Building Renewable
Dedicated to Renewable, Sustainable Building Materials and Technologies.
Read about how to build a sustainable home using a wise range of technologies and approaches.
![Builder in an orange hi-viz tabbard holding a set of plans in a wooded area.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Sustainable-builder.jpg)
Building Renewable’s Mission
Our mission is to share our knowledge of sustainable building materials and techniques to allow more people to build homes that work in harmony with the planet.
We have articles on traditional building techniques that have very low carbon footprints, clever ways to obtain recycled materials that will save you money as well as reduce the impact on the environment, and ideas for using materials that you might not have considered.
Find Out More
![Three reclaimed wood shelves mounted on a stone wall in a kitchen with wine glasses and bottles arranged on them. Across the top are the words, "Reclaimed Wood Shelves - Perfect DIY Job for Your Kitchen?"](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Reclaimed-Wood-Shelves-Perfect-DIY-Job-for-Your-Kitchen-768x512.jpg)
Reclaimed Wood Shelves – Perfect DIY Job for Your Kitchen?
Ever wondered whether reclaimed wood can be used to make shelving? This article explains the different designs of reclaimed wood shelves you can make and provides instructions to guide you through the process.
![Kitchen utensils and jars of food sit on a reclaimed wood shelf with a reclaimed wood accent wall behind. Across the top of the photograph are the words, "Is Reclaimed Wood Food Safe? 3 Critical Facts Explained." on the right-hand side is a "food safe" icon, showing a wine glass and a fork in a circle.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Is-Reclaimed-Wood-Food-Safe-3-Critical-Facts-Explained-768x512.jpg)
Is Reclaimed Wood Food Safe? 3 Critical Facts Explained
Old wood reclaimed from demolished buildings or refits can add character to your home. However, if you want to use it in a kitchen or dining room, you might wonder, “is reclaimed wood food safe, or not?” This article explains the most important things to consider, so you can stay safe.
![A white kitchen with brown wood eco countertops in a bright open living space. Across the top of the image are the words, "Should You Consider Eco Countertops For Your Next Project?" There are three black stools at the countertop and flowers on top of it.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Should-You-Consider-Eco-Countertops-For-Your-Next-Project-768x512.jpg)
Should You Consider Eco Countertops For Your Next Project?
A stylish kitchen can easily be achieved using sustainable materials. Eco countertops are a good option for this, and in this article we look at the different materials used to make eco countertops, along with their pros and cons.
![Screenshots taken from the websites of the best 15 green building material companies in Pennsylvania. In the lower center of the image is a golden trophy.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Best-15-Green-Building-Material-Companies-in-Pennsylvania-768x512.jpg)
Best 15 Green Building Material Companies in Pennsylvania
If you live in Pennsylvania and are interested in building your next home using eco-friendly materials, this article is for you! It gives a run down of the best 15 green building material companies in Pennsylvania to help you connect with the best firm for your project.
![A photograph of sheep's wool insulation in a roofspace. There is a fire extinguisher symbol at the bottom of the image and the words "Fire Risks and Sheep’s Wool Insulation" across the top in white on a red background.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Fire-Risks-and-Sheeps-Wool-Insulation-Critical-Points-768x512.jpg)
Fire Risks and Sheep’s Wool Insulation (Critical Points)
Insulation is an essential part of any building, helping to maintain comfortable temperatures within the home. Questions are often asked about fire risks and sheep’s wool insulation. We answer them in this article.
![A collage of screenshots of the websites of the best engineered flooring brands. Across the bottom of the image are the words, "Best 20 Engineered Wood Flooring Brands You Can Buy Today." In the upper middle of the image is a golden crest with the words "The Best."](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Best-20-Engineered-Wood-Flooring-Brands-You-Can-Buy-Today-768x512.jpg)
Best 20 Engineered Wood Flooring Brands You Can Buy Today
If you’re wondering which engineered wood flooring brands you should put on your shortlist, this article is just what you’ve been looking for. We list the top 20 brands and their offerings.
![Screenshots of the websites or photographs of the premises of four recycled steel companies. In the lower center of the image is a textured steel plate with green recycling arrows. Across the top are the words "The Best 15 Recycled Steel Companies Out There (And Where)" written in black on a partially transparent steel-colored background.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Best-15-Recycled-Steel-Companies-Out-There-And-Where-768x512.jpg)
The Best 15 Recycled Steel Companies Out There (And Where)
Are you looking for a recycled steel company to take your scrap or supply recycled steel for your next project? This article lists 15 of the Best Recycled Steel Companies Out There to help you find the right one for your needs.
![A person painting a non-toxic wood finish onto some timbers in a garden. The words "The 10 Benefits Of Choosing Non-Toxic Wood Finishes" are overlain as a title and there is a small circle saying "go green" in the bottom right.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The-10-Benefits-Of-Choosing-Non-Toxic-Wood-Finishes-768x512.jpg)
The 10 Benefits Of Choosing Non-Toxic Wood Finishes
Choosing products that are both safe for the environment and for human health is important. In this article, we describe the benefits of choosing non-toxic wood finishes for you home.
![A DIY reclaimed wood wall with planks of various shades ranging from light brown, gray through to black and the occasional red. Downlights are in the ceiling, a wooden floor, and a black sofa against the wall. There is also an open door in the middle of the wall. Across the bottom are the words "DIY Reclaimed Wood Wall - Install Your Own Accent Wall Today." In the top right corner is a cartoon toolbox with the letters "DIY" on the side and a spanner and hammer poking out.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/DIY-Reclaimed-Wood-Wall-Install-Your-Own-Accent-Wall-Today-768x512.jpg)
DIY Reclaimed Wood Wall – Install Your Own Accent Wall Today
Installing a DIY reclaimed wood wall is easier than you might think, especially if you opt for the peel-and-stick kits that are available. This article talks you through the whole process, from the tools required and materials needed, through to the finishing touches.
![Various types of hardwood and bamboo plywood sheets are stacked on each other. On the right of the photograph is an icon of a woman in a white shirt with brown hair, thinking with her finger on her cheek. There are two green question marks above her head. Across the bottom of the image are the words, "Should You Consider Bamboo Plywood Sheets? (Pros & Cons)."](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Should-You-Consider-Bamboo-Plywood-Sheets-Pros-Cons-768x512.jpg)
Should You Consider Bamboo Plywood Sheets? (Pros & Cons)
Bamboo plywood sheets are being recognized as a green alternative material to hardwood. But as people consider the transition from hardwood to bamboo plywood, they wonder what the material’s benefits and drawbacks are. This article explains all.
![A photograph of red hot recycled steel rods rolled in a foundry after melting. In the lower-left corner is a circular triangle of arrows to indicate recycling. Across the top of the image are the words "Scrap to Steel: The 5-Step Steel Recycling Process."](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Scrap-to-Steel-The-5-Step-Steel-Recycling-Process-768x512.jpg)
Scrap to Steel: The 5-Step Steel Recycling Process
Have you every wondered how steel is recycled? In this article, we cover the 5-Step Steel Recycling Process from start to finish to answer all your questions.
![Two photographs of decking under construction. On the left is composite decking, and on the right is natural wood decking. The letters "VS" are written in the center of the image, and across the bottom are the words "Composite Decking vs. Wood Cost 2023 - Price Comparison Chart."](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Composite-Decking-vs.-Wood-Cost-2023-Price-Comparison-Chart-768x512.jpg)
Composite Decking vs. Wood Cost 2023 – Price Comparison Chart
Given the popularity of composite decking, many folk are asking about composite decking vs. wood cost in 2023. This article provides price comparisons between common brands of composite and wood decking, as well as answering some frequently asked questions.