WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve tried planing down old floor joists before—thought I’d end up with something cool, but honestly, it was more splinters than usable wood. Sometimes the “character” just means extra work and less stability. I’m all for a good story, but if the end result isn’t solid or doesn’t fit the space, I’d rather start fresh and put my energy into the joinery or finish. There’s a balance, but yeah, not every piece of old wood is worth the hassle.
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
I hear you on the “character” sometimes being more trouble than it’s worth. I’ve salvaged beams that looked promising, but after hours of cleaning and stabilizing, I started wondering if I should’ve just bought new lumber. That said, there are times when old wood really pays off—like if you need a specific patina or want to match existing trim. Do you ever try reinforcing the old stuff with new supports, or do you just scrap it when it’s too far gone?
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
I get what you mean—sometimes “character” just means more work and splinters. I’ve definitely tried reinforcing old beams with new supports, especially if the grain or color is unique. But if it’s too far gone (like crumbling in my hands), I have to call it quits. There’s a sweet spot where old and new can work together, but I don’t force it if the material’s fighting me every step of the way. Sometimes, you just need wood that doesn’t come with its own drama.
