You can use reclaimed lumber to create a completely new look. (You can see it in these island shelves and in the side panels of our cabinets). However, this wood came from the original house's structure. What can you do if wood isn't available for reuse in your own renovation? You'll need to look elsewhere. The good news? It's not difficult at all. There are many sites you can search online for reclaimed lumber, and more local dealers and options than what you might imagine.
If you're searching for reclaimed hardwood for your house or latest DIY project, this is the place to start.
Yes, your go-to spot for home improvements actually carries reclaimed timber you can buy. You can view some of their stock online. This includes pallets and boxes disassembled and crates as well as lumber or panels from different brands and dealers.
If you'd rather pick up your reclaimed wood locally, Craigslist is also an option. Just head to your area's Craigslist page, go to the "for sale" section, and filter by "materials"—you can search within there for reclaimed wood, lumber, and timber, and you're sure to find some gems. From there, you can reach out to people who've posted ads you're interested in and arrange to purchase them and pick them up.
There are plenty of companies out there that recover and sell reclaimed lumber, you just have to find one near you, since many of them only deliver locally if they do sell online. Some options in different areas around the country include:
Of course, some of these reclaimed wood dealers do have inventory online that you can shop from long distance, as well, like these:
You can find local shops as well as a few national dealers in the phone directory and an Internet search (search for reclaimed wood or reclaimed timber)
Be careful. Some people are out there to make quick buck selling salvaged lumber. Be suspicious of dealers who don't guarantee their products, who have prices that are unrealistic compared to other bids, and who lack of professionalism--like shoddy paperwork or improper billing.
You should ensure upfront that the wood you are purchasing has been properly treated. The dealer should agree that the wood will be cleaned and that any hidden nails will be detected using a metal detector. The wood likely will be cut from a large beam, planed and--this is critical--kiln-dried.
Although reclaimed wood is more labor-intensive than using lumber from a home center, it can add a unique look to a renovation.
Reclaimed wood has four compelling reasons to be purchased.
It is easier and sometimes cheaper to purchase reclaimed wood than new hardwood. The cost per square foot will vary depending on the wood type.
Plank & Mill is an especially interesting option if you're new to using reclaimed wood. The company sells real reclaimed wood planks with an adhesive peel-and-stick backing, so you can easily install them to create accent walls in your home.
Another option to check out: architectural salvage yards and stores. These businesses sell more than just reclaimed wood, too—in terms of materials, you'll find things like hardware, stained glass, lighting, and more, along with furniture and decor made from reclaimed materials that you can purchase. You can find a list of architectural salvage stores in every state at Old House Online, but a few to check out include:
You know what it means to own an older house. When renovating, you want unique materials. Reclaimed wood is beautiful and has a history, which is different from other materials.
Reclaimed wood refers to old wood that has been repurposed. It can be from old lumber from a factory and transformed into a wine rack or bookshelf or coffee table.
Most trees harvested were 100 - 400 years old, grew slowly and naturally without fertilizers, fought droughts, survived floods, thus resulting in wood with tighter grain and dense resins. In addition to already being superior, reclaimed wood has also been drying and curing naturally, and has faced many fluctuations in moisture making it a more stable then newly harvested lumber.
Whether it's the rich history it carries, its dry-aged surface patina and oils, its unique markings or nail holes, using Reclaimed wood will lend your space character and a one of a kind touch that cannot be replicated. Our customers's aesthetics range from Rustic to Farmhouse, from Traditional to Modern and they often tell us that their floors are the first thing people notice and comment on.
We use Poly Lacquer mostly but have used Paste wax, Tongue oil, and Linseed Oil, and on occasion, floated Epoxy.
30 – 40 yrs old
Yes, and we do almost every day. We ship out of Oklahoma City and ship anywhere in the USA and Canada. We put the cargo planks on a custom pallet built for that shipment and build crates for the Railcar planks.