Jim Pritchard - Building Renewable

An image comprising four photographs showing the origins of reclaimed wood on the left and new wood on the right. Top left is a set of reclaimed wood boards, bottom left is an old wooden barn that reclaimed wood could be sourced from. Top right is a photo of stacks of new lumber, bottom right is a stack of freshly cut lumber that has just been felled and cut into logs with the bark still on the tree trunks.Across the top are the words, "Is Reclaimed Wood More Durable Than New Wood?" at the bottom are the words, "reclaimed wood vs New wood."

Is Reclaimed Wood More Durable Than New Wood?

ByJim Pritchard May 25, 2025May 20, 2025

People often ask us the question, “is reclaimed wood more durable than new wood?” The answer might surprise you. Read more in our comprehensive article.

Reclaimed Wood

How To Tell If Reclaimed Wood Is Pressure Treated (3 Ways To Uncover The Truth)

ByJim Pritchard May 18, 2025May 18, 2025

Do you need help identifying whether your reclaimed wood is pressure treated? This article gives the best ways to check for pressure treatment.

Cheapest Composite Decking – Is It Worth It?

ByJim Pritchard May 16, 2024October 13, 2024

There are many types of decking material to choose from, at multiple pricing points, but is the cheapest composite decking worth it? We spill the beans 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."

Engineered Wood Flooring

Best 20 Engineered Wood Flooring Brands You Can Buy Today

ByJim Pritchard April 18, 2024January 7, 2025

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.

Sustainable Architecture Certification Schemes Healthy Buildings Living Roofs Recycled Material Water Efficiency

The Top 15 Eco-Friendly Sustainable Buildings in Wisconsin

ByJim Pritchard April 4, 2024December 15, 2024

This article of the top 15 eco-friendly sustainable buildings in Wisconsin will inspire you to include similar green technologies in your own projects.

Photographs of reclaimed wood arranged in a collage. Top left is a photograph of weathered planks with prominent grain and a washed-out color. Bottom left are stacks of reclaimed wood planks, and on the right, taking up the full height of the image is a photograph of reclaimed wood with a light brown color. In the bottom right is a cartoon tin containing varnish with an orange brush dipped into it. Across the top of the image are the words, "Does Reclaimed Wood Need to Be Treated Before Use?"

Reclaimed Wood Sustainable Architecture Wood

Does Reclaimed Wood Need to Be Treated Before Use?

ByJim Pritchard March 28, 2024May 18, 2025

So, does reclaimed wood need to be treated before use? We answer this question and give examples of some of the best treatments available for virgin and reclaimed wood.

Sustainable Architecture Certification Schemes Energy Healthy Buildings Living Roofs Recycled Material Water Efficiency

The Top 15 Eco-Friendly Sustainable Buildings in Maryland

ByJim Pritchard March 21, 2024January 7, 2025

Our article showcases the top 15 eco-friendly sustainable buildings in Maryland to help inspire you with ideas for your next eco-friendly building project.

A photograph of sheep's wool with cartoon thumbs up and thumbs down images overlay. Across the top of the image are the words "The Pros and Cons of Sheep's Wool Insulation."

Wool Insulation Sustainable Architecture

The Pros and Cons of Sheep’s Wool Insulation

ByJim Pritchard March 14, 2024March 13, 2025

If you’re wondering what the Pros and Cons of Sheep’s Wool Insulation are, look no further because our article covers all the benefits and drawbacks of this naturally insulating material.

A picture of a rural house built mainly from wood, with stone foundations and a stack of logs against the wall. Across the top of the image are the words, "Can You Build an Entire House with Reclaimed Wood?" In the lower left of the image is a cartoon woman holding her hands up quizzically and speech bubbles saying, "yes", and "no." Above her head are pink question marks.

Reclaimed Wood Salvage Sustainable Architecture

Can You Build an Entire House with Reclaimed Wood?

ByJim Pritchard February 29, 2024October 13, 2024

If you like the weathered look of pre-loved wood, you might wonder whether you can build an entire house with reclaimed wood. This article answers this question once and for all.

A photograph of a stack of glulam beams arranged in a square-stacked pattern. Across the bottom of the image are the words, "How Much Do Engineered Beams Cost? Per Foot And Installation." In the center of the image is a stylized icon of a brown hand holding a fan of dollar bills.

Engineered Wood Cost Wood

How Much Do Engineered Beams Cost? Per Foot And Installation

ByJim Pritchard February 8, 2024December 15, 2024

Are you planning a construction project and wondering how much engineered beams cost? This article explains the cost ranges you can expect for different types of engineered beams to help you get the best price.