Reclaimed wood is slowly becoming a popular building material choice. It comes from a time when wood was in abundance and used in every home building project. Not only is it stylish but it is ecologically friendly and affordable. The awe factor with reclaimed wood is that it is decades old but made “new” again. The most common species found among reclaimed wood is douglas fir, redwood, and oak.
What is Reclaimed Wood? Reasons For Its Popularity
There a many reasons why reclaimed wood is a good choice for a variety of projects but here are some of the top reasons:
It has character all its own. Reclaimed wood is lumber with a story. It most likely came from old barns, schools, shipyards, libraries, and other historic buildings. If it could talk the stories would me mesmerizing.
Reclaimed wood is some of the most durable lumber available. Since it has survived for decades sometimes centuries, it has been exposed to wear and tear and severe climactic abuse. It is therefore automatically resistant to whatever you are going to throw at it.
Reclaimed wood is a unique specie choice that cannot be matched in any newly harvested lumber. Depending on how old the wood is, it may be a specie that is no longer in existence due to forest changes over the years.
Because of its age and natural weathering, reclaimed wood has a look all its own that cannot be authentically replicated. It has strong vintage flair but can be melded into the even the most modern décor.
The environmental impact of mass forestation has increased awareness of the importance of making ecologically positive choices. By using reclaimed wood, we are cleaning up forests, plains, and abandoned areas.
Is The Source Important?
There are some things to consider when you purchase your reclaimed wood. Many of these considerations should have already been addressed by the lumberyard that you are purchasing it from. However, as always, it is important to be an informed consumer and you can look into these on your own before you make a final decision.
Although the complete history of any piece of reclaimed wood is impossible to gather, the more information you have the better. Some reclaimed wood may have been exposed to chemical contamination at some point which means that it is not safe to bring into your home.
Also make sure that the wood has been checked for any insect infestation as this can spread in your home once the lumber is brought inside.
Check the wood for evidence of mold. If it is visible it is most likely inside as well. The wood will need to be treated before use.
Once you have made a final decision on some reclaimed wood and like the color and other characteristics of it, get an inventory count from the lumberyard before your final purchase to make sure that you have enough for the project that you are using it for. Every batch of reclaimed wood contains a different specie, so you will not be able to “match” it later if you do not have enough to finish the project.
It is important to know how old any reclaimed wood is that you are considering. If you are using the lumber for any structural or weight bearing purposes the older the wood is the better. Older reclaimed wood has more rings and is more tightly packed, so it is stronger.
Reclaimed Wood Has Many Uses
As its popularity has grown, people have found a multitude of uses for reclaimed wood. Some of the most common uses are wall paneling, flooring, cabinets, doors, furniture, and décor accents (shelves, headboards, beams).
Visit Rocky Mountain Forest Products to see the selection of reclaimed wood for your next project!
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