Healthy Buildings - 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 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.

A photograph of a woman holding a piece of sheep's wool insulation on the left side of the image and a photograph of a worker installing batts of pink fiberglass insulation between wall studs on the right. Across the top of the image are the words, "What Is the R-Value of Sheep's Wool Insulation (vs. Others)" In the lower center of the image are the letters "VS.

Wool Healthy Buildings Insulation Sustainable Architecture

What Is the R-Value of Sheep’s Wool Insulation (vS Others)

ByJim Pritchard May 3, 2023October 13, 2024

Sheep’s wool is a great way to insulate your home in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner. But what is the R-value of sheep’s wool insulation, and how does it compare to other types of insulation? This article reveals all.

A photograph of an unfurnished room with white walls and tall, floor-to-ceiling windows. The floor and ceiling are made from matching light brown reclaimed wood with prominent grain and knots that give it character. There is a silhouette of a man working on the ceiling from the top of a step ladder. Across the bottom of the image are the words, "Top 11 Companies to Install Your Reclaimed Wood Ceiling."

Reclaimed Wood Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture Wood

Top 11 Companies to Install Your Reclaimed Wood Ceiling

ByJim Pritchard April 30, 2023January 12, 2025

If you’re in the market for a reclaimed wood ceiling, you’ll need to know who can help deliver what you want. This article lists the top 11 companies to install your reclaimed wood ceiling, their unique selling points and other useful info.

A photograph of parquet flooring with individual pieces laid in a herringbone pattern. The wood appears to be oak and has a beautiful grain pattern. The wood is a mid-brown color. Across the top of the photograph are the words "Types of Reclaimed Wood Flooring: Which Wood Is Best to Use?" in white letters. In the bottom center is a cartoon woman holding two squares, one in each hand as if making a choice.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture Wood

Types of Reclaimed Wood Flooring: Which Wood Is Best to Use?

ByJim Pritchard April 26, 2023October 12, 2024

Reclaimed wood flooring has tremendous appeal, both visually and in terms of durability. But which type of reclaimed wood is best to use for your floor? The article provides an answer based on your needs.

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?)"

Reclaimed Wood Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture Wood

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.

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.