Recycled Timber Kitchen Counter, Drawers and Cupboard Doors

Image from, photo by Pernille Kaalund

Earlier this year I was designing a kitchen for a client using recycled timber for the kitchen counter and recycled painted timber for the cupboard and drawer fronts. If you wish to try this as a DIY project there are a few things to consider when sourcing the timber and designing your kitchen counter.

Tips:

• Avoid using timber that has lead paint on the surface.
• Avoid timber that has been previously damaged by water.
• Install a sink with a drainer to avoid wet dishes on the timber surface.
• Use a food grade, non toxic, wax/oil sealer for the bench top.
• Think about possible joint movement when using recycled timber.
• Try to use recycled timber where possible. If you have to use new timber consider sourcing timber from a certified sustainable managed source.

Have fun,

Callignee II :: Recycled House From Grand Designs Australia

{image credits: Alicia Taylor & Lifestyle Channel}

This project is one of my all time favorites for its aesthetic design and outstanding sustainable approach. 

Built from the remains of the original house, which was destroyed by the tragic bushfires of Black Saturday in Gippsland, Victoria, in 2009, this home recycles what it can from the fire and adds the latest fire resistant materials to make a eclectic, warm and resilient new house. 

This home is best explained by these links to Grand Designs Australia's house tour and video diary.

Eco or natural initiatives from this project:

1. Reuse, recycled materials where possible from your original house.

2. Due to the need to use fire resilient materials, this new home uses a mix of recycled timber, surviving structural steel, burnt concrete, glass and rusted Corten panels for the interior walls, floors & ceilings. This illuminates the need for any internal; plasterboard, panelling, painting, architraves, tiling, skirting and tiles.

3. Reduced your house size - Think about the number of rooms you really need, can some be dual use and what size do you really need? By reducing your house size you reduced your building, materials and running costs.

Designer - Sean Hamilton, Hamilton Design  

Builder - Chris Clarke, Swale Developments

For more building & project info

Have fun