These days reclaimed wood is causing quite a buzz. Builders, homeowners, and interior decorators are using reclaimed wood for interior and exterior projects. As a result of the influx of reclaimed materials in the lumber industry, there are lots of questions about reclaimed wood.
As it is a new product there is a lot to still be learned. Most people are unsure about many aspects of reclaimed wood.
Most Asked Questions About Reclaimed Wood
Hopefully in this article we can dispel some myths and answer some of the most frequently asked questions that people have about reclaimed wood.
What exactly is reclaimed wood?
There are quite a few layers to the true definition of reclaimed wood. Essentially reclaimed wood is any wood that has been salvaged or re-purposed. Some reclaimed wood can be hundreds and hundreds of years old.
The material category of reclaimed wood does have a large umbrella because it encompasses any wood that has been previously used and discarded or abandoned is.
So, where does reclaimed wood come from?
As the definition states reclaimed wood originates from all kinds of old structures.
Reclaimed wood is sourced using a wide range of methods. You can break this down into three main categories. The first is post-consumer reclaimed wood. This would be wood that comes from old barns, houses, cabins, school houses, churches, etc. The second is post-industrial reclaimed wood. This is wood that is discarded as waste from other milling and manufacturing. The third is wood that is reclaimed from trees in forests or orchards that are dead or dying.
All of these methods keep the environment clean and reduce landfill.
Will we run out of reclaimed wood?
Since trees continue to grow and buildings will forever be built, there does not appear to be any reason that we should ever run out of reclaimed wood. If for some crazy reason we were to run out of reclaimed wood, don’t worry! There are plenty of faux reclaimed wood products out there!
Is reclaimed wood safe to use?
This tends to be the biggest concern for homeowners when it comes to reclaimed. The fact that reclaimed wood does not go through any manufacturing process reclaimed wood can be dirty and infiltrated with unknown substances. When you purchase or find your own reclaimed wood you will never know where it came from or where it has been. This is not a flaw but is part of its charm.
You can clean your reclaimed wood and inspect it for insects on your own but reclaimed wood is toxin free and safe to use.
What are the benefits of using reclaimed wood?
Reclaimed wood is a very special and unique product. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it is some of the strongest wood you will ever find.
Furthermore, the power of its untold story cannot be found in any other material.
Reclaimed wood will also last a lifetime and is basically indestructible.
As you can see, reclaimed wood is one of kind, versatile, and readily available. Consider using reclaimed wood for your next project and bring a piece of history into your home!
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