Upcycling Parquet Wood into Functional Kitchen Storage | Upcyclecentrum Almere Project
- ATC DESIGN
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Sometimes the most beautiful projects start with something people consider waste.
When I walked into the Upcyclecentrum in Almere, I saw stacks of old parquet flooring. Worn. Removed from homes. Ready to be discarded.
But I didn’t see waste! I saw potential. That parquet wood had already lived a full life inside someone’s home. It had been walked on for years.
And now, it was waiting for a second chapter. I decided to give it one.
From Flooring to Kitchen Storage
The idea was simple: create practical storage pieces for the Upcyclecentrum Kitchen in Almere something functional, strong, and honest.
Not decorative objects.
Real working pieces.
From those reclaimed parquet boards, I built:
A Coffee Box
A Filter Box
A Small Mobile Tea Shelf
Three small pieces but each with a clear purpose.
Materials Used in This Project
Main materials used:
Reclaimed parquet wood flooring
Reclaimed wooden panels (where extra support was needed)
Natural protective oil / wood finish
By combining reclaimed wood with minimal new materials, the project stays true to circular design principles.
Tools Used in the Workshop
To transform old flooring into functional kitchen storage, I used:
Working with reclaimed parquet requires sharp tools and patience. The wood is strong, sometimes layered, and occasionally unpredictable. Precision is essential.
Preparing the Parquet Wood
Working with reclaimed parquet is very different from working with new wood.
First, every board had to be inspected. Old glue residues had to be removed. Some pieces needed extra sanding. Others had small nail marks or color differences.
I kept the character of the wood.
That’s the beauty of upcycling you don’t erase the history, you integrate it.
After cleaning and sanding, the boards were cut to size using precise measurements. Because parquet pieces are often narrow and layered, accuracy is extremely important to ensure strong joints and clean alignment.
Only after proper preparation could the transformation really begin.
The Coffee Box Built Around Ritual
Coffee is more than a drink. It’s a daily ritual.
I wanted the coffee box to feel solid and reliable. Something you open every day without thinking about it but still appreciate.
The parquet pieces were carefully assembled using wood glue and screws, reinforced with clamps during drying to guarantee strong corners.
The lid was fitted with small hinges and finished with engraved lettering to give the box identity and personality.
From old flooring… to a new daily ritual companion.
The Filter Box Simplicity in Design
The filter box followed the same philosophy: practical, honest, durable.
No unnecessary decoration.
Just clean lines and solid construction.
The natural pattern of the parquet created subtle contrasts between light and darker tones. Instead of hiding those variations, I highlighted them. That’s what makes reclaimed wood special.
Strong joints, smooth sanding, and a protective natural finish ensure that the box can handle daily use in a working kitchen.
The Mobile Tea Shelves Small but Versatile
The tea shelf unit might be the smallest piece of the three, but it carries the same intention.
Compact. Easy to move. Designed for everyday use.
The structure was carefully assembled to remain lightweight but stable. Because it’s mobile, balance was important. The proportions had to feel right.
It’s a simple piece but simple does not mean easy. Precision and patience make the difference.
More Than Storage! A Statement
These three pieces now live in the Upcyclecentrum Kitchen in Almere.
They are used daily. Opened. Moved. Touched.
And every time someone sees them, they are reminded of something important:
Waste is simply a resource in the wrong place. With the right mindset, discarded parquet flooring becomes functional kitchen furniture.
That’s circular design. That’s sustainability in practice.
That’s what ATC Design stands for.
Mr ATC for Another idea of housing throughout recycling!
Remember to check out our Birdhouse online course, created at the Upcyclecentrum in Almere.
Comments