6 More DIY Projects Using Reclaimed Wood

There are so many uses for reclaimed wood, we couldn’t possible include them all in a single blog post! Recycled lumber can be repurposed in a variety of ways – from crafty projects to home remodeling. With just a little creativity and the right tools, any usable salvaged wood can be developed into something useful and beautiful.

Here are six more reclaimed wood projects to consider tackling:

Rustic furniture

Quality recycled lumber can be easily transformed into simple, rustic furniture such as tables or bookshelves. Don’t worry if the piece isn’t perfect or doesn’t have that polished, “professional” look – imperfections add to its character and charm. Just keep in mind when pre-drilling any holes that the hole should be slightly smaller than the screws you’ll be using to fasten the pieces together.

Coat rack

If you have leftover wood from a shelf that you just had redone, think twice before throwing it out. Instead, use it to build a coat rack; attach hooks to the front of the board and mounting software to the back to create handy storage for jackets, scarves and hats.

Home beams

Recycled lumber can also be used for more involved home renovation projects. For example, you can make a decorative beam out of reclaimed 2x4s; just glue two of them together to form a 4×4 beam. Fill in the cracks with wood putty, and stain or paint the new beam a vibrant color before hanging it from the ceiling.

Children’s toys

Reclaimed wood is great for making children’s toys, as well. Project ideas can include blocks (paint or burn numbers and letters onto the cubes), doll beds, wooden trains, forts, and anything else your (or your child’s) imagination can come up with.

Porch renovation project

Here’s a more practical use for salvaged wood: Repair any damaged boards in your front porch. Using reclaimed wood for repairs is particularly desirable if you have an older home.

[ photo by: jeffedoe, on Flickr, via CC License ]