How – Cool Upcycled

Broomstick handles

How to upcycle a humble broomstick handle? Not quite recycled, although I imagine you could. My demands for them are great and I am not quite sure I could source enough recycled. I buy mine new, around 50, for £25 and use them everywhere. Often to prop trees, but also as cross supports for structures,Continue reading “Broomstick handles”

Cable reels

Every time I went into Oxford Wood Recycling I always spotted cable reels, and could think of many things to do with them. The only issue, was how to get them home when you have a small car? Luckily, Oxford Wood Recycling delivers, so when I needed a large order of wood, I added in aContinue reading “Cable reels”

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”

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”

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”

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”

Logs

Trees might be an odd thing to class as upcycled. Have they been used, or are they a raw resource? I am including them in upcycling because I paid someone to cut the trees down. The trees played a role in the garden, they had a value, but once felled, I found another use forContinue reading “Logs”