hi,

Cost saving & reusing old materials is always a request .....but u need to check really how much is the difference amount u r saving in re-use of old materials ... and does it save repair running cost in future..

As floor tile will be changed wall tile is bound to get damaged ... and what about wall plumbing lines... u should avoid connecting old wall lines with new floor lines it might cause issues in near future....doing entire bathroom will be one time cost investment & save from running cost of small repairs which will eventually happen as it will start wearing out with time.

kitchen counter will not come out in one piece.

old ply if in good condition u can use in internal if furniture like making shelves ... wall paneling etc.

hope this suggestion gives lil clarity.. kindly get in touch incase of further discussion.

Thanks for both of your responses CUBSpaces team and Shweta from Shades studio.

It really gives a clarity about possible consequences.

I am now doubt free about changing whole things in Bathroom as it will be interconnected.

However will appreciate your opinion on few things:

1. Kitchen wall tiles: I have those from countertop height to roof(almost area of 6X15 feet) which are good and not hollow. I changed countertop 5 years back without any damage to these tiles.

It might cost me another 10-15 K, but I feel the whole process and quantity of wasting old good tiles makes me little sad.

2. kitchen countertop: Made new around 5 years back. I don't expect to get it all intact. But large pieces can be cut and can be used as top for other freestanding structures like dishwasher, front load washer, heighten base cabinets, etc.

3. Plywood: I don't mind giving enough labour charges for old sheets recycle. I am planning to use doors, loose sheets(like kept on bed frame of settee frame.) or parts of big frames like settee.

I am keen on reducing waste than to save money. You can see various DIY ideas by western people, who remove or sand laminates and re-paint furniture, or carefully remove hollow tiles and re-attach them. Some are also re-painting ceramic tiles.

I am just asking myself: Are we creating more and more waste by use and throw approach every 10-15 years, just because we can afford it?

Hey,

The first step to any renovation in to remove the old. In case the kitchen counter top is in a -usable condition upon removal then of course go ahead and reuse it.

For the plywood, it depends on what you're using and what you're using it for. That is something that onsite consultation will give more clarity on.

You're right, there are a lot of western DIY videos that work with wooden furniture. but the thing is, they have solid wood furniture more often than not. When they're sanding away, its not the laminate but the top layer of wood polish and wood lacquer that they are removing. for the sole purpose of repainting the furniture. Often you'll find them using raw plywood without using laminates as well because unlike India, they have a good quality and grain top and bottom surfaces. As a result, polishing does the job for them.

There are a lot of things they have which are not as durable as we make them in India as we look more to permanence in this country. (Side Note: a lot of their tiles are also peel and stick)

Green living is a commendable thought, and there are a lot more things you can do to ensure a green lifestyle. Reuse is definitely one aspect!

All the best and let us know how it turns out!

And in case you need design help. please do think of us!

Best!

CUBSpaces Team

+91-9923893771

Thanks for your insightful and positive response.

Will surely share after completion.

hi,

As for kitchen counter u can always try removing it without damage but should be open to idea of using new incase things doesn't workout as per plan... even for dado tiles...if doesn't get damaged ..great but be ready with backup plan..

As ur ply is old it can have issues as its grains were open till now open to climate changes....furniture made of ply has longer life because its phases are treated with polish or laminate...so would suggest to use for parts of furniture instead of making structure....

Reusing materials is good idea but sometimes its not worth it as its life is not long plus added time & cost doesn't serve purpose....also u'll end repairing it again and again in run of damaging new stuff around if reuse is not done appropriately or core of material is damaged.

About DIY @ CUBSpaces Team has correctly given answer for ur query. also their climatic condition & tool usage is very different from ours..

hope this will help.

Thanks Shweta ji for your tips.

As you mention, will be open for plan B in case of damages.

All this discussion gave me the practical inputs for use of material. Considering these tips, I shall be using old material only in the detachable pieces or as separators; as it can be replaced without changing main structure.

I am working on actual design and will share on the forum(in separate post) about it.

Thanks again for your time and tips.

I would be interested in seeing how you reused your material. I am in the process of redoing my house which was on rent. The material for the kitchen was a very basic mdf. I reused parts of it which were salvageable as internal shelving in my new plywood kitchen. I was able to salvage a few hardware which was of reasonably good quality like hinges and channels in areas other than the kitchen like extra storage and bathroom vanities etc. A top shelving unit is being reused in my wash area to store detergent etc. I had changed my flooring completely. The kitchen counter came out in three pieces. This was used under the sliding windows.

Hi

Good to know there are people like me!

I am using things almost same way you used.

Conuntertop: I have not removed countertop yet, but the above surface(granite) will be reusing it for some other table tops and windowsill. Last time I had reused the base stones, i.e. cudappa for same purpose again.

Base cabinets: I made couple of shelf pieces as below. Since it was made by less experienced carpenters, lacks some finishing.

Few door pieces I gave to my maid to reuse- she used one for sewing machine table top.

The main cabinetry with utensil trolleys- thinking to sell off on OLX or can donate to needy.

Few things to be considered: The plywood needs to be checked, if the ply layers coming off. If so, do not reuse for furniture. Also never use if infested by bugs.

while reusing old plywoods, use in such a way that it could be replaced if needed, either whole shelf unit or individual planks can be removed.

Never think of tiles reuse for same purpose. However some DIY decor pieces can be made.

Hello,

We just got our house renovated..we changed the kitchen table top .so we cut into 2 and used 1 for bathroom ,basin top and left over pieces I got fixed on balcony wall for keeping plants..

Also got few pieces of stone fixed on window corners to get a neater look and use the waste stone..

Nothing is really wasted..thank God we got some good carpenter and other staff..

Don't need to remove existing tiles

Use ultrafix tile to tile adiseves finish new tile laying work

If existing plywood good condition after removal means you can use no problem.

But during removal plywood damaged means go for new plywood

When renovating, you don't have to throw out everything that's old. Evaluate the condition and functionality of each item. Some people may benefit from a renovation or reuse that meets sustainability goals while maintaining sentimental or historical value.

No, you don't need to dump all old things during a renovation. Some items can be repurposed or restored, adding character and history to your space. Keeping select pieces can also be more sustainable and cost-effective. Consider a mix of old and new to create a unique and personal environment.

By recycling old things, you can preserve their historical and sentimental value and enhance their beauty without having to throw them away

Recycling old items allows you to maintain their historical and sentimental significance while enhancing their beauty, all without needing to discard them.

For your tile renovation, it's not necessary to replace firm dado tiles if they blend well with your new design. Changing only bathroom floor tiles may affect waterproofing, so ensure proper sealing to avoid issues. Recycled plywood can be reused, but for a high-quality finish, consider finding a skilled carpenter who specializes in refurbishment. Kitchen countertops can often be carefully removed and reused, provided they’re handled with care during removal to prevent damage.

The temptation is to toss everything old when renovating, but you may be able to add charm and character to your new space by keeping certain items. Preserve memories while creating a fresh, modern atmosphere by repurposing or restoring furniture, fixtures, or materials. You don't need to replace everything when you renovate!

Your discussion on balancing old and new during renovations is insightful! Repurposing old items adds character while reducing waste. A thoughtful and sustainable approach to home transformations, well done!

For your renovation if the dado tiles are firm and neutral you can keep them provided they match the updated design. Changing only floor tiles won’t affect waterproofing if done properly. Reusing quality plywood can be viable but ensure it’s in good condition for durability and finish. The kitchen countertop can be reused if carefully removed but ensure it’s suitable for the new design or location.

No, you don’t need to dump all old things during renovation! Many items can be repurposed or refreshed to fit your new design. Keep sentimental pieces, functional furniture, and quality materials. Blending old and new creates character while saving money and reducing waste. Thoughtful choices make renovations more meaningful.

Not at all! Renovations that blend old and new seamlessly preserve sentimental or high-quality pieces while upgrading outdated features. Make your renovated space more charming and environmentally friendly by repurposing, refurbishing, or upcycling old items.

It’s great you're focusing on recycling! If the dado tiles are in good condition and neutral, you can leave them, but check grout and overall security.

When replacing bathroom floor tiles, ensure the waterproofing layer remains intact, as redoing it can prevent water damage.

For plywood, if the quality is good, you can reuse it, but ensure a skilled carpenter finishes it properly. The kitchen countertop can be reused if carefully removed and in good shape. Just make sure all structural and waterproofing aspects are intact.

Using quality pieces in your renovation will save you money and give your room a timeless feel.