Choosing the Right Recyclables

Don't you just love that word, recyclables? I think I made it up, but I'm sure you know what I mean -- those pieces of furniture that are suitable for makeovers, something that would be tossed in the trash if it weren't for you and your vision. Other people see fire starter, you see a blank canvas.

It's hard to finally give up and throw something away, but every piece of old furniture you find won't make a good recyclable. There are a few points to keep in mind when you're sizing up the offerings at your local flea market or the aging furniture in your home or garage.

Remember that furniture recycling is supposed to be fun. It's not a job, and if the amount of work you have to put into a piece exceeds your enjoyment, it's probably not worth it.

So, first, size up your potential *investment and benefits,* your investment of time and resources against your benefits of fun and function. If the piece is too big, it may take more time to recycle than you are prepared to spend. If it's too small, it may seem like your work is wasted on something inconsequential. If you don't feel a passion for the piece and have in mind a place where it will "live" after you've recycled it, it might be best to think a while longer before embarking on that particular project. Not every piece is worth your time and effort.

Next, consider the *condition* of the piece. Some items truly are junk. Some can be repaired. Even if it's a table with a strong top crying out for a new painting technique, weak or broken legs will have to be repaired or replaced. Do you have the expertise to do that yourself or will you have to pay someone to do it? Minor repairs are tolerable and won't slow you down much, and some imperfections can be interpreted as just giving that "distressed" look. Major construction problems, though, may take all the fun out of your hobby, so pay careful consideration to the structural integrity of your choices.

*Irreversible problems* with some pieces make them poor choices for your work. Warping caused by water absorption, for example, won't necessarily weaken a piece, but it's almost impossible to disguise. I sanded for days on a table once to try to "flatten" bucking places along the edges, and it couldn't be done. The wood was too hard and the damage was too severe. The piece was strong and beautifully made, but no amount of camouflage could hide those warped areas. Be sure to look at what you "can't" change as

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