Reclaimed wood is a staple in most homes when designers and architects get their hands on them nowadays. Many homeowners are starting to follow suit and incorporate reclaimed wood into their home’s décor. There are so many different things you can do with reclaimed wood due to the simple fact that it is versatile. However, something that a lot of people don’t think about is that reclaimed wood needs to be taken care of just like other materials used in homes.
As you know from many of our other blogs, reclaimed wood comes from deconstructed and abandoned buildings which means it can be on the dirty side. Most of the time, however, if you purchase your reclaimed wood from the right supplier the wood has been milled, cleaned, and sealed for added protection. If it has been put through a milling process, you won’t have to clean it or do anything before installation, but you will need to make sure it is kept up with over the years. This checklist is going to be your guide to keeping your reclaimed wood always looking great and lasting longer.
1. Re-Seal Your Reclaimed Wood
If your reclaimed wood is sealed with an extra layer of protection, over time that sealant may wear off. In this case, you will want to reseal it maybe once a year to make sure it is protected and will last long.
2. Once A Week Dust the Surface
Whether you are using reclaimed wood on a wall, flooring, ceiling or furniture, you want to make sure to keep the surface of it clean. Take a damp cloth or even a soft dry one and run across the surface of it. This will keep it free of dust and debris that could affect the look of your reclaimed wood.
3. Do Repairs If Needed
If you ever notice that a board of wood needs to be replaced because it is cracked, splintered, or chipped don’t put it aside. If you leave even the smallest damages and don’t repair them, they can grow bigger and even cause other imperfections to occur. Most reclaimed wood is very easy to repair. Most of the time if the damage is small, you can repair it without even removing the boards. Other times you may have to pop a board or two off, replace the one that’s damaged, and reinstall the boards.
4. Make sure the surface is clean before install
This top is for before you install the reclaimed wood, but it is important when it comes to taking care of the wood in the future. Make sure the backing is clean and dry, this way you won’t have any faults when installing or issues once the boards set into place. It also helps your reclaimed wood last longer and not have to be reinstalled after just a few years.
5. Keep the wood dry
If you are using your reclaimed wood outdoors, you probably have a grade that is milled to endure the weather and natural wear and tear. However, if your reclaimed wood is indoors or outside and not treated properly, you must do so. If your wood isn’t treated and you don’t plan on treating it we recommend you keep it as far away from moisture as possible. If the wood gets wet it can warp, mold, and even uninstall itself if the moisture affects the security of the boards.
6. Talk to Your Supplier
When you purchase your reclaimed wood, make sure you ask your supplier what they recommend for their specific wood. Every type of wood is different, and everyone’s supply is milled differently. If you ask your supplier, they might have tips and tricks specific to your wood that could save you down the road.
At the end of the day, your reclaimed wood is a project that you probably invested a lot of thought, time and money in so make sure you take care of it. Reclaimed wood, because it is aged and weathered, is probably one of the easiest types of wood to care for. Just like everything though, there are specific care instructions. As long as you keep it clean, dry and sealed your reclaimed wood should last you for years without any troubles!
Recent Comments