Deconstructing advice

I try to deconstruct as much as I can and as I understand that that serves to level your craft skill better.  I also know that it is better to deconstruct either your looted items or another crafter's crafted item; but what I don't know for sure is how to best decide what to deconstruct.

1.  Is it better to deconstruct greens with traits?  And if so, is that primarily because of the chance of extracting more mats?

2.  If I am a level 13 clothier - is it best to deconstruct level 12 and up?

3.  Should you try and level your craft to the same level as your character's level?  (I heard there are 50 crafting levels!  gulp!)

4.  I read a post that said you benefit more by making the lowest level item of that tier.  (then I guess that answers question number 2.  lol)

5.  Some said they crafted a lesser # of higher tiered items to swap with a higher quantity lower tiered items.  What is the "forumula" for this calculation?

I try to keep a balance with what I do with items - some to research, some to deconstruct and some I sell (it seems our guild mates like the greens and blues in particular in the guild shop) - but I feel like I'm not keeping a good pace with leveling my crafts.  I sure would appreciate any tips or wisdoms you can share!

Thanks!

I try to reply from my own experience only. Hope it helps.

1.  Is it better to deconstruct greens with traits?  And if so, is that primarily because of the chance of extracting more mats?

I all white (except can be use for research) and green for the "upgrade item" such as pitch, hemming.

I also deconstruct blue/purple which I no longer use to get the blue or the epic material for upgrade. Or sell it at zone chat.

2.  If I am a level 13 clothier - is it best to deconstruct level 12 and up?

When you hit clothing lvl 8 you can do the 2nd tier. What I did mostly is deconstruct the item I get while levelling.

Or you could get crafting partner to exchange crafted material and deconstruct and do the item which give most Inspiration Point.

Check this post from jarjarbinx99 for the best material to deconstruct: http://gaiscioch.com/tavern/eso_crafting/post_78600.html

3.  Should you try and level your craft to the same level as your character's level?  (I heard there are 50 crafting levels!  gulp!)

The item you get from loot is enough to level up your clothing. Also don't forget to find friends to trade crafted items for deconstruct for best IP gains

 For example: I just turn level 40 and my woodworking is 28 and clothing is 24. I believe I will get it to level 50 in crafting not when I hit level 50 in my character but probably in the VR level. Because higher level mats are available at vr zone. -- need higher level player to confirm this

My DK is level 7, all what I did was deconstructing metal and doing research and the crafting level is 20 currently.

4.  I read a post that said you benefit more by making the lowest level item of that tier.  (then I guess that answers question number 2.  lol)

Again, please check this post from jarjarbinx99 for the best material to deconstruct: http://gaiscioch.com/tavern/eso_crafting/post_78600.html

5.  Some said they crafted a lesser # of higher tiered items to swap with a higher quantity lower tiered items.  What is the "forumula" for this calculation?

Check answer no. 4

I just decon everything I don't personally use in my crafting skills (BS/WW). I have even deconned a few blues and purps over time. I am level 39 at the time of this post and I have 25 BS and 21 (almost 22) in WW. The only stuff I do not decon is if it has a trait I still need to research. As you skill up make sure to dump points into your craft so you get more mats and improvement mats back as you refine and decon.

Thanks all!  I appreciate the suggestions and resources.  The Crafting Optimal Leveling spreadsheet is amazing!