Why use repurposed wood?
Repurposing is using something for a different purpose than originally intended. As we go through life finding new meanings and setting new goals, we are repurposing ourselves. While it would be much easier making signs from new materials, using repurposed materials to provide meaning along this constant reinvention of ourselves seems only fitting.
What is repurposed?
Furniture
Any real wood components of broken furniture can be use for a sign. Chair legs, drawer sides, trim components and shelves often provide an interesting base for a sign. Although broken, many parts are still strong.
Outdoor Building Materials
Old decks and other outdoor wood. This wood has very distinct character from years of weather and sun bleaching. The character of this wood is unmatched, and makes every sign made from it very unique.
Pallets
Pallets have often had many purposes, and have had a hard life. This shows in the the rustic look of the pallet components, and makes for some nice signs with powerful messages.
Indoor Building Materials
Reusing the items from my own and other peoples projects. These will always be labeled Lot 1. Lot 1 will always get the small miscellaneous pieces of wood that you can find anywhere. They ar leftovers, but no without value.
Packing and Shipping Materials
Like many people, we do a fair amount of online ordering. We reuse much of the shipping that comes to us in the packages that we send to you. Don't be surprised to find some odd materials, Amazon boxes, air pouches or bubble wrap protecting your sign when it arrives.
Wood Rescue Source
Turn over any sign or larger item you get from NC Raised and you can see the source of the rescued wood written on the back.
What cannot be repurposed
Particle board, chipboard and anything assembled with glue may contain unknown chemicals, so parts of furniture made from these materials are discarded.