Whether restoring an older home, or adding old world character to a newer home, using architectural salvage is both “green” and beautiful. Finding and using salvage treasures can both be fun and frustrating. Here are a few tips that will minimize the frustration: 1 Plan Ahead Whenever possible, plan ahead…way ahead! Integrating salvage into a remodel can present a host of challenges. If you want to use old pieces (columns, windows, doors, etc.,) let your designer, architect, and contractor... more

Flooring Cork, bamboo, recycled and reclaimed fir, reclaimed Hard Rock Maple gym flooring and hardwoods are all examples of sustainable flooring products harvested from deconstruction or renewable resources. These products are available to installers from local sources. Some companies specialize in salvaged wood floors. Carpeting can be manufactured from a variety of sustainable materials, such as wool, cotton, sisal (agave), sea grass, and jute (burlap.) Recycled-content padding made from wool... more

Americans love to paint. Each year they buy an average of 2.3 gallons of paint. A 2007 Environmental Protection Agency study estimates that about 10% of the house paint purchased annually ends up as leftover or unused. In Oregon and Washington State about 2.322 million gallons of paint is leftover annually. A study spearheaded by the nonprofit Product Stewardship Institute finds that people will hold their leftover paint for about seven years before they dispose of it through municipal household... more

In the past few years “green” eco-friendly buildings have been receiving a lot of notice. Most of this attention has been directed at constructing new green buildings. But those wanting to restore an older house or business are also finding more products and services available to them. Cork flooring was used extensively in mid-century homes and is popular again today as a green alternative.Photo courtesy of Arciform LLC Refurbishing older cabinets, rather than replacing them... more

Buying an older home comes with a certain measure of suspense: Some of it is anticipated with eagerness, and some of it with dread. Will the plumbing work? Does the roof leak? Does a beautiful hardwood floor reside under that shag carpeting? For homeowners considering removing the secondary exterior siding installed over the original, that suspense can be akin to unwrapping a present. Is it just what they’d hoped for, or a ghastly surprise? After Before During Photos... more

Ok people, I have one word for you: Tomatoes. Did you know that more Americans plant tomatoes every year than any other plant combined? Home-grown tomatoes are a no-brainer, anyone can do it! All they need to thrive is an open, sunny spot in the garden, plenty of water, and in return you will get a great supply of tomatoes throughout the summer. Just think about what you could do with your tomatoes: salsa, pasta sauces, tomato confit, gazpacho, and so much more. My favorite use of tomatoes is in... more

Palm-held finishing sanders are among the most popular tools purchased, and if you’ve ever spent time hand sanding even a modest-sized project, you know why. Their ease of use and ergonomics help speed a typically tedious job. But these advances in the current crop of sanders, so much improved compared to the old ¼ sheet ‘vibrators,’ have had an unintended effect. Consumers have demanded that these tools do more than ‘finish,’ and the increased availability of coarser... more

The seasons are shifting. The economy is shifting. Days are long, the weather is warm, and money is tight. Focusing on ways you can capitalize on what is already available to you at home is one way to make the most of the weather, your dollar, and the dog days of summer. Instead of driving to destinations this year, create a destination in your own back yard. A porch, patio or deck can be the perfect venue for summer gatherings, barbecues or simply relaxing. Tigerwood Decking Have you... more