In recent years, more and more people are growing fonder of the idea of saving the planet and preserving what we have so it lasts longer. Whether that’s by recycling plastics, limiting your garbage, or only using eco-friendly products, it has become a popular trend. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to the environment is deforestation. We are losing a lot of our forests each day and in return, animals are losing their livelihoods and not surviving. This can trigger a great big long chain or environmental issues. So, the real question is what if there was a way to save the trees and animals’ habitat while still using wood for building purposes? The answer is reclaimed wood.
What is Reclaimed Wood?
For anyone who is not familiar with reclaimed wood, it is recycled wood that is taken from deconstructed and abandoned buildings and locations. The wood is sourced and put through a milling process to be resold to the public. The wood is usually around hundreds of years old and is weathered which leads us to our next trend, a rustic look, and feel.
Uses for Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood can be used for a variety of different projects but one of the most common uses is flooring. Because it’s so durable and sturdy it’s perfect for high traffic areas. If you were to use reclaimed wood as the flooring you would be looking at $8-$12 a square foot.
Costs to Consider with Reclaimed Wood
Other common uses for reclaimed wood are siding, backsplash, furniture, and design accents throughout your home. The overall cost really depends on where you buy the material from and if the installation is included in that cost. Reclaimed wood is rather easy to install and can probably be done yourself, however, installation labor is the one cost many people forget to factor.
While there are some projects that can easily be done yourself, there are others where a professional might be a good choice. Installation costs can be an hourly fee or a flat fee, it just depends on the job.
Project Specific Pricing
One thing to keep in mind with installation costs is that it can depend on the intricacy of the project. For example, if you want your flooring laid in a pattern that’s more complex, they might charge more, and it will take longer. The same goes for other reclaimed jobs, the more difficult the install is the more some places may charge.
Do your research and ask around for any recommendations, you may be able to find an installer that’s affordable but also certified and can do it right.
Another factor in the cost of your reclaimed wood will be where and how your supplier gets their product. If their product comes from a secondhand supplier it probably costs them more to get it, therefore they will charge you more. If your supplier gets their product directly from the mill, the cost is probably more affordable.
Quality. Just as Important as Quantity.
You also want to pay attention to the quality of the reclaimed wood. If the wood is in bad condition with splinters, warps, cracks and so on the product will probably be discounted. The good thing is that with reclaimed wood is that these imperfections are sometimes beneficial in achieving a rustic look. If you are searching for reclaimed wood that is close to perfect with no imperfections, you will be paying more.
At the end of the day, the cost of the reclaimed wood, whether it’s affordable or a little more expensive, is completely worth it. Here’s why, reclaimed wood has a past, a history, and by bringing it into your project you are giving it a new life. It sounds corny but thinks about it, this wood was in a mine, or an abandoned building that was once active hundreds of years ago. You are bringing a piece of history into your home, which makes the project that much more unique.
Aside from the history of it, you are enhancing the look and feel of your home which is always beneficial. To learn more about reclaimed wood or to learn about the reclaimed products we carry to check out our website and read our blog page. You will find good information and design inspiration for your reclaimed wood project.
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