We are incredibly lucky to live just metres from what must be one of the few remaining independent tool shops in the country. An Aladdin’s Cave of timber, tools, gardening stuff, and so much more! A friendly place where you can ask for advice and the team know all the local suppliers. Very handy whenContinue reading “Evenlode DIY”
Author Archives: coolupcycled
Parquet flooring
Parquet flooring is a luxurious treat and an amazing resource for very cool upcycled projects. It is also a labour of love. I sourced my blocks from Oxford Wood Recycling and it came from the floor of Bailliol College, Oxford. Being reclaimed means it is not perfect. Mine came complete with chewing gum. The backContinue reading “Parquet flooring”
Pallet planters
My wife kindly helped start my pallet journey with a course on how to make pallet planters. These are amazingly practical and versatile planters for the garden or allotment. I make them in two lengths and they are really designed around the wood taken from a cut up Eurolight pallet. No waste! The large planterContinue reading “Pallet planters”
Pallet planter course
Many things I discovered through trial and error. However, some things I was taught. My wife, as a present, bought me a community pallet planter making course. Run through the community programme Cultivate Oxford I have used this as the basic template for all planters since. It was a fun day out, even although weContinue reading “Pallet planter course”
Upcycled shower room
When we moved into the house, we had a good-sized WC and one bathroom. I felt certain we could fit a shower into the room and a plumber kindly helped. Then I set about personalising the shower room with some upcycled features. The pipe was used as handles on the cupboard, and the hook for theContinue reading “Upcycled shower room”
How to use pallets for upcycling
Upcycling pallets is probably one of the most ‘in’ things just now. Sometimes you can tell things started life as a pallet, but often they are just used for their wood. A bit like scaffolding planks they are very versatile. Easier to maneuver, but not as strong, they require more work to prepare. You canContinue reading “How to use pallets for upcycling”
Upcycled pipe and scaffolding plank coffee table
My very first upcycling project, and still one of my coolest. Also, one of the rewarding items to make. If you are starting out with upcycling and want to use scaffolding planks and pipes, then start with this one. What you need are three one metre lengths of similar scaffolding planks. If you cut fromContinue reading “Upcycled pipe and scaffolding plank coffee table”
Plumbing Pipe
I have a confession. The plumbing pipe I use is not recycled, but it is upcycled. Good black pipe, with all the required connections, in the size and quantity needed, is impossible to source recycled. It is a lovely versatile product, but very expensive. I get mine with screw joints to allow you to planContinue reading “Plumbing Pipe”
Oxford Wood Recycling
Some people love clothes shopping or visiting John Lewis. I love wood stores, and I particularly love Oxford Wood Recycling. A charity that collects old wood and sells it on. Sometimes refurbing a little, but mostly leaving it to your own devices. They have large stocks of your usual stuff like cable reels, pallets, doors,Continue reading “Oxford Wood Recycling”
Scaffolding planks
Scaffolding planks are one of the most versatile upcycling resources, and you can make many cool things out of them. You can of course buy them new, but that isn’t much of an upcycle. I buy my used planks from the wonderful charity— Oxford Wood Recycling. I typically buy full length (390cm x 22.5cm) andContinue reading “Scaffolding planks”
Cool Upcycled 