As the mountain pine bark beetle continues to devastate Colorado forests, they are leaving behind massive piles of crappy wood. What to do with it all?
The Eye sees using it as a fuel source as a simple and guilt-free option. But two men in Fort Collins have come up with an idea that is both functional and a tongue-in-cheek reference to the waste material.
Roger Corliss, owner of Aspen Creations, and John Smock, who works with Corliss from time to time, are using the rough-cut pine purchased from The Forks Lumber Co. in LaPorte to build outhouses.
“We just started talking about it one day, so we built one,” Corliss said. “It sat there for a few weeks until someone saw it and bought it on the spot.”
Corliss and Smock have completed 10 or 11 outhouses since September 2010. Completely customizable, and accurate down the half-moon cutout in the door, the practical privies range in price between $500 and $800.
OK, but what are they really used for?
“Some are functional, some are decoration, some retailers use them to display products,” Corliss said.
Despite being built from beetle-killed pine, Corliss attests to its strength and good looks.
“The wood is very pretty; it makes a nice outhouse.”
If you can’t hold it any longer and need an outhouse, contact Corliss at 970-690-4245 or recycleouthouse@yahoo.com.
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