibilities are endless!
You could assemble pieces of leftover wood in an artistic pattern and glue them together
to form a majestic mirror or picture frame, for example.
Or build a wonderful shelving or storage solution.
You could join wood slats together to create an amazing headboard for your bed.
Or maybe you’ll be inspired to craft an amazing wall sculpture.
Why not build a rustic backyard bench and be rewarded with hours of fun in the sun?
Or simply reuse a cross-section of a fallen log as stool or end table.
Want more inspiration?
Take a look at these easy-to-follow ideas for making some great-looking, green and
functional furnishings and accessories for your home–like a wooden floor mat,
for instance, from leftover wood and tile flooring.
If you’re like me, you’ll feel quite proud of your handmade, upcycled masterpieces and
take great pleasure in using them, all the more.
Most importantly, by making something you can use from leftover materials, you are
keeping them out of the waste stream and landfills–and that’s the best part!
Upcyling Leftover Wood & Tile Flooring
Infographic courtesy of tradepricetiles.co.uk
Have you made any projects by reusing, repurposing or upcycling wood?
Share your thoughts and experiences with us?
Great ideas, almost anything that is made of wood can be made from reclaimed wood.
Hi Jim,
I love your barnwood creations! I would love to learn more about your work and feature it on the blog. Thanks for visiting Urban Naturale.
Great idea and way to upcycle wood and I love the bench. Looks so inviting on a warm spring day. Thanks for sharing!
My husband and I recycled wood shelves into this new headboard. Here is how we did it!
http://www.ialwayspickthethimble.com/2013/05/08/designbuild-headboard-repurposing-some-used-plywood-shelves/
Hi Karen,
I am so glad you stopped by. I visited your blog and I love that headboard project! I tweeted it! I enjoyed your blog so much that I subscribed, followed you on Pinterest and LIKED you on Facebook, so I can stay connected to your work.
All the best, Deborah
P.S. Feel free to link up and share some of your recycled/green/DIY posts on our weekly “Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party” Blog Hop! It’s live from Tuesday through Saturday each week.
https://urbannaturale.com/live-it-up-at-the-healthy-happy-green-natural-party-blog-hop-19/
Thanks for sharing these great ideas.
Hi Teena,
I am so glad you visited Urban Naturale. I hopped by your blog and I love what you are doing. I make pottery so I will definitely participate in your blog hop. Feel free to visit again and share your handmade items at the “Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party” Blog Hop which runs from Tuesday through Saturday evening. All the best, Deborah