What Is Reclaimed Wood?
Reclaimed wood has a long history dating back to the 18th century. Reusing wood or lumber was a part of building construction then as it is now, and it is a more pro-nature option for sustainable construction and interior.
Reclaimed wood is also called upcycled wood, recycled wood, and salvaged wood. All of these terms apply to wood re-used from a different application. Using this type of wood has become a trend due to the rise of green buildings and the construction of eco-friendly homes.
Reclaimed wood material can be used in custom millwork, decorative wood panels, wood slat walls, and even as a wood accent wall. It is also a fad in custom molding and custom trim, as it gives interior spaces a rustic feel.
Sources of Reclaimed Woods
All wood species are reclaimable. That said, you can reuse wood from a previous application to create or build new things. The most common choices for reclaimed wood are redwood, oak, and Douglas fir. Yellow pine is also commonly reclaimed since it has many applications.
Woods that were once abundant but have declined in numbers are only sourced through reclamation. The longleaf (heart) pine is an example. Longleaf pine grew abundantly and was used extensively during the Industrial Revolution to build factories and warehouses. But since it takes around 200 to 400 years for this tree to mature, the extensive use of the tree led to its decline.
Currently, only 2% of its original planted area in the United States is inhabited, as opposed to the 41% coverage it had back in the 1800s. To enjoy the beauty of longleaf pine today, your best bet is to purchase reclaimed wood. It is mainly marketed as heart pine.
Most salvaged wood is reclaimed barn wood from barns constructed in the early 19th century. These barns have a mixture of different wood species, including but not limited to American chestnut, oak, poplar, pine, and hickory timber.
Another source of reclaimed wood is structural timber from mill buildings. Woods used for beams, posts, and joists, among others, are reclaimed nowadays as old mill buildings are no longer useful. Instead of throwing lumber and bricks found in these sites, what better way to use them than to upcycle?
Pros and Cons of Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is a good option for sustainable building. It helps the environment greatly by saving standing trees from getting cut while recycling old trees meant for landfills. These repurposed woods have their advantages and downsides.
Pros
- Versatile wood for many applications
- Lessen deforestation
- More durable and stronger than virgin wood
- Source of exotic wood
- Stunning aesthetics
- Rich history
- Sustainable choice
Cons
- More expensive
- May not be authentically reclaimed
- Presence of pests and other infestations
- May not be toxin-free
- Risk of nails, screws, and other organic matter
There might be a number of disadvantages of reclaimed wood, especially where health is concerned. Since it is sourced from earlier buildings and structures, old treatments may have included dangerous chemicals and paints. The presence of pests or materials like nails may also hamper you from getting reclaimed wood.
However, these downsides are preventable if you get reclaimed wood from authentic and reputable dealers. Practice due diligence in searching for your supplier to prevent these pitfalls from occurring.
How to Choose Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is rich in history as it has been around for ages. Most of the reclaimed lumber available is even as old as your grandparents or great-grandparents, possibly older. Choosing reclaimed wood may be tricky, given its age and maturity, but that is something you need to learn.
These woods come from different periods as well as backgrounds. Each of these upcycled woods has its own history that you need to consider. Knowing the history of the old wood, such as where it came from or the treatments it underwent, will let you know about possible toxins and harmful chemicals used in its past life. The age of the old wood is also a vital piece of information to know how sturdy it is.
Are you working on a large project? If yes, you must consider the quantity available. Since reclaimed wood is recycled, there is no guarantee that the availability is enough for your project. It is better to order them entirely in one go instead of in batches. The next batch may not be sourced from the same building as the previous batch, thus, may differ in color, condition, and durability.
And before buying reclaimed wood, always seek professional dealers with a good reputation. It is common for shady dealers to seal fake reclaimed wood due to the scarcity of supply. To ensure that you get authentic pieces rich in history, safe and spectacular, always buy from respected and trustworthy sellers.
FAQs
Is reclaimed wood safe?
Reclaimed wood is safe in most cases when purchased from a reliable dealer. However, previous treatments and embedded sharp objects may pose a hazard to anyone. Reclaimed wood from doubtful sources may also be a carrier of pests that may damage other furniture in your home.
Does reclaimed wood need to be sealed?
Yes, it is best to seal reclaimed wood for better protection. Natural oils like walnut, soy, linseed, or tung are great sealers. Hardened and preserved wood, like reclaimed wood, absorbs these drying oils. They are efficient and easy to apply as well, leaving a wonderful, natural finish on the surface without being rancid.
Is staining or varnish better?
Depending on what you want, reclaimed wood may either be stained or varnished. Staining can enhance the color of the wood but does not do anything when it comes to protection unless you apply a protective coat or sealer. Meanwhile, varnishing gives it better protection and must be done most of the time in all applications.
Where to Buy Reclaimed Wood
The beauty of reclaimed wood isn’t only found in its aesthetics and the story it holds. It could have been a beam from an old barn, yet you could use it as a part of the wood paneling in your bedroom, reclaimed wood flooring in your dining room, or floating shelves in the living room. Or perhaps it lined a centuries-old building and found a new home in your kitchen box beams. Reclaimed wood is magnificent, and thus, it should be appropriately sourced.
Alderfer Lumber Company Inc. is a specialty dealer that offers authentic reclaimed wood from various species. We carefully sourced our inventory of recycled wood to ensure that they are free from the dangers of chemicals, toxins, and other embedded risks like nails and screws.
At Alderfer, we do our best to provide a wide range of reclaimed wood choices. The best way to know what’s in our current stock is to give us a call or send us an email. We will gladly assist you in finding the right reclaimed wood for your needs.
