WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
I get the appeal of upcycling, especially when it comes to adding character and history to a space. But I’ll admit, I lean more toward building from scratch—mainly because I like having control over every detail. There’s something about choosing the exact materials, finishes, and dimensions that just feels more reliable to me. Upcycling can be rewarding, sure, but sometimes the unpredictability is more stressful than fun... especially if you’re aiming for a polished look. That said, I’ve seen some upcycled pieces turn out stunning—just not always what I’d want in my own home.
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
I totally get wanting everything just so—there’s a certain satisfaction in picking out every hinge and handle, right? But I’ve gotta say, sometimes I stumble across an old piece at a flea market and just can’t resist the urge to give it a new life. Last year I turned a battered sideboard into a bar cart, and honestly, the quirks ended up making it more interesting than anything I could’ve built from scratch. That said, I do get frustrated when things don’t line up or the finish doesn’t quite match the rest of my space... it’s a bit of a gamble.
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
- There’s a lot to be said for upcycling, especially from a sustainability angle. Every time I reuse something, I feel like I’m dodging a trip to the landfill and saving on raw materials.
- That said, I totally get the frustration with mismatched finishes or weird dimensions. Sometimes you just can’t make an old piece fit your space, no matter how much sanding or repainting you do.
- Building from scratch gives you total control over materials—like, if you want FSC-certified wood or low-VOC finishes, you can pick exactly what goes in. That’s a big deal for me, since I’m always trying to keep my projects as eco-friendly as possible.
- But honestly, there’s something satisfying about the challenge of making an old piece work. I once tried to turn a broken door into a coffee table. It took forever to get the legs even, and the paint kept chipping, but now it’s got this weird character you just can’t buy new.
- I do wonder, though—when you’re upcycling, do you ever worry about the old materials being safe? Like, lead paint or weird adhesives? I’ve run into that a couple times and had to scrap a project because I couldn’t guarantee it was non-toxic.
- For me, it’s a toss-up. If I find something with good bones and I know what’s in it, I’ll upcycle. Otherwise, I’ll build from scratch and geek out over picking every last detail.
Curious if anyone else checks for stuff like that, or if I’m just being overly cautious...
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
I get the safety concerns, but honestly, upcycling’s usually way cheaper for me. I just do a quick test for lead paint (hardware stores sell cheap kits), then sand and seal everything. If the structure’s solid, I’d rather save the cash and work with what I’ve got. Sometimes the quirks end up being the best part.
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
That’s a really practical approach, and I totally get the appeal of saving money—especially when you can end up with something unique. I’ve found that some older pieces have a charm you just can’t replicate with new materials. There’s something satisfying about giving new life to something that might’ve ended up in a landfill. I do admit, sometimes I get tempted by the idea of starting from scratch just for the creative freedom, but those quirks you mentioned really do add character.
