Popularity of reclaimed materials

Popularity of reclaimed materials rises in Reno-Tahoe

A home in Bozeman, Mont., uses antique lumber as part of its design. The supplier also does work locally. / Provided by Montana Reclaimed Lumber

Mar. 13, 2011 - It ain't exactly hugging a tree. But it's pretty darn close.

While solar, wind and hybrid technology typically get most of the attention for going green, using reclaimed lumber and construction materials is one green trend that tree huggers still will appreciate.

And apparently, it's a trend that's growing.

Scott Gillespie, principal designer for Tahoe City-based design firm Sandbox Studios, has seen a significant uptick in the demand for reclaimed materials like lumber among his clients.

In the past two years, the percentage of the firm's projects that use reclaimed materials jumped from about 10 percent to 15 percent to 50 percent, Gillespie said.

"A lot of people like the aesthetics of it," he said. "They also like the fact that there's a story behind it -- we've used reclaimed wood from things like railroad trestles to an old water tank. Then, there's the socially redeeming value from preserving our natural resources." {continued}