Bravo to all these amazing creative minds. I hate wasting stuff that still has life in it. By the way, though I have read that some pallets are treated with a fumigant which is toxic. Generally, make sure pallets are stamped with “HT”, which means they haven’t been exposed to chemicals (at least not in the treating process.) Avoid unmarked pallets or those with “MB” for methyl bromide. Well, if anyone wants some really nice, bargain 2nd hand windows we just pulled out of our 12 y-o house to make way for a sliding door, and you live around Melbourne Australia, please check them out here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/112070272414?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649

There's a pre finished product called DecoWood, aluminium substrate with a wood look finish. This is from the web... The advantages of using DecoWood™ cladding instead of timber include: Easy installation: aluminium is lighter than timber and therefore easier to manoeuvre in the installation process Low Maintenance: aluminium never requires painting or staining like timber does, saving time and money Durability: DecoWood™ aluminium is more durable and dimensionally stable than timber meaning no warping, twisting, splitting or rotting like timber. Plus, it won’t need to be replaced as often. DecoWood™ is a powder coated wood grain finish based on photographic images of real timber. It has been tested for its durability in international extreme exposure locations where intense UV radiation, salt spray and industrial pollutants combine to create the worst possible conditions, and complies with all relevant Australian and international standards.

Well now after reading all these posts, I have a dilemma. We would like to maximize the practicality of the deep and soft closing drawers. Corner drawers, the under sink u-shaped drawers etc. Thirty five years ago (yep that's right 35 yrs) when our budget did not allow us to buy new, we bought a dismantled u-shaped show-room demonstration timber kitchen. For years it was blonde pine. Solid pine benchtops, re-sanded and stained a couple of times. Then my husband painted all the solid timber doors with antique white USA marine paint which has worn well. New satin knobs (that have not worn as well) Now it's becoming a little 'shabby chic'. We thought of a complete reno. But we have no space to enlarge on the 3x3 metres. and new 'plastic' kitchens somehow seem less durable than our existing old one. Sink, stove and fridge in the recommended triangle floorplan. So what to do? Our pantry is in the corner with shelves that items at the back of are inaccessible. The microwave is the perfect shoulder level. The cabinets allow me to display favourite tins, crockery and vintage scales. Being a split level house I need the broom cupboard and ironing board stored close at hand.

This is an interesting thread - whilst I agree that the distinction between "chemical" and "non - chemical" may not be the most useful one (for the reason pointed out above) - maybe a more useful discussion is about harmful and less harmful cleaning substances, whether to the environment or people. I suffer from something called MCS ( multiple chemical sensitivities, it's a diagnosis) and have come to realise that in my case at least it's not chemicals per se that make me sick, but rather certain smells. For example I cannot have the "Earth choice" (a natural") brand floor cleaner used in my house without suffering a few days of sore eyes, nasal congestion, fatigue, foggy brain and sinus headaches - it is truly debilitating, and the cause is the fragrance. If I use the same brand of "Naked" ( no scent) dish cleaner diluted on the floor instead, I am fine. I think everyone with MCS is different but this is working for me.