Pros and Cons of Using Reclaimed Wood on Your Next Home Improvement Project

Upcycling, or reusing discarded objects to create a higher quality or more valuable end product, is the new environmentally friendly approach to home renovations and can take many forms, such as salvaging reclaimed wood, repurposing antique appliances, using old windows to make a greenhouse, or repurposing old timber for a mantel.

A growing trend in home renovations is utilizing reclaimed wood as an accent piece or wall, piece of furniture, or decor statement. Before you decide to use reclaimed wood in your next home improvement project, compare the pros and cons of using reclaimed wood to determine if utilizing this sustainable and unique resource is right for you or not.

What is reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood is any wood that has been previously used for other purposes but is no longer usable or needed. It's then deconstructed and repurposed for another project. Sources of reclaimed wood can include barns, homes, ships, boxcars, pallets, railroad ties, bowling alleys, or any other wood structures. New uses for the wood might include flooring, walls, countertops, desks, tables, swings, accent walls or finishes, or any other wood structures.

Pros of using reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood has a worn, almost rugged look that offers something freshly milled lumber just isn't capable of achieving. Every piece is unique, with different cuts, knobs, nail holes, and weathering in each board. Solid wood is a classic and timeless feature that fits with any decor.

There is a sense of history and story behind the wood, which can be very appealing to some homeowners. It could be salvaged from a sailboat that got damaged in a hurricane or from an old barn that was hand-hewn hundreds of years ago. It's certainly something different to talk about when you have guests over for dinner and can offer character to the property.

Most reclaimed wood has already gone through the drying stage and is well cured, making it very strong, with no chance of warping. Much of it was harvested from old-growth forests instead of the young trees harvested in today's times, making the wood itself stronger on that basis alone.

Reclaimed wood really stands out from the environmentally friendly standpoint. Instead of further deforesting the land and disrupting ecosystems, using reclaimed wood allows you to save trees and fossil fuels simply by revitalizing what has already been harvested. Homeowners and homebuilders can even get LEED certification for reusing materials in renovations.

Cons of using reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood, although sustainable, is still a finite resource. With high consumer demand, there have been counterfeit products -- newly cut low-grade timber -- sold as salvage. A Forest Stewardship Council or Rainforest Alliance certification ensures that your dealer is actually selling you authentic reclaimed wood.

In that same vein, high demand typically means high prices. Reclaimed wood can be expensive if you're purchasing through a dealer, which is how most homeowners will likely source their materials. On the flip side, if you're willing to deconstruct yourself and find an owner who's looking to get rid of the structure, you could potentially get it for free.

The character and uniqueness of each salvaged board can also be a negative aspect in its own right. Reclaimed wood boards are typically not standard cuts and can vary greatly in size or shape, which can make construction difficult even for experienced contractors. If you intend on preserving the character, things like knots in the wood or previous damage can make fitting it all together a challenge.

One of the biggest reservations many have about using reclaimed wood is the potential pest issues. If it isn't treated at all, you could wind up with an insect infestation in your home. If it's been treated with anything other than kiln drying, there are likely toxicity issues you could be bringing into your home.

In summary

There are pros as well as cons when using reclaimed wood on your next home-improvement project. If researched and authenticated, many of the negatives can easily be mitigated, although it's still likely to be a costly and time-consuming process. Reclaimed wood has a distinctive character that's hard to beat and can be used for floors, counters, walls, and just about anywhere. The decision is ultimately yours. Make sure to do your research and find a reputable dealer to work with, which will take much of the uncertainty out of the process.

Thoughts on Wooden Countertops - Pros and Cons.

Good Better Best: Cutting Carbon From Home Appliances

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This is the fourth in a series of five articles that help you find ways to reduce your carbon footprint. We consider the main carbon culprits in the average American's lifestyle.

When Americans overcompensated for the shortages during World War II in a burst of post-war spending, an appliance-filled kitchen became a worldwide aspirational symbol of American wealth and consumer culture. Appliances are still major purchases that use a lot of household electricity, and as a result, they are a significant source of Americans' carbon emissions.

Today, those appliances are considered necessities rather than luxury goods. And thanks to pandemic panic, Americans are buying more appliances than ever. If you are considering a new appliance, take a few steps to choose wisely for the planet and your family.

Carbon Footprints

The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by a particular activity is known as its carbon footprint. Carbon dioxide emissions are a leading cause of climate change. So carbon footprints can serve as a useful shorthand for environmental impact.

There are many ways to calculate your family's overall carbon footprint, which can be higher or lower depending on the number of people in your household, the size of your house, how much and how you travel, and myriad other decisions you make throughout the year. On average, each American generates 18.55 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This is 3.5 times the global average of 5.3 tons.

Transportation is the largest component of most household's carbon footprint, followed by the stuff people buy. After that, people's homes contribute the most carbon to the atmosphere: 17 percent through heating and cooling and 15 percent produced by the energy used by everything else in the home.

That 15 percent powers our appliances and electronics, and it is an area where we have lots of room for improvement.

Good

It's always good to start with the easiest changes. Most people have already made the switch from incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Switching to LED light bulbs is just as easy, but more effective.

How you use your appliances can make them more efficient. Turn off the lights – and the TV – when you leave the room. Unplug electronics when you are not using them, too. Vampire power, the energy an appliance uses when it's turned off, adds up. Do you really need the TV to be powered all day long? It's not like the clock was set to the right time anyway.

There are lots of ways to make your refrigerator more efficient, from how you fill it to where you place it. Laundry hacks include running full loads of laundry with cold water and even using tennis balls in the dryer. Turn down your water heater and install low-flow faucets to heat less water.

Smart technologies and some small appliances can help you make your home less wasteful. But most of us have bought appliances we didn't really need. Save money and resources by resisting the urge to buy unnecessary appliances. Will that bread machine, seltzer maker, or electric toothbrush truly make your life easier? Or does it just increase your electricity consumption? Ask yourself these questions when the Best Buy salesperson pitches you on the latest technology.

Better

Start your path to doing better by redefining your ideas about what is "necessary." In Europe and Asia, clothes dryers are considered superfluous. Find eco-friendly ways – like canning and gardening – to boost your food security without putting an extra freezer in your garage. But don't get carried away – a modern, energy-efficient dishwasher can use less water and even less energy from heating water than handwashing dishes.

Buy the most efficient models of whatever you do need. Instead of coffee pods, use a regular coffee maker; instead of a regular coffee maker, consider a French press. Don't forget the energy your electronics use, too. Laptops use less energy than desktop computers, and there are now Energy Star models of most tech devices. There are no truly sustainable electronics yet, but when shopping for routers, smartphones, and stealth electronics, don't forget to consider efficiency and recyclability.

Although new appliances are more efficient than your old ones, manufacturing also generates a lot of carbon dioxides, so before you buy, make sure the efficiencies justify the upgrade.

Best

Even the best among us are unlikely to eschew technology altogether, but if you are willing to make some lifestyle adjustments, switch to low-tech home appliances like foot-powered washing machines, solar cookers, and hand-cranked kitchen tools.

Solar water heating systems are an investment but can slash your home energy use.

For the energy your home still uses, signing up for green energy and purchasing carbon offsets will reduce the impact of the electric power you pull from the grid. And if you're willing to make really big changes, you can achieve net-zero energy use at home by generating your own solar power.

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House of the Week: Billed as ‘home of the future’ this DeWitt Lustron is one of just 2500 ever built

DeWitt, N.Y. — While tidying up her home in anticipation of photographers coming around to shoot it before it went on the market, Diana Brownlie could not help but feel nostalgic.

"What a nifty house," she said to herself when she was finished.

Her home at 121 Manor Drive in DeWitt, near Le Moyne College, is also a unique part of American housing history.

There was a huge demand for new and affordable housing in the United States when American soldiers began coming home at the end of World War II. The demand created a housing shortage.

The Lustron Corporation of Columbus, Ohio, attempted to fill the void with what it called "the house America had been waiting for."

The Lustron was made from porcelain-enameled steel panels, that could be delivered to properties across the country and constructed in just a few days.

The all-metal construction was virtually maintenance free, needed no painting or wallpapering, and featured an open floor plan with built-in appliances and cabinetry.

Their price, size and convenience made them perfect for returning soldiers.

The homes were said to be able to "defy weather, wear, and time."

Diana Brownlie's two-bedroom yellow Lustron, constructed in 1946, is one of just roughly 2,500 which were built before the company declared bankruptcy in 1950.

She admitted she had never heard of them before she came across her future home in 2007 but she appreciated the "good design" of the house.

(Her husband was Alan Brownlie, founder of Skaneateles' Brownlie Design, so she has experience in what she is talking about.)

She says the Lustron is "very accessible" and extremely easy to clean and maintain.

The home makes good and efficient use of its relatively small space with built-in storage, shelving, and closets so that it never "feels cramped."

The open concept allows for "great flow" between the spacious front living room into the dining room and galley-style kitchen.

"It is very easy to use and clean," she says, "and has virtually no dust."

Solidly built, the Lustron easily stands up to whatever weather Central New York has to offer.

"I've never been cold there," Brownlie said, adding that it is "surprisingly cool" in the summer.

She calls the property's private, fenced-in backyard, with its trees, garden, and man-made pond with fountain, her "sanctuary."

Her dozen or so years living in the Lustron has "pleased me to no end," she said, but admits that the time has to come to sell.

Brownlie says the house would be great for a young person just starting out or an empty-nester.

Or anyone interested in owning an authentic piece of American history.

For more information about this home, please contact realtor Shauna Teelin of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Her contact information is below.

THE DETAILS

Address: 121 Manor Drive, Syracuse, N.Y. 13214

Price: $89,900

Size: 978 square feet

Acreage: 7,500 square feet

Monthly Mortgage: $325 (based on this week's national average rate of 3.54%, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20% down payment. Fees and points not included.)

Taxes: $1,126 (Based on assessed value of $55,000)

Built: 1946

School District: Syracuse

Kitchen: The "galley-style" kitchen has "perfect convenience." Everything is right at your fingertips and yet "never feels cramped." Appliances include an electric stove and a dishwasher. There is ample storage in the kitchen and is there is a convenient pantry/laundry room just off it. Serving and clean-up is "very simple."

Living areas: This original Lustron home is solid and built to withstand the test of time. It is great for anyone looking for "one-level living." Visitors enter the home at the spacious living room. The home features built-in sliding doors in the walls for storage and pocket doors throughout. Owner says there are no "thresholds or bumps" and is wheelchair accessible. The dining room offers views of the backyard.

Bedrooms: There are two bedrooms in the house. The master bedroom is very large and has a his-and-her vanity with mirror. There are three sliding door closets with built-in shelving and several storage units built into the walls. There is a large picture window with cloth accordion-style blinds.

Bathrooms: There is one bathroom in the house.

Outdoors: The large backyard is private and with six-foot high fencing, is both dog-proof and deer proof. The yard is framed by mature trees and plantings. The owner is proud of her garden and calls the space a "sanctuary." It includes a man-made pond and fountain and is home to frogs and toads. There is a storage shed. The front porch has a privacy fence. Owner says the home is located in a "friendly" neighborhood and is close to "all conveniences."

Agent: Shauna Teelin

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Address: 7840 Oswego Road, Liverpool, N.Y. 13090

Phone: (315) 506-3369

Email: shaunateelin@howardhanna.com

Website: shaunateelin.howardhanna.com

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If you know of a beautiful or interesting house currently up for sale, please consider sending a nomination for it to be featured as a future House of the Week. Send an email with the listing to home@syracuse.com.

Do you know of any older homes in Central New York which have fallen on hard times but have a lot of potential should they be restored to their original grandeur? A fixer-upper with a lot of potential? Consider nominating them to our new feature, "Save this Home," in which we will spotlight grand houses of the past around Central New York that need to be saved. Send nominations to home@syracuse.com.

Why Is Bill Gates Building So Many Doomsday Bunkers

JC Penney’s closures result in clearance sales; Up to 60 percent off apparel shoes jewelry home

While JC Penney's bankruptcy proceedings include the closing of almost 250 locations, the national chain is offering up to 60 percent off on kitchen appliances, jewelry, sports gear, fashion, shoes, accessories and more.

Here's a look at the savings:

You can get an extra 40 percent off select original, regular and sale of St. John's Bay, which is already reduced 30 percent, through Thursday night's flash sale.

Or, you can get an extra 30 percent off any purchase of $75 or more on select original, regular and sale priced apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry and home. Cooks 10-pc. Cookware Set is listed at 50 percent off the regular price of $200.

JC Penny's is offering an extra 25 percent off any purchased under $75 on select original, regular and sale priced apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry and home. The offers end Thursday, May 28. Use the promo code 7NEWLOOK.

JEWELRY: Sixty percent off select original and regular-priced gold and silver jewelry purchases of $325 or more; 40 percent off select original and regular-priced diamond, gemstone and Modern Bride purchases of $325 or more; or 25 percent off select original and regular-priced watch purchases of $100 or more. The offer ends Thursday, May 28. Use the promo code JEWELRY6.

SPORTS GEAR: An extra 25 percent off select sports fan shop merchandise good through June 3. . Use the promo code 4FANSHOP.

FASHION JEWELRY: Fifty percent off select original, regular and sale-priced fashion jewelry purchases of $30 or more through June 3. Use promo code STYLE22.

Through June 3, take an extra 30 percent off select original, regular and sale-priced apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry, and home purchases of $75 or more and 25 percent off for the purchases under $75. There is a 10 percent off sale on select furniture, mattresses, electronics, small electrics, fitness equipment and accessories, floor care, blinds and shades, watches, and salon products. The offer is good through June 3 with the promo code HOORAY9.

The Outdoor Oasis Santa Rosa Patio Lounge Chair is 40 percent off the listed $400. It is $167.99 with the promo code.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.

We Went Inside A JCPenney And Saw Why The Company Is Struggling

Price Drop On Lakefront Watsonville Home

WATSONVILLE, CA — Enjoy tranquil Kelly Lake from this recently reduced lakefront home in Watsonville.

This three-bed, three-bath gem saw an $11,000 price drop to $1.6 million last week.

Expansive windows and a waterfront deck allow residents to bask in natural light and enjoy the stunning views from the property, which is home to abundant wildlife and flora. The gated home features a wet bar and granite kitchen with modern appliances.

Address: 149 Cutter Dr, Watsonville, California

Price: $1,648,000

Square Feet: 3386

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3 Baths

Built: 1967

Features from realtor.com: Summertime at the lake on sought after Cutter Drive! Expansive lakefront views are your eye candy from many rooms of this beautifully designed home. Sit back and relax inside or outside on your elevated deck to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and blessings of nature! Bunnies, hummingbirds, ducks, hawks and many other varieties of birds make their home here too! Colorful flowers are also abundant. This privately owned and exclusive lake offers you the pleasures and fun of boating, fishing and water sports. This very special home is a sanctuary for the entire family. The floor-plan is open and spacious yet the bedrooms are private. The kitchen is an entertainer's dream and the separate living area downstairs offers a variety of options for family and guests.

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.

J.C. Penney unveils new home brand

Dive Brief:

J.C. Penney on Tuesday announced it launched a new home brand, Linden Street.

The brand includes bedding and sheet products ranging between $40 and $220, according to a company press release.

The retailer said it had sustainability in mind when launching the brand, which includes products that are free of more than 300 harmful substances, and feature packaging made with biodegradable labels and recycled polyester.​

Dive Insight:

Just days after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, J.C. Penney introduced a new collection aimed at bringing "a fresh beginning" to its home private labels, and possibly the retailer itself.

Although launching a new brand while in the bankruptcy process may come as a surprise, part of the retailer's restructuring plan included "offering compelling merchandise." Similarly, Toys R Us in 2017 launched a rebranding campaign and formed a new partnership with marketplace platform Mirakl just days after it filed for Chapter 11. However, the move cost the struggling toy retailer in the long run and Toys R Us eventually ended up liquidating.

The home space is also a sector J.C. Penney had been moving away from in recent years. When then-CEO Marvin Ellison took the helm in 2016, he made a big push to return appliances and furniture to the retailer's stores after it discontinued sales of non-apparel items back in 1983. The move paid off for a while, but in November 2018, Penney executives said that underperforming categories in the third quarter included "big ticket areas and home such as appliances." In February 2019, the retailer announced it would pull appliances and furniture items from its U.S. stores.

The home category is also a sector that has seen increased competition from off-pricers and e-commerce retailers, battering the more traditional players. Pier 1, which filed for bankruptcy protection in February and last week announced it would wind down its U.S. retail operations, had ceded market share to the likes of Wayfair, Amazon and TJX's HomeGoods. Regional chain Art Van furniture also filed for bankruptcy in March, and discount home goods retailer Tuesday Morning is reportedly eyeing a filing as early as this week.

Though, with the sustainability element to the collection, Penney may be trying to attract a younger set of consumers, who tend to favor more environmentally conscious brands.

JCPenney Unveils a 'Brand Defining' New Store

Research Report with COVID-19 Forecasts

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Technavio has been monitoring the smart home appliances market and it is poised to grow by USD 31.66 billion during 2020-2024. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will decelerate during the forecast period. AB Electrolux, General Electric Co., Koninklijke Philips NV, LG Electronics Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Panasonic Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sharp Corp., and Whirlpool Corp. are some of the major market participants. The adoption of wireless connecting devices will offer immense growth opportunities. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

Adoption of wireless connecting devices has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market.

Smart Home Appliances Market 2020-2024: Segmentation

Smart Home Appliances Market is segmented as below:

Product

Smart Washing Machines and Dryers

Smart Air Conditioners

Smart Refrigerators

Smart Microwave Ovens

Smart Dishwashers

Distribution Channel

Geographic Landscape

North America

APAC

Europe

South America

MEA

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40419

Smart Home Appliances Market 2020-2024: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our smart home appliances market report covers the following areas:

Smart Home Appliances Market size

Smart Home Appliances Market trends

Smart Home Appliances Market industry analysis

This study identifies growing smartphone penetration and increasing internet speed as one of the prime reasons driving the smart home appliances market growth during the next few years.

Smart Home Appliances Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis

We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the smart home appliances market, including some of the vendors such as AB Electrolux, General Electric Co., Koninklijke Philips NV, LG Electronics Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Panasonic Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sharp Corp., and Whirlpool Corp. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the smart home appliances market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support.

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Smart Home Appliances Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024

Detailed information on factors that will assist smart home appliances market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the smart home appliances market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the smart home appliances market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of smart home appliances market vendors

Table Of Contents:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2019

Market outlook: Forecast for 2019 - 2024

Five Forces Analysis

Five Forces Summary

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

Market Segmentation by Product

Market segments

Comparison by Product placement

Smart washing machines and dryers - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Smart air conditioners - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Smart refrigerators - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Smart microwave ovens - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Smart dishwashers - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Market opportunity by Product

Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

Market segments

Comparison by Distribution channel placement

Offline - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Online - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Market opportunity by Distribution channel

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

North America - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Europe - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

APAC - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

South America - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

MEA - Market size and forecast 2019-2024

Key leading countries

Market opportunity by geography

Geographic Landscape by Volume

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

Market drivers

Volume driver - Demand led growth

Volume driver - Supply led growth

Volume driver - External factors

Volume driver - Demand shift in adjacent markets

Price driver - Inflation

Price driver - Shift from lower to higher priced units

Market challenges

Market trends

Vendor Landscape

Overview

Vendor landscape

Landscape disruption

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

AB Electrolux

General Electric Co.

Koninklijke Philips NV

LG Electronics Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

Panasonic Corp.

Robert Bosch GmbH

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

Sharp Corp.

Whirlpool Corp.

Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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