Everything you Need to Know About Reclaimed Wood

Hello World! Welcome Friends! For homeowners and home builders alike, reclaimed wood presents many positive trends in how modern homes are built and enhanced. Not only is reclaimed wood a sustainable material, but through modern manufacturing methods, reclaimed wood is even sturdier than freshly-harvested wood. Of course, not every contractor or homeowner is up to speed on the versatility of the reclaimed wood. Therefore, we will cover the basics of what you need to know about reclaimed wood, including:

Appearance
Age
Wood Species
Process
Reclaimed Wood Uses
Maintenance and Care

Let’s begin.

Source

Appearance

Reclaimed wood has a unique appearance depending on the previous usage. Simply put, reclaimed wood is wood that’s just been used before but enhanced with modern milling techniques. This means that some types of these reclaimed wood products will have saw marks, nail holes, patina, and other quirks that make reclaimed wood a sought-after choice for homeowners. And because reclaimed wood encompasses different species of wood, there will be various color choices and grain patterns to add a unique character to interior and exterior spaces.

Age

Much like wine, wood takes on new dimensions of character and strength as the years pass by. A large majority of reclaimed wood comes from the earlier part of the 20th century, featuring wood that has not only stood the test of time, but has also fully dried and cured—which enhances its sturdiness.

Wood Species

As mentioned, because reclaimed wood comes from the 20th century, the varieties of wood used then will be part of the reclaimed wood that’s available for sale now. This includes such species as:

oak
elm
pine
maple
ash
walnut

Typically, these varieties of wood, particularly walnut, can be expensive when purchased new. However, reclaimed walnut is significantly more cost-effective.

Process

The process of bringing reclaimed wood up to modern standards includes a multi-step process:

First, the wood is prepared by hand by removing old nails, staples, and ties.
Then, the surface is cleaned to remove debris and dirt.
Next, the wood is rough milled to a predetermined thickness.
Fourth, the reclaimed wood is then kiln dried to remove moisture and pests, as well as increase its stability.
After drying, the wood is planed and ripped so that it can be molded into a new shape, where it will be cross-cut and defected to ensure a visual appeal.
Last, it is custom-crafted into its final shape and purpose, including steps, cabinets, and so forth.

Reclaimed Wood Uses

Reclaimed wood can be used in a variety of manners for interior and exterior design. Wood accents can help add character to lifeless rooms, unique distressed hardwood flooring can cushion your footsteps and provide a solid base for high-trafficked area, and wood cabinets impart a more cozy, rustic feel that other materials lack. Consider adding reclaimed shelves or a fireplace mantel for simple rustic home accents. For a bigger project, use reclaimed wood as a decorative paneling for a wall. No matter what you choose, from shelves, to walls, to floors, even ceilings, reclaimed wood is the perfect material to add texture and comfort to any room.

Maintenance and Care

As with any other material, there is some care that needs to be paid for reclaimed wood. This means that surfaces should be lightly cleaned of debris and dust, application of cleaning products can help reclaimed wood shine, and sharp surfaces like metal chair legs may need felt ends to prevent scratching and marring of the material.

For more information on everything you need to know about reclaimed wood, check out the infographic below.

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