Many homeowners focus so much on interior design that they overlook the exterior, which is the first thing people see. Contrary to popular belief, enhancing your home's exterior doesn't have to be costly. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can make impressive improvements without breaking the bank.
One of the best places to find free or inexpensive materials is at construction sites. Builders often discard large amounts of materials that are perfectly usable but not suitable for their projects. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), construction and demolition activities generated 600 million tons of waste in the United States in 2018, much of which could be repurposed (EPA).
Using scrap wood and siding, you can craft unique garden furniture or decorative shutters. For instance, adding wrap-around moldings to plain porch columns can make them look custom-made. Simple shapes cut from scrap wood can be used as appliqués on doors, gable areas, or empty walls.
Broken tiles are excellent for creating mosaic projects. You can make a mosaic table for your porch or create stepping stones for your garden. Even an old picnic table can be given a new lease on life with a mosaic design.
Create a wood plaque from scrap wood, paint or glue your house numbers on it, and add a mosaic tile border for a sophisticated look.
If you can find a fencing company willing to give you their discards, you can make garden posts for hanging lanterns or plants. Cement these posts into the ground for stability. Use the boards to create rustic planters or cut them down to make picket-style garden fencing.
Vinyl flooring scraps can be turned into decorative floorcloths for your porch or patio. With some paint and polyurethane, you can customize these to match your home's colors and styles.
By repurposing materials, you're not only saving money but also contributing to environmental sustainability. The EPA estimates that recycling construction materials can reduce the need for new materials, thereby conserving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (EPA).
With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can transform the exterior of your home into a masterpiece without spending a fortune. Not only will you enhance your home's curb appeal, but you'll also be doing your part to reduce waste. So, next time you pass by a construction site, don't hesitate to ask if you can take a look at their scrap pile—you might just find your next DIY project.
Copyright 2002 K. Wilson
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