Tips For Finding Reclaimed Wood And Materials

These days, reclaimed wood is being used in a variety of home renovation and home decorating projects. Used reclaimed materials saves money and in most cases, helps the environment. The old materials do not end up in a landfill when they are reused for home building or decorating projects. But, many people need to be pointed in the right direction, to find the materials they want. Here are a few suggestions for finding reclaimed lumber and wood materials.

Pallets

Pallets are desirable to those who want rustic decor, either inside the home or in outdoor living spaces. They can be turned into chairs, couches, and tables. Some places to find suitable pallets are automotive parts stores, auto dealerships, and local companies that receive large orders of raw materials. However, before embarking on a wood pallet project, try to find out where the pallets were made and if they have been treated with chemicals. Health and safety should be a concern when considering how and where pallets will be used.

Shipping Crates

Shipping crates are typically made of beech, though they may be made of other sturdy woods. They can be found at shipping ports and possibly at businesses that frequently ship products overseas. Always ask if they have been treated or have been used to ship chemicals that could be toxic.

Old Barns, Chicken Coops, and Sheds

Old barns, chicken coops, and wood sheds are excellent sources of wood that may be reused. Property owners who want structures removed may offer wood to anyone who is able to take down the structure and dispose of any rotted boards or framework. If you can properly dispose of any wood that is no longer structurally sound, you may be able to get solid wood beams free of charge.

If you're using the wood indoors, you may not want wood from old chicken coops. However, if properly cleaned, it can be used outdoors for decorative fencing and landscaping.

Salvage Yards and Second Hand Materials Stores

Salvage yards and stores that sell second hand building materials may have left over wood flooring, wainscoting, and cabinetry that can be used for other projects. For example, base cabinets in good shaped that were removed from a kitchen may be painted and spruced up to become bases for bathroom vanities or for garage storage.

Before you begin your next home project involving wood materials, check out some of these local resources.

Thinking About Camping? Here's Some Advice To Remember

 

This country is filled with a multitude of stunning nature reserves and national parks, yet every year more people opt out of communing with nature and opt into sterile hotels. It is time to get back to basics and a fun-filled camping trip is just the way to go. Read on for tips and hints on how to have a great time in the great outdoors.

When packing for your camping trip, make sure to pack either a pair of flip flops or water shoes. These will come in handy in and around the campground. For instance, if you are staying in a campground that has bathroom facilities and you plan on taking a shower, you need to wear shoes in the shower to protect your feet from foot fungus.

Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn't require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn't get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.

Those big, colorful plastic storage bins make excellent places to store and organize all of your camping gear. While at home, keep it in a closet or the garage and right before you leave for your camping trip, pop it in the trunk. It should keep everything air-tight, dry and easily accessible.

Look up activities to engage in prior to getting to your destination. This will allow you to check for any deals that may be offered. Also, it will help you be more prepared when you actually get to your destination. You can find trails that may be appropriate for everyone in your family or restaurants that you would enjoy.

So the next time you have some vacation days to enjoy, make sure you give air conditioning and cable television a big miss. Instead choose to enjoy seeing the natural beauty of the world around us. Camping does not have to mean discomfort, but it can mean a whole lot of family fun!