For the last few years I have been lucky enough to work at a ReStore. What this means for me is that I have access to a lot of really great materials and get to spend all day looking at things, thinking what they could become. I want to share my top ten tips of things I have learned about doing a ReStore redesign project:
- MAKE A PLAN!!
The project always changes from the first image you had in your mind and it’s OK.- Always over estimate, it’s almost impossible to find something to match that one-of-a-kind item.
- Sanders are not planers, no matter how hard you try.
- Spray paint is amazing.
- Just because it sounds crazy doesn’t mean it can’t be done.
- Think outside the box for items to use.
- Find a friend that welds. Better yet learn yourself.
- A door has a million uses. Table, chair, wall covering, headboard, mirror…
- Your imagination is a terrible thing to waste.
With these tips and a little bit of imagination you can make some really great pieces. If you give it a go, let us know how it worked out. And make sure to send us some pictures so we can share. Happy building!
Tags: alternative building materials, projects, reuse, usable materials
Wes, thanks for sharing. We use doors, too. Some of our staff members build potting benches. We use them in displays, too. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
I work at HFH Restore in Newport, Or and love working there as a volunteer. I am retired and wanted something to do, so I am now busy and always thinking of things to make. Doors are also great for work benchs if they are solid core doors. We received 4 Eight foot plus solid core doors and they are really heavy and I am getting one and making a work bench from it as well as what I cut off the side to narrow it down, I will use the cut off for a shelf. Always thinking and looking for ideas.
Sounds like you have quite the reuser mind, Karen. I think your use for the doors is great. Very nice way to use them. If you were planning on just gluing them in place you might want to use them on the walls. If you are attaching them with screws you should be good to go. Good luck and I hope you send some pictures!
I was given some 50’s era interior doors, fir veneer I think, flat, boring…but FREE! Actually, the wood is pretty and I was thinking about using it as ceiling material in a small cottage I am building in the back yard. Do you have any advice for me about this use? I think they are lighter than plywood, and have a nice color to them so it would be similar to the look I’d planned on (I’d planned on using finish plywood for the walls and ceiling instead of drywall)