It takes an open mind and the right tools

When it comes to selecting recycled materials, it’s important for people to be flexible in terms of what they hope to create, said Scott Hill, who collects and resells salvaged materials as well as uses them in his own West L.A. home addition.

“What can you do with this old lamp, that kind of wood or this stone? What will it look like after you sand or clean it?” he said.

“You have to be open about what materials or type of wood you are going to use. You have to adapt to circumstances.”

Hill brings sandpaper and a scraping tool with him in his searches to “see what’s under the paint,” he said. “Some wood that may have been covered with paint years ago may now be a beautiful, valuable hardwood.”

The right tools are critical when gathering materials such as old fences that might be used for an interior wall or an aged redwood deck that will need to be planed and sanded for reuse.

“There are old tools that work better than the claws at the end of a hammer or a crowbar. I would look for an old-time tool store that sells used tools,” he said.

“Those special woodworking or demo tools can save you a lot of time and damage to your wood. This goes for old tile, stone and marble items.”

And take your time to avoid breakage, he emphasized, especially if the items with which you are working are special: “They might be irreplaceable.”

When scouring for recycled materials, place as many want ads online or in newspapers as possible.

“And talk to all your friends,” Hill said. “Look at dumpsters everywhere and talk to contractors.”

For more information, Hill can be reached at rscotthillsforest@yahoo.com.

-- Chuck Green