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November 2, 2009
Creative Use of Leftover Floor?
It looks like we're going to have leftover brazilian walnut (ipe) flooring (5/8" thick, prefinished) and besides keeping some on hand for future repairs, would like to try to do something creative with it and thought we might seal the underside and ends and build planter boxes with it to have outside. I see ipe is used outdoors for decks, is this totally a bad idea? I just don't have enough to probably sell or give to anyone, and don't want to throw anything away. Maybe you have other ideas? thanks!
Comments
I throw it in my wood stove. gives good heat.
Posted by: southslope at October 31, 2009 1:36 PM
I think it's an excellent idea; it's a good-looking wood that should be great for planter boxes; what are your reservations?
Posted by: cmu at October 31, 2009 2:45 PM
chopsticks?
Posted by: Rick at October 31, 2009 3:44 PM
Make a radiator cover
Posted by: SenatorStreet at October 31, 2009 5:40 PM
Matching window sills and floors.
Posted by: CookieCutterBrownstone at October 31, 2009 9:19 PM
That project was made from an ikea headboard, but I've also seen similar things done with wood flooring.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at November 1, 2009 9:31 AM
i would also feel that it wont be of some use.. may be you will get a second hand buyer who likes to have antique value...
Posted by: rebeccamartin at November 2, 2009 7:39 AM
huh?
Posted by: Putnamdenizen at November 2, 2009 10:47 AM
Given it's recent popularity, Brazil is quickly becoming deforested of all Ipê and huge swathes of rain forest with it... though, I'm sure you double-checked the certification so that your wood came from "cultivated" sources, right?
You should think about finding domestic and sustainable sources for your hardwoods needs...
Posted by: tybur6 at November 2, 2009 11:04 AM
(though, I do appreciate the fact that you're looking for a way to use the remaining wood... rather than just throwing it in a dumpster.
If you don't figure anything out, I bet there are woodshop programs or art programs in the NYC Schools that would take your wood as a donation -- you'd probably have to transport it... they don't have the resources to pick it up.)
Posted by: tybur6 at November 2, 2009 11:06 AM
Also... is it Ipê or is it Brazilian Walnut? These aren't the same -- and the latter is more sustainable than the former. It's grown differently and its cultivation is more widespread.
Posted by: tybur6 at November 2, 2009 11:09 AM
Ipe can look awesome for just about anything imaginable -- my dog's dish sits in a holder made from some leftover 1x8's....
Ipedepot.com is a good source if you need some thicker pieces to finish the top rail, etc.
Keep in mind Ipe is hard as nails so your tools will need to be SHARP, and wear a mask, as Ipe sawdust is pretty nasty.
Posted by: wyckoff at November 2, 2009 2:30 PM
3rd Ward has furniture and woodworking classes.
Posted by: mopar at November 2, 2009 2:40 PM
I would make one of these...Or something similar.
http://www.slatmat.com/
Posted by: IMBY at November 3, 2009 8:52 AM
Hi everyone, thanks so much for all the great ideas! We'll take photos of everything we make with our leftovers!
Posted by: honeycut at November 3, 2009 6:03 PM
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