Tips For Recycling Wood
Recycling wood may not be as common as recycling aluminum cans and plastic, but its benefits should not be overlooked. It is a great way to preserve our rapidly diminishing natural resources and reduce environmental degradation. The use of recycled wood as a main construction material has become an important part in raising the awareness of the timber industry and the consumers towards deforestation and pushing timber mills to take on more environment-friendly operations.
You too can help preserve the environment and at the same time save a lot of money by not buying more wood than you can use and recycling whenever possible. For example, a lot of people use reclaimed or recycled lumber to decorate their homes. Because it offers an authentic or antique look, reclaimed lumber is best used for bookcases, indoor shelves, center tables, etc. You just need to use your imagination and you can turn any wood that is supposed to be in the dumpster into something useful and creative. However, reclaimed wood is a bit difficult to work with since it does not come fresh from the timber supply store. Here are some tips to help you when using reclaimed lumber.
1. Examine the wood for any damages such as rotting, warping and insect/water damage. Place one end of each board at eye level. Then look down the length of the wood to check any warping or twisting. With a screwdriver, gently nudge any discolored areas to ensure that the material is solid and not waterlogged or rotting. Put away the materials that are too warped, soft or discolored for your project.
2. Using a nail puller or a claw hammer, take out all the nails and staples. Use a magnet on both sides of the board to find hidden nails. Remove them all to avoid damaging your tools or injuries.
3. Put down the wood on a flat surface such as a patio or driveway. Then, wash it well with a hose. You can use a brush with stiff nylon bristles to remove stubborn dirt and stain. Let the wood to dry.
4. Cut any damaged section with a miter saw. This will help you create even, smooth and square ends. Remove the rotting areas which can spread and develop mold, mildew and insect infestation.
5. Sand the boards with a 159-grit sandpaper to remove splinters and loose paint. Brush the surface using a nylon brush after sanding to remove loose particles.
6. Sort and organize the wood materials according to length, thickness, finish color or other wood characteristics for your project. Keep the wood in dry and well ventilated places. Cover it with a cloth tarp to keep it dry and avoid condensation.
About the Author
To know more about wood reclamation and re-using timber waste, visit the WA TreeWorks website by clicking on the following links:
http://watreeworks.com.au/ http://watreeworks.com.au/tree-services/forestry/
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