Option 2: Buying secondhand, recycled or reclaimed timber

If you're able to, this is a better environmental choice than buying new timber.

Did you know? It's estimated that over 3,000 tonnes of reusable wood are thrown away or burnt from the demolition of old buildings in the UK every working day.

Top tips for buying recycled and reclaimed timber

• What's available to you?
  Why not check out what size fittings and fixtures are available from salvage yards before designing your DIY project. That way you can eg. design your door openings to fit the size of the door you've seen.
• Can you get hold of wood from older buildings?
  Usually better timber comes from older buildings. Victorian pine floors were made from very dense first growth forest timber - much better quality than the new wood sold today.
• Have you thoroughly inspected the goods?
  We recommend checking every detail. If you're unsure you can take your builder with you. Pre-wrapped flooring may look great on the outside but it could contain mixed sizes which makes laying expensive. Also you can ask to look inside the packaging - a good dealer won't mind you wanting to check beforehand.