As we move through 2020 and faced with the prospect of a deep and protracted recession we as a people must prepare to look at things differently. This situation is profounded by the fact that global warming is melting the ice of the Northern Hemisphere. We can help reduce global warming by reusing instead of buying wood.
For too long, it has been too easy just to visit the DIY store and buy whatever we need. If we are to save some money when things get tight we need to look outside the box.
Where can we find wood for free?
Free is not exactly accurate because when we re-use wood it will need some work to make it nice. Still on the search for free wood? Here are some simple ideas:
- Leftover wood from building projects
- A plea in local publications
- Fell and process woodland yourself
Leftover wood from building projects
Large building projects budget for all the materials and when the project reaches fruition any materials not used are often disregarded. It is often more expensive to move those materials to the next project than to start afresh.
A plea in local publications
Many areas in any country have their own publications which often have free classified ads. This gives you an opportunity to advertise your interest in used or new unwanted wood. Some people will want to be paid but often the exchange of a bottle of wine will suffice.
Quick Tip, When you place your ad word it as if you were on a positive mission. For instance, “We are working on an Earthy project and we hope you can help by donating materials”.
Be a lumberjack!
You might feel I have lost the plot but absolutely not because I have felled and seasoned wood myself. It is not as difficult as it sounds and could be a good way of using a woodlands resource you already own.
Green timber can be used for many projects that are not affected by shrinkage. Yes, wood that has just been felled will reduce in width but not length. Any projects you decide to build using green timber should be suitable.
Seasoned wood can be used for all projects using wood. You can air season wood but it will take at least a year per 25mm for pine. Another method that is used commercially is kiln drying. Kiln drying can be accomplished by ourselves, you don’t have to use commercial kilns. A simple sealed space using polythene and a dehumidifier can dry greenwood to below 12° in a just a few weeks.
Preparing wood
Every project is different so you might need to take a different approach for each. You could be preparing raw, new or recycled wood.
- New
- Pallets and Crates
- Green wood
New Wood
If you are fortunate enough to be given free new wood you have nothing to don just get building
Pallets or Crates
Don’t rule out pallet wood with all those nails as you would be surprised how good pallet wood can look. The processing of old pallets is something of an art and the building of a simple pry bar for the Stripping of pallets is a worthwhile effort. Pallets are often single-use and many DIY stores throw them out so you could easily collect a large amount at no cost.
Green Wood
Wood that has not been seasoned might need some processing for instance if you need boards the log will need to be milled. I like to use green in its natural form for it’s beauty.
Sanding Old Wood
Using old wood it is likely to need sanding to remove splinters. I use a few different methods.
- Sanding
- Wire brushing
- Pressure washing
- Sand blasting
Sanding
I use a 4 ½ “ angle grinder with a sanding pad fitted and equipped with a course 60 grit pad.
Wire brushing
Soft and decayed material can be removed using the wire brush. An angle grinder with a wire wheel will quickly remove loose and dirty heartwood from between the grain. I often wire brush old oak and barn wood as it seems to polish the wood leaving a lovely tactile texture.
Pressure washing
Don’t rule out the pressure washing of wood but give it time to dry. Pressure washing softwood can give you a fluffy finish!
Sandblasting
I do not recommend the sandblasting of softwoods as it is very aggressive. The sandblasting of old Oak beams can work very well. In France, it is common to sandblast beams in old farmhouses.
Re-using wood in conclusion
Whatever you reason to take on a project using only free wood from a multitude of sources the results can be very rewarding. I just love to take a piece of manky wood and transform it into a wonderful project that could be considered art.