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As building materials go, it does not get much greener than FSC-certified timber. A renewable product sourced from responsibly managed forests, it biodegrades at the end of its use and is a sturdy, durable choice for your project. But one of the big eco-perks of timber is that it can be endlessly upcycled! Thanks to its versatility, you can use reclaimed wood for just about any timber project you are taking on, and we have got everything you need to know to make it possible.

What is Timber Upcycling?

Timber upcycling involves taking used, potentially worn-out timber and breathing new life into it with some creative DIY. Because timber is such a durable building material, it frequently outlasts the use of its original construction. From cladding on a home to the boards of a bookshelf, you can find beautiful reclaimed timber from all sorts of sources.

Rather than sending this perfectly good material to the landfill or wood burner, DIY enthusiasts – or timber experts like ourselves at EcoChoice – can repurpose it for another use. It is the most sustainable solution to sourcing materials for your next project.

But how does it differ from recycling? Upcycling does not change the timber as much as recycling does. Rather than processing it, the timber might be sanded, stained and even re-sawn, but it is not shredded down entirely as recycled wood, plastic or paper  is. The original look of the older timber remains in upcycling, whereas recycling creates entirely new timber products.

Greenheart bench

Exterior bench made from upcycled bridge Greenheart beams

What Sort of Timber Can Be Upcycled?

Reclaimed timber is everywhere, in a wide number of species and from a whole range of applications: from piers and bridges to garden sleepers and sheds. The only times when timber should not be upcycled is if it is rotting, integrally damaged or has been infested by insects or fungus. Other than that, you can use any wood which is in good condition to build something new. Also be aware that some timber may have been treated with dangerous chemicals such as creosote. 

Popular sources of timber for upcycling include:

  • Wooden pallets
  • Piers, bridges and pontoons 
  • Oak beams from old houses
  • Doors 

Tips for Upcycling Timber

Start with good-quality reclaimed or discarded wood. Look for pieces without rot or significant damage, as this will make your project easier and more durable.

Remove any paint, nails or screws from the wood. Sand the surface to create a smooth and even finish, and do not forget to round off any sharp edges! Of course, you do not have to remove the imperfections in your timber. Some people love to keep the little scratches and nail holes in their wood, creating a unique piece for their project.

It is important, though, that you check for weak or damaged areas and reinforce or cut out any you find. You can do this using wood glue, dowels or screws for a sturdier finish. 

What Can You Make for Upcycled Timber?

Upcycling has become a popular activity amongst DIY enthusiasts and creative people, but what can you make from your reclaimed timber? Here are some timber upcycling ideas to get you started:

  • Coffee tables
  • Benches
  • Shelves
  • Bed frames
  • Picture frames
  • Doors
  • Planters
  • Chopping boards

Find Reclaimed Timber at EcoChoice 

If you are keen to get your hands on reclaimed timber for your upcycling projects, our team at EcoChoice can help. We supply projects around the UK with reclaimed Greenheart timber, a durable species which is ideal for a whole range of uses. To learn more or ask us a question about your upcycled timber, feel free to get in touch with us today and we will be more than happy to help.

Image: pixmeeup / Shutterstock.com

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Ask Joe! Expert industry advice

Unsure which timer is best for your project?

Our timber experts have years of experience and will be able to match the perfect species to your project, as well as provide a quote for sustainable timber at highly competitive prices.

Frequently asked questions

Do you supply timber for domestic uses?

Yes, we supply timber for domestic applications as well as commercial and public constructions. From garden decking to shed cladding, we will be happy to supply smaller deliveries for home use.

Is your timber FSC-certified?

Yes, all timber we supply is FSC or PEFC certified and sourced from independently verified responsibly managed forests. If we can’t find your request in FSC/PEFC certified timber we’ll suggest an alternative that is certified or clearly note that the offer is minimum EUTR.

Where does EcoChoice deliver to?

EcoChoice delivers to construction sites, warehouses and homes across the UK, as long as there’s access and unloading for our trucks.

What are the best timber species for exterior use?

There are many different timber species suitable for exterior use and which is the best for your project depends on your requirements. In general, though, we recommend EkkiGreenheartOpepe and Oak for heavier civil/marine uses. For intermediary external use such as decking, where the timber needs to be both strong and durable but not on the same level as civil engineering (bridgespiling, etc) we usually supply CumaruIpe, Jatoba, and Balau. And for the lighter exterior use where the timber is non-structural such as cladding, we deliver CedarLarchThermowood and others.

Which timber is the most durable?

Durability Class 1 timbers are the most durable. This of course depends on the use (hazard) class they’ll be in service for. For direct ground and water contact such as sleepers, fenders, marine piling, etc, Ekki and Greenheart are known to be the most durable timbers available. For decking and cladding where there’s no direct ground contact (use class 3) there’s a much wider range of timbers such Larch, Cedar, Thermo modified Pine or Ash and others.

What’s the best timber for internal cladding?

Internal cladding, where your timber is not in ground and not exposed to the elements can be classed as either use-class 1 or 2 – in which case most timbers will meet this durability criteria. That is not to say they’ll be the best, since internal environments have lower humidity (moisture) levels than outside. So in these cases, it’s best to go for a kiln-dried timber cladding board as these are more stable and delivered already in lower MC (moisture content) than the usual fresh sawn timbers sent to external applications. A word of caution – as timber reacts to variations in moisture, it’s best to avoid cladding any areas inside your bathroom.

How can I make decking less slippery?

The first thing is to ensure your deck boards are kept clean from leaves and other debris which will, over time, cover the surface and make it more slippery. Grooved boards can be used to improve grip if installed and used perpendicular to traffic, so especially useful in narrow passages and footbridges. Lastly, you can add our Grip-Choice strips: these are a mix of epoxy with aggregates that add gripping ridges to your deck area. Gripchoice is an easy way to make decking less slippery and safer, especially over large areas or where there’s high traffic. We can pre-install Grip-Choice strips for your decking before delivery or ship the strips separately to add to your existing deck’s grooves as a retro-fit solution.

What wood machining services do you offer?

We can offer planing, sawing, drilling and profiling of rough-sawn wood to any profile you require: from handrails to large port fenders.

Can you supply pre-drilled timber?

Yes, we will be happy to provide pre-drilled timber which is tailored to your needs for quick installation, thus saving you valuable time on site.

What cladding profiles do you supply?

We provide a wide range of cladding profiles, including tongue and groove, featheredge and shiplap. You can check the standard profiles here – but we can also match or custom make profiles to suit your specific needs.

Does timber change colour?

Yes, timber is well-known for changing colour over time. Some species can darken quickly right after installation, and like most untreated wood will eventually weather to a beautiful silver-grey. Interior timber is less likely to change colour (depending on conditions), and timber can be stained, painted or treated with UV-resistant oils to reduce colour change.

Do I need to treat exterior timber?

Some timbers such as Oak and Ekki, can withstand the strains of exterior use without any treatment. However, to extend the lifespan and maintain the aesthetic of your wood, we do recommend treating your timber with stains and oils. Pre-treated timber, such as ThermoWood and OrganoWood, are low-maintenance options which are more durable, but can have their life service extended by applying a clean and stain maintenance schedule.

Do I need to treat interior timber?

Depends on what area the timber is being used. For floor joists and timber rafters, it is common to see timber treated, or least very well kiln-dried. Other uses such as flooring may benefit from varnishing while internal timber cladding for decorative purposes shouldn’t require any treatment other than if you want to change its colour with different types of stains or oils.

Where are you based?

We’re based in Cambridge, UK, and coordinate multiple sawmills all over the world to manufacture your order. We then organise delivery with a range of hauliers so that your orders gets to your site on time.

What are the usual decking sizes?

Timber decking is usually 21x140mm or similar. For heavier applications where there’s more load and traffic, we deliver 35 or 45mm thick boards (such as Hastings Pier). Narrower boards are also possible: 95-90mm is a standard width – but we can manufacture whatever size you require.

What are the usual cladding sizes?

Typical cladding section sizes are 18×95 and 18x145mm although we can always custom make a section to suit your project’s design requirements. That includes waney edge boards in Oak or Chestnut as well as extra wide 195mm boards.

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Good quality, great service, fast delivery!

5

Marinella Li

Always helpful! One of our valued TDCA DeckMark and CladMark accredited supplier members which means their quality procedures are routinely audited and stand up to scrutiny giving you extra peace of mind.

5

Janet Sycamore

Having needed the supply of cladding, decking boards and other specified timbers through out the year Eco choice have been very helpful in sourcing the specified timbers and quantities required at a very competitive price.

5

Tim Saunders

Great quality, service and price. A pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend Eco Choice.

5

Emma Hurrell

Fantastic company- Mike and the team are the best in the business- worked with them for many years.

5

Prem Raja

Always reliable and quality products, easy to deal with company.

5

Stone Zone

4.9

Average rating on Google Reviews

  • 9 years ago

Experts in Timber, Nationwide delivery

Joe Middleton

  • 6 years ago

Always reliable and quality products, easy to deal with company.

Stone Zone

  • 4 weeks ago

Good quality, great service, fast delivery!

Marinella Li

  • 3 years ago

Always helpful! One of our valued TDCA DeckMark and CladMark accredited supplier members which means their quality procedures are routinely audited and stand up to scrutiny giving you extra peace of mind.

Janet Sycamore

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