How to Use Repurposed Wood for Design Accents

November 8, 2016

Using repurposed wood can add charm to your home while helping keep our world green and clean. Here are a few ideas to start your own DIY projects so you can be on your way to a cozy, earth-friendly home:

1. Painting

Though you may not consider a repurposed wood painting to have the most environmental impact, it is a wonderful way to add color and texture to your home without adding to your carbon footprint. All you will need is paint, a few nails, string, and a flat piece of repurposed wood. From there you can trace the picture you would like onto the wood with a pencil and begin adding color. It’s a great way to let your creative side show without breaking the bank.

2. Book Shelf

For those that want a larger project, a repurposed wood bookshelf can be a wonderful addition to your home. You will need corrugated metal, an electric drill, a saw, two large pieces of repurposed wood, and four smaller pieces. Cut the large pieces to match the height corrugated metal. Then drill holes into the metal where you want to screw the wood to the metal. Line up the wood to the metal lengthwise and then screw the wood and metal together. After that cut the smaller pieces of wood to fit as a top, bottom, and two shelves. Then drill holes into the metal where you want to place the shelving units. Then screw the shelving units into the metal and then into the long pieces of the wood. And voila! Now you have a beautiful, rustic bookshelf perfect for any avid reader.

3. Vertical Wall Garden

This wonderful project can be inside or out on your wall or fence. You will need herbs or flowers of your choice, lightweight pots, sturdy handles for the pots, and nails. You will want to put the handles on the pots before placing the plants into the pots. You can use small buckets (which may be easiest) or you can attach the handles with rubber cement, screws, or – my personal favorite – Gorilla Glue. Then once the handles are secure you will want to place the plants in their new homes. Be sure you water them before and after you have planted them. This will keep them hydrated and happy. Then you will want to nail or screw the nails or screws into place on the boards. Afterward, you will attach the boards to the wall or fence. Add final touches such as paint or accents and then put the plants in their new display. Make sure it gets plenty of sunlight throughout the year so you can have fresh herbs, flowers, or succulents in your home or backyard.