Jim Pritchard - Building Renewable

An old wooden barn with a pitched, corrugated metal roof and red, flaking paint. In the top left of the image is the element key for lead from the periodic table, which includes its name, the symbol for lead (Pb), its atomic number (82), and its atomic weight (207.2). Next to the element key is a yellow triangular hazardous warning sign with a skull and crossbones inside. Across the bottom are the words "Does Old Barn Wood Contain Lead Paint?"

Does Old Barn Wood Contain Lead Paint?

ByJim Pritchard May 13, 2023April 14, 2024

A common question from people thinking of using wood reclaimed from old barns is “doesn’t old barn wood contain lead paint?” This article examines the risks and what you can do to mitigate them.

An old piece of reclaimed timber with many rusty or bent nails protruding. A magnifying glass hovers over one of the nails with a green tick next to it. Across the top are the words "How To Find Nails in Reclaimed Wood (Easy Guide)."

Reclaimed Wood Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture Wood

How To Find Nails in Reclaimed Wood (Easy Guide)

ByJim Pritchard May 12, 2023October 13, 2024

You must find nails in reclaimed wood before reusing it in your building project. But what’s the best way to do this? This article explains a few approaches and offers tips to help you find and remove all metalwork from your reclaimed wood.

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.

Reclaimed Wood Healthy Buildings Wood

How to Disinfect Reclaimed Wood (8 Steps)

ByJim Pritchard May 11, 2023October 13, 2024

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.

A photograph of an engineered wood floor with a nice shine. A mop is cleaning the floor, and in the top left of the photo are the words, "top tips" appearing in speech bubbles. Across the bottom of the image are the words "How To Clean Engineered Wood Floors - Top Tips for Success."

Engineered Wood Flooring

How To Clean Engineered Wood Floors – Top Tips for Success

ByJim Pritchard May 10, 2023December 15, 2024

If you’re wondering what the best way to clean engineered wood floors is, you’re in the right place. This article provides a step-by-step guide and answers many of the most common questions about cleaning and caring for your engineered wood floor.

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."

Reclaimed Wood Healthy Buildings Wood

Does Reclaimed Wood Smell? What You Need To Know

ByJim Pritchard May 9, 2023July 30, 2024

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 sheet of reclaimed wood with a beautiful patina. Overlain in the bottom left corner is a cartoon paintbrush, and in the bottom right corner is a cartoon hand wiping with a cloth and gleaming stars surrounding it. Across the top of the image are the words "How To Preserve the Patina on Reclaimed Wood."

Reclaimed Wood Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture Wood

How To Preserve the Patina on Reclaimed Wood: 5 Simple Steps

ByJim Pritchard May 8, 2023October 13, 2024

This article explains the best way to preserve the patina on reclaimed wood while ensuring it is clean and free from pests. It also explains how to ensure your reclaimed wood stays looking its best for years to come.

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."

Decking Engineered Wood Recycled Wood

Composite Decking vs. Wood Cost 2023 – Price Comparison Chart

ByJim Pritchard May 7, 2023December 14, 2024

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 photograph of a white composite wood fence made from pickets of varying lengths to create a curved shape between each set of posts. The posts have pyramid-shaped finials. There is a grass lawn in the foreground and trees and the roof of a house in the background. In the bottom right of the image is a cartoon woman looking at the fence in a thoughtful manner. across the top of the image are the words, "Can I Use Composite Wood for a Fence? Pros and Cons."

Engineered Wood Recycled Material Recycled Plastic Recycled Wood Wood

Can I Use Composite Wood for a Fence? Pros and Cons

ByJim Pritchard May 6, 2023December 15, 2024

Is it a good idea to use composite wood for a fence? What are the pros and cons? This article explains the reasons why you might consider composite wood for a fence.

Four photographs showing different brands of decking. The decks are fully built and have furniture arranged on them. Across the top is a title, "8 Top Composite Decking Brands You Should Know." in the lower center of the image are the words, "did you know?" written in white lettering with a white outline.

Decking Recycled Material Recycled Wood

8 Top Composite Decking Brands You Should Know

ByJim Pritchard May 5, 2023July 2, 2024

There are lots of composite decking brands on the market today. But which is the right one for you? This article explains the pros and cons of the top brands out there and answers some of the most common questions about composite decking.

Four photographs of plastic wood composite products, ranging from a pergola, fencing, and decking, to siding. Across the bottom are the words, "5 Plastic Composite Wood Products You Can Use Today."

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5 Plastic Composite Wood Products You Can Use Today

ByJim Pritchard May 4, 2023October 13, 2024

Plastic composite wood products are a great choice for many building applications, particularly outdoor uses where durability and resistance to the elements is vital. This article looks at 5 examples of wood plastic composite (WPC) products and answers some common questions about them.