Blog - Building Renewable

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.

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?"

Engineered Wood Recycled Wood Wood

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.

Recycled Wood Recycled Material Wood

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.

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)."

Bamboo Engineered Wood Healthy Buildings Wood

Should You Consider Bamboo Plywood Sheets? (Pros & Cons)

ByErin Shine April 16, 2023October 12, 2024

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 a wall made from reclaimed wood with individual planks running vertically, the colors of which vary from a light sandy brown to very dark brown. The grain is visible in the wood and there are lots of characterful imperfections and knots in the wood. In the bottom right is a man wearing a shirt and tie with glasses on holding a magnifying glass up to his left eye. In the bottom left is a rundown wooden house in the countryside. Across the top of the image are the words, "Reclaimed Wood As A Building Material (And Where To Find It)" written in white letters.

Reclaimed Wood Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture Wood

Reclaimed Wood As A Building Material (And Where To Find It)

ByErin Shine April 15, 2023January 12, 2025

If you’ve ever considered using reclaimed wood as a building material, this article is for you. We explain what reclaimed wood is, where to find it, and what its pros and cons are.

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 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.

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8 Best (And Cost-Effective) Eco-Friendly Paints To Buy Today

ByErin Shine April 12, 2023September 29, 2024

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.

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.