Reclaimed Wood
Boards
The History of Reclaimed Wood
Where does reclaimed wood come from? That’s the first question that everyone always thinks when they hear about reclaimed wood. Well, reclaimed wood comes from buildings that have been abandoned or deconstructed to be rebuilt. Once the wood is sourced, it is taken to a mill to be repurposed so it can be resold for reuse as flooring, paneling, siding, and accents in your home
Most reclaimed wood is around 100 years old and is aged with weathering to give it a rustic and vintage look which is sought after by homeowners, designers, and contractors.
The rarity of reclaimed lumber has created a niche market for reclaimed lumber specialists to step in and serve as brokers for their customers. Since it is very difficult to keep a consistent inventory of such a specialized product, reclaimed lumber companies frequently search for materials on an order by order basis. Which makes it unpredictable to know what will be in-stock or available in a relevant time frame upon request.
Why Reclaimed Wood
So, why should you choose reclaimed wood for your next project? For many, the love of reclaimed wood comes not only from its natural beauty but from its rich historical background. Homeowners feel that bringing these stories into their home brings about the character that cannot be achieved any other way. For others, it is strictly the durability and strength that is not found in any other material that lures them in.
No matter the reason, the love of wood, especially reclaimed wood is timeless. As humans, we are drawn to nature and to trees as they are all around us. The rustic look that comes from using reclaimed wood is a way to connect the present world to the past. Since reclaimed wood is used in its original state, each piece is adorned with unique characteristics and markings that cannot be replicated in nature or by man. No two pieces of reclaimed wood are the same. The rich colors and textures enhance your surroundings while being functional.
Before we look at many more reasons to use reclaimed wood let’s review exactly what it is. Reclaimed wood is lumber salvaged from centuries-old:
- Schools
- Mills
- Ships
- Warehouse
- Wine Casts
- Barrels
- And More…. For whatever reason, these original structures were dismantled by choice or succumbed to time.
Reasons to Choose Reclaimed Wood
For Your Home
The Environment
Using reclaimed wood first and foremost preserves land and forests instead of depleting it. This means that the beautiful forests that stand around the world can remain untouched. Not only does the earth need forestation, so do various other plants and animals.
Pride in Giving Old Wood New Life
If reason number one resonated with you then so will this. If conservation is your passion, reusing reclaimed wood gives old lumber the chance to live again!
You're Looking For a Unique Product to Make a Statement
With reclaimed wood you not only are assured architectural quality, but a look that brings dimension, depth, ageless beauty, and mystery to your home. Unlike mass-produced wood, this lumber has “heart”. This exclusive wood will be the talking point of friends and family.
“Old Growth” Lumber is Not Available Anymore: Often people are in search of “old growth” lumber of wood that comes from trees that have reached their full maturity. This is because it is the strongest lumber in existence. Most of the forests that have “old growth” trees still standing are protected by logging laws, so they are untouchable. Reclaimed wood provides the same elements but is readily available.
1. Reclaimed Wood Can Be Re-Purposed: Reclaimed Wood will withstand time and can, therefore, be used over and over again by you or someone who buys your home.
2. Reclaimed Wood Is Very Versatile: If you love reclaimed wood you are very lucky! There are multiple ways in which you can incorporate it into your home. Reclaimed wood can be used for siding, flooring furniture, cabinets, paneling, mantels, decks, and beams.
Design Inspiration
The Different Types of Reclaimed Wood
A Few Ways You Can Get Creative with Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed Wood Accent Walls
Reclaimed Wood Barn Doors
Reclaimed Wood Accents in the Kitchen
Small Things Matter with Reclaimed Wood
There are about a million different ways you can incorporate reclaimed wood into your home- whether it’s through furniture, accent walls, framing, or décor objects around your home. Reclaimed wood is versatile, affordable, easy to maintain, and looks amazing with any motif!
Frequently Asked Questions About Reclaimed Wood
What is Reclaimed Wood? Where does it come from?
Reclaimed wood is an aged building material that is entirely wood. Reclaimed wood is usually around 100 years old and sourced from demolition sites of old barns, factories, and more. Once the wood is sourced, it is put through a milling process to be resold for projects and architectural builds.
What are some of the common problems to watch out for?
If you buy your reclaimed wood from a supplier that has a good reputation and/or is accredited, you won’t have to be cautious of it. However, because reclaimed wood is so old and has probably been through a lot in its life, you may come across boards with splits, cracks, or warps in it. Usually, this is not a huge concern because reclaimed wood is popular for its rustic and rugged look, which makes it easy for you to cover up the imperfections.
Will we ever run out of reclaimed wood?
The chances of us running out of reclaimed wood are very unlikely. As new buildings are being constructed, old buildings are aging, thus creating a continuous cycle.
Is reclaimed wood safe to use as a building material?
Reclaimed wood is typically left raw with no chemical treatments which makes them ideal for re-milling when it is sourced and reused. If any boards are found that have been used in chemical treatments those boards are not recycled to reduce the chance of chemicals being exposed.
Does reclaimed wood install like new wood?
New wood tends to be slightly easier to install because it is milled to be the correct size. It also isn’t warped or cracked which takes one step off the process of install. With reclaimed wood, it is usually just as easy to install as new wood. If a board has cracks or is warped, you just must take precautions to not increase the damage during install.
Is reclaimed wood expensive?
The cost of reclaimed wood is all dependent on the supplier, the age of the wood, and the overall condition. Overall, reclaimed wood is a reasonably affordable building material product.
How do I purchase reclaimed wood?
To purchase reclaimed wood, you want to find a local supplier in your area. Once you find a supplier, go visit their location and look at the different options they carry. You can also order certain reclaimed wood from certain suppliers online.
To contact us, visit our contact us tab and give any of our three locations a call to talk to a specialist to start the buying process today!