My shed from salvaged wood rotted quick, now I'm split on sustainable builds.

I built a garden shed last year using old fence posts and pallets to be eco-friendly. Some folks say reclaimed wood is the best way to go because it cuts down on waste and saves trees. For instance, using barn wood for a table can give it a cool, rustic look without hurting forests. But others argue that new wood from well-managed forests is actually better for long-term projects. Like, pressure-treated pine from a certified farm might last decades and support sustainable logging. I'm stuck because my shed is already falling apart, but I hate the idea of buying new wood that harms the planet. What do you all think? Should we always use salvaged stuff, or is new sustainable wood okay for certain builds?

3 comments

3 Comments

nancy_carr15h ago

A forestry expert once told me that salvaged wood from wet climates often has mold spores deep inside. This means even if it looks good, it might rot faster when reused. For example, old deck boards can look solid but harbor rot inside. So, checking the history and condition of salvaged wood is key. Sometimes new wood from local, sustainable sources is better if the salvaged stuff isn't suitable. It's about matching the wood to the project's needs.

ward.nina15h ago

That pressure treated stuff from a lumber yard is a whole different animal than old fence posts. I read something about how the treatment gets deep into the wood fibers to stop rot. My neighbor used marine grade plywood for a small boat shed and it's held up for ten years in the damp. Sometimes the greenest choice is the wood that doesn't need replacing every couple years, even if it's new.

quinng7916h ago

You mentioned pressure-treated pine from certified farms lasting decades. Sometimes new wood is the real sustainable choice if the salvaged stuff just rots and needs replacing. A shed that falls apart in a year isn't helping anyone.