By Brooke Chaplan
Reclaimed wood is becoming an increasingly popular material for home improvement projects. Not only does it add a unique rustic element to any space, but it's also an environmentally friendly choice that can help reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. If you're considering using reclaimed wood in your next project, here's what you need to know.
What Is Reclaimed Wood?
Reclaimed wood is wood that has been salvaged from old buildings and other structures, such as barns and warehouses. The most common type of reclaimed wood is post-industrial lumber; this is wood that was used in industrial settings such as factories and warehouses but is no longer needed due to technological advancements or changes in production methods. This type of reclaimed wood is often very high quality and still has many years of use left in it.
Benefits of Using Reclaimed Wood
Using reclaimed wood has several benefits when compared to traditional lumber sources. One advantage is that it can be much more affordable than buying new lumber; because the wood has already been used before, it's often significantly cheaper than buying fresh sawmill lumber. Another benefit is that it's much more eco-friendly; by reusing old materials instead of sourcing new ones, you can help reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and help preserve natural resources. Finally, using reclaimed wood adds a unique character to any project; the patina and rustic charm of old timber gives a room or piece of furniture a timeless look that you just can't get with new materials.
How To Source Good Quality Reclaimed Wood
The key to finding good quality reclaimed wood is to do your research beforehand; make sure the source you're buying from takes pride in providing high-quality materials. Ask questions about where they obtained their timber and if they have any guarantees on its condition. Also, make sure they provide detailed images so you can get a better idea of what kind of shape the timber is in before making your purchase. Once you find a source with good quality materials, be sure to build a relationship with them so that you know where to go for future projects!
Reclaimed wood offers homeowners many advantages over traditional lumber sources—it’s more affordable, eco-friendly, and helps give any space or piece of furniture a unique character unlike anything else on the market today. By doing your research beforehand and finding a reliable supplier who takes pride in their workmanship, you can ensure that your next project will turn out great! With all these benefits taken into account, there's no reason not to give reclaimed wood a try!
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She highly recommends looking more into reclaimed wood to find which is best for you. For more information, contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
