Old stuff day is all about giving life to old stuff. Tricia… Something Borrowed Builder here…. This is my favorite way to create. I love taking old outdated couches, pallets, cut down trees,  old barns and giving them new paint and a new life. Here are some examples from Something Borrowed KC!  

Pallets are a DIY dream. Most businesses give them away for free; just make sure to ask! With a little effort you can turn them into most anything you can build.

Tip: When using pallets, look for ones stamped with HT (heat -treated) which are safer for indoor use. Avoid Pallets stamped MB (methyl bromide) as they contain toxic chemicals. 

Tip: The easiest and fastest way to break down a pallet is using a reciprocating saw to cut through the nails along the sides. This keeps the wood intact and minimizes splitting. While prying pallets apart may seem like an option, it often leads to cracked or damaged wood. Save yourself the hassle and grab a reciprocating saw (Harbor Freight).   

Here at Something Borrowed KC, we reuse galvanized tin from an Arabian horse barn, giving it a new purpose while preserving its unique character. Here are some ways we have repurposed tin! 

Tip: I used 4 coats of a protective coating for metal. It helps to seal porous and rusted metal. It also protects from damage from Sun, Salt, Moisture and Corrosion.  

When we had to remove some old trees, we made sure their legacy lived on though creative projects. Log slices are incredibly versatile and add a natural, organic touch to any space or event. 

Tip: I have found to preserve the logs the most important thing is to seal the logs almost right after cutting with a wood preservative (takes quite a few months to dry this way. The log will need a cool dry place, off the ground with good circulation) or polyurethane sealant (my preferred method) to prevent moisture from escaping too quickly causing cracks.   

Old stuff day is a reminder that what’s worn or weathered doesn’t have to go to waste. Everything has the potential for a second life. What old item will you reinvent today?