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

Spring is the perfect time to get your yard and garden ready for spring and summer planting. But before you plant your first bulb, seed, tree, or plant, remember that healthy plants start with healthy soil. Healthy soil makes healthy plants that naturally resist diseases and pests. There are five to ten billion organisms in a heaping tablespoon of fertile soil. You can put these tiny “garden helpers” to work in your yard by applying compost. Worms, fungi, and more make soil fertile for... more

What does a wooden covered bridge in Eugene have in common with a splintered stadium bleacher in Beaverton? Once deconstructed, nails removed, and milled, these “rescued” wood products make great floor boards…and are gaining popularity as an “exotic” wood. In this instance, exotic refers to the story behind the wood, not its country of origin. “Exotic doesn’t have to mean out of this country. Not when you think about what the reclaimed wood used to be, not what kind of wood it is,”... more

Several companies manufacture rubber roofs from recycled tires. These products are durable (many come with 50-year warranties), as well as fire and wind resistant. Metal Roofing With a long life, metal roofs keep composite material out of our landfills. Also 100% of the material used is recyclable. Solar-Powered Attic Fan Make your home more energy effcient and save money too. Attic fans operate by solar power from sunrise to sunset at no extra cost. It’s possible to reduce the workload on... more

What does it mean to re-build green? As with any other home improvement project, the answer comes down to the scope of work and budget. The material choice is where you get to decide how “green” is your garden, or in this case, the kitchen, bath, or other living spaces. Recycle Materials Any environmentally conscious change you make to an existing house can be considered “green.” The goal, as you proceed, is to deconstruct (not demolish) the existing space, reuse or recycle materials wherever... more

American Clay Plaster What? A can-do-it-yourself plaster product. Bring elegance to your bedroom with a smooth Venetian surface. Surround yourself in your kitchen with the rustic colors of the Southwest. Bathe in the hues of Provence. Or travel to Tuscany each time you enter your dining room. This interior finish is a 100% natural earth plaster, which provides an environment that is... more

A year ago when I started a consulting business, I was happy to work out of the corner of our home’s attic bedroom. Armed with a borrowed fax machine, a free desk chair I found on a neighborhood cleanup day, and an ad-hoc desk made from a hollow-core door atop two sawhorses, I had all I needed to start on my new career path. A year later, with a few successful projects under my belt and a growing list of clients to... more

Eleek’s cast metal tiles are designed and manufactured here in Portland. They are made from 100% recycled aluminum (recycled bronze is also available) and are finished with a clear powdercoat finish that is non-reactive, non-toxic, stain proof, and amazingly durable. They are lighter than stone. Custom artist-applied patinas or colored powdercoats... more