Here are some tips on how to use recycled building materials in your next home project or renovation.
Using recycled building materials in your new home is a great way to create a home full of character.
When you utilise recycled building materials like the products stocked at Adelaide & Rural Salvage you can capitalise on the following:
- Reduce your building material costs by buying second hand or repurposed materials
- Lessen construction waste by using recycled materials
- Reduce your negative environmental impacts
- Reduce your carbon footprint from purchasing new materials that need manufacturing and transportation
- Get creative and take design elements that are traditionally for one environment and repurpose for another
Here are some of the common items many people reclaim from old structures and give them a new purpose and home in their DIY projects:
Pavers and brick
This refers to using bricks or pavers that may have come from an existing site (usually from a demolition). You can utilise these materials in a new building project. Using recycled bricks can be a great way to build and reduce your overall costs. They’re sturdy and can easily be reused in all types of building projects.
Recycled timber
These days it is very common for people to use recycled timber in their homes, landscaping projects, bar fit-outs or even cubby houses. Timber adds a rugged design, often producing a worn aesthetic.
The main benefit of timber is the environmental benefits of no additional trees being cut down to produce a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing design. We’ve helped fit out local bars such as Bank Street Social and Udaberri with recycled timber!
Recycled Steel
Steel can be collected, melted down and created into new steel products in your building projects. Recycled steel is often used in infrastructure projects and can bring the overall cost of building down.
Adelaide & Rural Salvage supplies steel products in a variety of lengths, shapes and thicknesses to use in your next building project.
Bathtubs and sinks
Bathtubs and sinks make for excellent ponds when sunk into the ground. For your next building project you could create a water ecosystem in your backyard.
An old bathtub can become a great resource of decor at home. You can turn it into a useful furniture item such as a sofa or couch. The transformation results in a vintage-inspired furniture unit, which makes a perfect addition to any backyard or patio.
At Adelaide & Rural Salvage we stock a variety of other products that can be used in your next recycled building project.
Recycled doors
Railway sleepers
Kitchen cabinets
Toilets
Windows
Doors
Overall, when using recycled ensure you have a cohesive design and building process by following some simple steps:
- Add exterior design elements to your interior design
- Repurpose the building materials eg. use solid floorboards to create a shelf or coffee table
- Repaint and repurpose furniture to make it match your interior
- Get creative and take items that are traditionally designed for inside and incorporate them into your backyard!
