Jim Pritchard - Building Renewable

Four photographs showing reclaimed wood that is aged and has different shades of staining and different colors of worn paint. In the bottom center is a "scales" icon showing a green tick and a red cross being weighed against each other. Across the top of the image are the words, "The Pros and Cons of Reclaimed Wood (Should You Use?)"

The Pros and Cons of Reclaimed Wood (Should You Use?)

ByJim Pritchard April 23, 2023December 15, 2024

The pros and cons of reclaimed wood are not as obvious as many people think. Some of them are downright counter-intuitive. This article looks at the main advantages and disadvantages of reclaimed wood so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Stacks of reclaimed wood planks in a lumber yard. Across the bottom of the photograph are the words, "Reclaimed Wood: Everything You Need To Know (Ultimate Guide)," written in white letters on a semi-transparent brown background. In the top right of the image are yellow and red "Q&A" speech bubbles.

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Reclaimed Wood: Everything You Need To Know (Ultimate Guide)

ByJim Pritchard April 22, 2023December 15, 2024

Are you wondering whether reclaimed wood is the right choice for your next project? If so, this article has all the information you need to make an informed decision.

A deck made from synthetic wood decking outside a bungalow. The decking material is mid-brown and has a black railing all around and an access ramp. The house's walls are clad with wooden siding and have large windows and sliding doors. Across the top of the photograph are the words, "Synthetic Wood Decking: What It Is And Why You Should Use It." In the bottom right is an icon showing a person with their hands raised in a questioning manner with three question marks above their head.

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Synthetic Wood Decking: What It Is And Why You Should Use It

ByJim Pritchard April 21, 2023October 13, 2024

Synthetic wood decking is a great choice for the environmentally-conscious homeowner. But what is it and what advantages does it offer? This article covers these questions in detail.

A photograph (left) of a glulam board taken end on so the individual laminate pieces can clearly be seen in the end-grain of the wood. On the right hand side is a similar photo taken of LVL timber showing its end grain, which shows the individual laminate pieces are much thinner than glulam's. There is a "strong arm" icon overlain and across the top are the words, "Engineered Wood Beams - Which Is The Strongest?"

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Engineered Wood Beams – Which Is The Strongest?

ByJim Pritchard April 20, 2023January 7, 2025

Engineered wood beams can be made in several different ways. This article compares the strengths of the most common types, including Glulam, LVL, and PSL. Click for more info.

Green waste skip full of waste wood. The skip is quite rusty, and the wood it contains ranges from pallets to wooden planks and panels.

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Can Wood Be Recycled? We Discover the Surprising Truth

ByJim Pritchard April 19, 2023April 4, 2024

Can wood be recycled? Most people know that glass, paper and plastic can be recycled, but what about wood? This article looks at the issue in detail, so click here learn more.

A rammed earth wall with a window set into it that has ornate wrought iron bars across it. Across the top are the words, "What Does Rammed Earth Cost Anyway (Is It Expensive)?" In the bottom left is a cartoon image of a stack of coins with a question mark next to it.

Rammed Earth Sustainable Architecture

What Does Rammed Earth Cost Anyway (Is It Expensive)?

ByJim Pritchard April 18, 2023September 9, 2024

We often get asked, “How much does rammed earth cost to build with?” although costs can vary significantly depending on where and how you build, this article gives you an idea of what costs to expect and how to keep within budget.

Two photographs side by side. The left hand photo is of a stack of plywood with the individual layers clearly visible. The right-hand photo shows planks of reclaimed wood next to each other. The reclaimed wood has clear shocks in line with prominent grain patterns. Across the bottom of the image are the words "What Is Engineered Wood (VS Reclaimed Wood): Key Differences" in white lettering over a semi-transparent brown background. In the top center are the letters "VS", written in blue with a broken diagonal pink line running "behind" the letters from bottom left to top right.

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What Is Engineered Wood (VS Reclaimed Wood): Key Differences

ByJim Pritchard April 17, 2023January 7, 2025

There’s some understandable confusion about what is engineered wood vs reclaimed wood. This article explains the differences and similarities between the two, as well as the pros and cons of each.

A man wearing a light gray T-shirt and dark gray work trousers with strap-on knee pads. He is kneeling down and in the process of installing engineered wood flooring. The flooring planks are dark brown with a natural wood veneer that has an irregular grain pattern. Each floorboard has tongues and grooves along its edge to allow the boards to be interlocked for easy installation. There is blue underlayment on the subfloor. In the left center of the photograph is a white "thumbs down" icon and along the bottom are the words "Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring (Should You Use?)" written in white letters on a semi-transparent brown background.

Engineered Wood Flooring Healthy Buildings Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture Wood

Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring (Should You Use?)

ByJim Pritchard April 14, 2023January 7, 2025

The floor is an important feature of your home that can add character and comfort. If you’re trying to decide between traditional wood flooring and engineered alternatives, you should know if there are any disadvantages of engineered wood flooring. This article explains all.

A sheet of particleboard with a sheet of MDF on top. Both sheets are finished with a blue plastic laminate. The different materials can be seen in the exposed cross-sections presented to the camera. In the bottom left of the image are three blue question marks. Across the top of the image are the words "What Is Manufactured Wood? Main Types Plus Pros and Cons."

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What Is Manufactured Wood? Main Types Plus Pros and Cons

ByJim Pritchard April 11, 2023December 15, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered to yourself, “What Is Manufactured Wood?” this article is for you. We look at the main types of manufactured wood, how they are made and what their pros and cons are. After reading this article, you’ll know which type of engineered wood is right for your project.

A selection of engineered wood flooring products laid out in a fan shape on a light brown engineered wood floor. The individual planks all have natural wood veneers and look like solid wood from above. However, the side profiles reveal the layered construction that uses engineered wood. In the bottom right corner is a cartoon factory and in the bottom left is a cartoon production line with two workers and a small crane. Across the top of the image are the words "What Is Engineered Wood Flooring and How Is It Made?" written in white lettering over a semi-transparent brown background.

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What Is Engineered Wood Flooring and How Is It Made?

ByJim Pritchard April 9, 2023January 7, 2025

Engineered wood is found in all sorts of building products. This article answers the question, “What is engineered wood flooring?” It also explains how it is made and answers many other common questions about engineered wood flooring.