A popular trend in home decoration these days is repurposing old, discarded building materials. They are installed as part of new builds, and they are kept around and used as tables, chairs and other items. With a little work, these items can be made to look really good while giving a rustic feel to your home. It is also positive for the environment, since these items otherwise would end up in landfills.

What should you consider if you decide to try this out for your home? One important thing to remember is that in the past, some materials used were quite dangerous. If you suspect that an item might contain asbestos or lead, you should stay away from them. To be on the safe side, you should look for materials such as wood, steel and lumber that isn’t painted. It is better to finish them yourself instead of risking bringing an item into your home that could make you sick.