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.
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![Reclaimed wood flooring boards in various shades of brown. Some boards are quite worn and have prominent knots. Across the top of the image are the words, "Reclaimed Wood Flooring Cost - Should You Pay More for It?" In the lower center are two hands, one passing a green bank note to the other.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Reclaimed-Wood-Flooring-Cost-Should-You-Pay-More-for-It-768x512.jpg)
Reclaimed Wood Flooring Cost – Should You Pay More for It?
Reclaimed wood flooring cost can be significantly more expensive than natural wood flooring. This article explains the reasons for this and whether it’s worth spending more on it.
![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.
![An area of reclaimed wood decking on the side of a lake. Wooden railings surround the decked area with gaps for swimmers to enter and leave the water. Steps and metal handles allow easy access. Across the top are the words "Reclaimed Wood Decking - How to Choose the Best Decking Wood." in the lower center is a cartoon hand pointing to a green tick box with two red boxes with crosses inside to the left and right.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Reclaimed-Wood-Decking-How-to-Choose-the-Best-Decking-Wood-768x512.jpg)
Reclaimed Wood Decking – How to Choose the Best Decking Wood
You probably already know that reclaimed wood is an excellent choice for decking areas. But do you know how to ensure you get the best reclaimed wood decking for your project? This article explains the types of wood available, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best reclaimed decking wood.
![An image of sheep's wool with a cartoon bird and bee overlain and the words "Birds and the Bees: How Animals Like Your Wool Insulation" at the top.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Birds-and-the-Bees-How-Animals-Like-Your-Wool-Insulation-768x512.jpg)
Birds and the Bees: How Animals Like Your Wool Insulation
Wool insulation is a great way to make your home more thermally efficient. However, some people worry that using a natural material like wool might attract pests and vermin. Let’s find out if that’s really true.
![A paint roller applying blue eco-friendly paint to a white surface. Across the top of the image are the words, "8 Best (And Cost-Effective) Eco-Friendly Paints To Buy Today." In the bottom left is a green icon with the words "Eco Friendly" inside a circle with three stars in the top and two leaves at the bottom.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8-Best-And-Cost-Effective-Eco-Friendly-Paints-To-Buy-Today-768x512.jpg)
8 Best (And Cost-Effective) Eco-Friendly Paints To Buy Today
Eco-friendly paints are not only good for the environment but are good for your health, too. This article explains all their pros and cons, plus which brands to buy.
![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.
![Two photographs side-by-side of Trex Decking installations. The left hand image shows a square elevated decking area with steps leading up to the square seating area that has a dining table and chairs with a parasol above. There are black railings around the decking area and along the stairs. The image on the right shows a decked area that is covered with a wooden roof that has large beams. The deck appears to run along the side of a house and has wicker chairs and a coffee table with a glass top. There are palm trees growing in the garden just beyond the decking. There is an information icon in the center of the image showing an open book with the letter "I" popping out of it. Along the bottom are the words "Trex Decking - Everything You Need to Know (Pros and Cons)."](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trex-Decking-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Pros-and-Cons-768x512.jpg)
Trex Decking – Everything You Need to Know (Pros and Cons)
Trex decking is becoming a popular alternative to standard wood decking, but why is this? This article examines the pros and cons of trex decking to understand why everyone’s talking about this innovative and sustainable building material.
![A woman is smelling the air next to a wall made from reclaimed wood. Wavy lines are overlain across the photo to indicate the smell emanating from the wood. Across the bottom of the image are the words, "Does Reclaimed Wood Smell? What You Need To Know."](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Does-Reclaimed-Wood-Smell-What-You-Need-To-Know-768x512.jpg)
Does Reclaimed Wood Smell? What You Need To Know
Are you interested in using reclaimed wood in your next project but want to ensure you avoid any unpleasant reclaimed wood smell? This article will guide you through the best ways to prevent or eliminate such pesky odors.
![A reclaimed wood countertop being disinfected by a person wearing blue rubber gloves using a yellow lint-free cloth and holding a spray bottle. Across the top are the words "How to Disinfect Reclaimed Wood (8 Steps)" and in the bottom right corner is the word "How?" in a hand-written font with underlining.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/How-to-Disinfect-Reclaimed-Wood-8-Steps-768x512.jpg)
How to Disinfect Reclaimed Wood (8 Steps)
Reclaimed wood has been weathered and exposed to all sorts of environments during its previous life. This article explains how to disinfect reclaimed wood to ensure it’s safe for reuse.
![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.
![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.
![A collage of four photos showing bamboo, rammed earth, cob, and earthbag structures. Across the top of the image are the words "Earthbag vs. Other Sustainable Building Methods: Who Wins?" There is a "VS" icon in the center.](https://buildingrenewable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Earthbag-vs.-Other-Sustainable-Building-Methods-Who-Wins-768x512.jpg)
Earthbag vs. Other Sustainable Building Methods: Who Wins?
If you’re looking to build a home using sustainable building materials, you’ll be interested in this article, which discusses earthbag vs. other sustainable building methods to find out which is the best.