Sustainable Architecture - Building Renewable

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.

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.

Decking Recycled Plastic Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture

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 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 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, 2023December 15, 2024

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 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.

An eco-friendly deck in the backyard of a home. There is a money and budget icon in the bottom right corner showing paper money and coins with the words, "budget for success". The words "Building An Eco-Friendly Deck (While Staying Within Budget)" are written across the top of the image in white letters.

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Building An Eco-Friendly Deck (While Staying Within Budget)

ByErin Shine April 10, 2023December 14, 2024

Building an eco-friendly deck doesn’t need to break the bank. This article explains how to build an eco-friendly deck while staying within budget. Click here to learn more.

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.

Flooring Engineered Wood Healthy Buildings Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture

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.

A photograph of a man installing an engineered wood floor. He is dressed in a light blue T-shirt and tool belt. The engineered wood planks have been installed over about half the floor in the room and the subfloor is visible across the rest of the image. The subfloor has foil-backed insulation laid across it that has been taped together along the joins. The man is using a hammer against a plastic block held against the latest plank to be laid to ensure a snug fit. Across the top of the image are the words "Installing an Engineered Wood Floor – 10 Steps To Follow" in white letters on a partially transparent brown background. In the bottom left are three steps in a list to signify that the article provides a step-by-step approach.

Flooring Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture Wood

Installing an Engineered Wood Floor – 10 Steps To Follow

ByJim Pritchard April 8, 2023January 7, 2025

Installing an engineered wood floor is often something that people get professionals to do. But if you follow the 10 steps in this guide, have the right tools, and have some basic DIY skills, you could certainly do this job yourself.