One of the most popular design elements of the last few years has been the use of reclaimed wood in all kinds of design projects, from small jobs like focal walls to completely new hardwood flooring. With reclaimed wood taking center stage, there is definitely some confusion about this amazing material and what it can (and can’t) be used for.
Ready to explore how reclaimed wood can reshape all your remodeling hopes and dreams? Let’s dive in together!
What Is Reclaimed Wood?
Reclaimed wood is a processed wood product used in other products and recycled into the final form you see now. Most often, it comes from older buildings, scraps, and unsold products. Reclaimed wood is carefully preserved, cleaned, and treated, so it can be used in new building projects without the risk of decay.
As many buildings are being torn down and new buildings put in their places, construction companies and environmentalists were worried about all the wood that was going to waste. In some areas, particularly on the West Coast of the United States, lumber was in short supply, or it wasn’t up to the standards that many companies had set for their materials. Thus, companies started using wood that was found in the buildings they tore down. Consumers liked the look and feel of the wood, and it helped with costs as well. A win-win for all!
Now, there are many benefits to using reclaimed wood, including having an eco-friendly seal on many commercial businesses. It also adds character and history to a space, giving them a look and feel that is truly authentic.
Why Do So Many People Like Reclaimed Wood?
Throughout the world, and primarily in the United States, natural wood resources have been abundant historically. However, as we become a more populated country that requires more housing, we are using up the natural resources. The problem is that the wood used in buildings is typically a slower-growing species like longleaf pine, American chestnut, white oak, redwood, or Douglas fir.
After years and years of industrialization and building, it has become more difficult (and expensive) to source natural wood. Some species of trees have become protected species and illegal to log, which makes lumber companies use less sturdy wood, which creates poorer quality products.
Now, many older buildings still used those older, slower-growing species of trees instead of the weaker wood. The buildings themselves have fallen into cosmetic disrepair, but a lot of the wood was still very good quality and completely usable. So, some resourceful building companies started to use this wood in projects to save money, and soon enough, the look and feel of older, reclaimed wood became a sought-after design element.
What Are the Benefits of Reclaimed Wood?
Great question! There are plenty of benefits to using reclaimed wood, including benefits that you may not have even considered before now. Sustainability is an important reason for many people to use reclaimed wood because the production of new wood uses not only trees, but water.
Reclaimed wood brings a sense of history to a new building project. It is a unique design element that you can’t really recreate. Reclaimed wood has a special look and feel that you can emulate, but it just doesn't feel the same. Sometimes, the wood used in a project is rare and unattainable by other people. This could become a focal point of the design, particularly if you are using reclaimed tropical wood or something that is uniquely beautiful. For tropical wood, in particular, it can be one of the only ethical ways to get that specific type of wood.
For companies building a new office or location, reclaimed wood can help get a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Certification. There are a bunch of other qualifications that the building must meet, but this is a good way to gather some bonus points.
For homeowners, reclaimed wood can add value to your property, especially as people are looking for reclaimed lumber details. Choosing to use reclaimed wood can help to improve your chances of selling your home and the overall value of it.
Where Do Lumber Companies Get Reclaimed Wood?
Reclaimed wood is plentiful in places where there are older buildings that get torn down to create new buildings. The buildings can be anything from old homes and barns to older factories, businesses, and public buildings.
The structures where the wood comes from need to be tested to ensure that there isn’t any rotting, damage, or potential chemical exposure. Only the highest quality wood is sourced from buildings like:
- Barns, Stables, & Outbuildings
- Shipping Pallets
- Mills, Mines, & Factories
- Homes and Public Buildings
- Churches and Schools
- Mountain Snow Fences
- Wine Casts
- Box Cars
- Train Stations
- Warehouses
These are obviously just a few of the options. Sometimes, there will be specialty wood from places like theaters, shops, and historical buildings that will go at a higher cost.
Why You Should Give Reclaimed Wood A Chance
Sometimes newer is not always better. And that is definitely the case when it comes to reclaimed wood. Using reclaimed wood isn’t only just popular because it is absolutely beautiful; it’s also popular because it is a good choice for the sustainability of the planet, the safety of your home, and your overall consciousness. When you use reclaimed wood, you need to ensure that you trust the lumber company or the seller of the wood because there are some people who try to pass fake reclaimed wood off as something worth more than it is. So, it’s important to be mindful.
However, reclaimed wood is absolutely something that you want to consider when you are choosing products for your next design. Even if you can’t afford to use reclaimed wood for 100% of your project, you can still add reclaimed elements that will add character, intrigue, and beauty that you simply can’t create any other way!
Sources:
Everything You Need to Know about Reclaimed Wood | Smooth Decorator
Reclaimed Wood: What It Is, Why, and Where to Buy It | This Old House
