Reclaimed Wood Table Build
Family Handyman is sharing how to build a simple reclaimed wood table for character-packed results. DIY enthusiasts are also turning scrap wood and branches into pyramid garden trellises for vining plants, plus converting old garden planks into rustic raised planters on the cheap.
Reclaimed wood significantly reduces the demand for newly harvested timber, helping to conserve forests and lower carbon emissions. Repurposing wood can cut carbon emissions by as much as 50% compared to processing new timber and keeps old planks out of landfills where they would release methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than CO2. Much of this salvaged lumber comes from old barns, factories, and warehouses, with some sourced from less common structures like old boxcars and wine barrels. This wood is often stronger and more durable than new lumber because it frequently comes from old-growth trees that grew more slowly, resulting in denser grain. This density makes it more resistant to rot and decay. The reclaimed lumber industry began to grow on the U.S. West Coast in the early 1980s before expanding east in the 1990s as an alternative to demolition. Each piece of reclaimed wood carries a unique history, with features like nail holes, weathering, and a natural patina that cannot be replicated. The ethos of reusing materials extends into the garden, where upcycling is a growing trend. Gardeners are repurposing everything from old pallets and rain gutters to chipped teacups and rusty colanders as unique planters. For those with limited room, vertical gardening has become a popular solution for maximizing small spaces. DIY structures like trellises made from branches or tiered planters built from scrap wood allow for growing herbs, flowers, and even strawberries on balconies and patios. When upcycling containers for planting, ensuring proper drainage is critical for plant health. The material and size of a DIY planter can also affect soil temperature, which is an important consideration in hotter climates to prevent plants from overheating.
