Our Trim Process – A guide to creating less material waste By: greening homes

December 3, 2013
Waste Diversion

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Responsible waste management is one of our core values at Greening Homes. We apply this sentiment to all aspects of a renovation, from framing and foundations, to finishing. One area where we can really control our waste during the renovation process is the moulding/trim installation.

Before we start the interior trim, we ensure that our supplier can deliver FSC certified wood products, usually paint grade poplar. On all of our sites we use paint grade poplar as an alternative to MDF. The price of poplar is very competitive with MDF, and poplar is a much more sustainable choice  (especially in terms of health and production).

To properly manage waste when starting the trim finishes of a home, we must first accurately measure the amount of material we need (adding no more than 10% for defects). A thorough material list can help us remember what lengths of trim material were measured for certain locations. With this list in hand, we don’t waste pieces of lumber that might have been used for longer walls, or lengths that offer the perfect dimension multiple for small pieces.

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Noticing defects before a cut is made will help save time and reduce waste. For example, if you don’t see the damage before a cut is already made, you’ll have a shortened a piece of trim that may run the risk of not being usable.

 

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Cutting pieces slightly long and accurately double-checking can help reduce the amount of trim materials that are wasted. It may seem simple, but we rarely have to waste a piece of trim that has been cut to short.

 

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Also, we use off cuts to make jigs and for furring out windows and door jambs (This is also something we plan for during the ordering phase).

 

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Depending on the size of the home, we can rarely fill up a garbage can after the trim process. This is a challenge we bestow on all of our crew, to reduce waste and uphold the company mission – Renovations Done Responsibly.