FAQs

A Few Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Wood and Forged Iron

Don’t see the information you need? Contact us!

Are all your products reclaimed?

All of our reclaimed wood items are reclaimed from old structures. We also reclaim windows, doors, hinges, hardware, weather vanes, and tin. Our iron products are all hand forged, custom, one-of-a-kind pieces made here in Lancaster County. Visit our reclaimed wood services page to see examples of our work.

What species of reclaimed wood do you typically have in stock?

Our reclaimed wood is white oak, red oak, white pine, yellow pine, heart pine, hemlock, chestnut, hickory, poplar, and fir.

Will you ship your in-stock products?
Yes, we would be glad to quote a shipping cost to get our product to you in the safest and most timely way possible. Depending on the project, we may hire a trucker to transport just your order by itself to ensure it arrives without damage. In other cases, we will use UPS or a freight company and package the items carefully.
I have a specific design in mind for hardware. Can you make it?

If you can imagine it, draw it, or simply describe what you are looking for, we can make it. Our custom design options are endless. Contact us to start your next project.

Where does Vintage Wood & Forged Iron perform barn removal and reclamation?

We go as far as the value of your barn determines. If you have a large, exceptional quality barn, or a historically preserved barn and are not from the Tri-State area, send us some photos and we will let you know if we are interested!

Is there a specific species of wood my barn has to be?

No, but it does factor in to the value of your barn. For us, barns with quality hardwoods are the most sought after.

Can I send you a picture of my barn so you can tell me if you can reclaim the wood?

Yes, you can send us a picture using the form on this page. Once we receive your information, we will follow up with you to let you know if we can help.

Is there anything I have to do to prepare for my barn removal?

Yes, you must remove all contents that you want to keep. Anything left in the barn will be considered purchased by the company or trash. If we have to move anything out of the barn, it may increase your demolition costs, reducing the amount you get paid for your barn.

Where do your reclaimed wood and iron products come from?
We have reclaimed timber, metal, and other items from barns, houses, factories, and warehouses in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.
Can I request to have my reclaimed wood kiln dried?
Yes, we have a full-size kiln that is in operation all the time. There is added lead time with this service, but it is worth it in most cases to get the reclaimed wood to the proper moisture content depending on where and how it will be used. The kiln takes care of not only proper drying but debugging the lumber also.
What is live edge wood?

Live edge wood is a beam that was used in a structure but was not run through a saw, so it has some of the natural contour of the tree that it came from. In some cases the bark is still attached to the beam. Live edge wood can be turned into live edge coffee tables, live edge dining table, or a live edge mantel.

Learn more about what you can design with live edge wood.

Do you offer bulk discounts?
Sure! We are always willing to look at your request and give you the best possible price based on your requirements.
What can be made from reclaimed wood?

Lots of things! Some more popular projects that use reclaimed wood are barn wood paneling, reclaimed wood fireplace mantels, live edge tables, or reclaimed hardwood flooring. 

What condition does my barn have to be in?

We prefer barns in good condition with an intact roof. The more water damage and disrepair in your barn, the less value both parties can get from it.

What species of wood is worth the most money?

White Oak and American Chestnut are the most valuable species we look for.

How long does it take to have my barn wood removed?

The entire process may take 2 to 6 months from the time you submit photos. The actual demolition and removal of your barn can take 7-21 days, depending on size.

When do I get paid for my reclaimed barn wood?

Depending on the value, we pay 25% down on the barn when the contract is signed and another 25% at the beginning of demolition. We pay the remaining balance upon completion of the demo. This is subject to change at anytime without notice before a contract is signed and is determined by the amount paid for the barn.

I have a 100-year-old barn on my property. Can you remove my old barn?

We do the deconstruction of any structure that needs to come down. We consider the labor, trucking, and value of the repurposed items and come up with an agreement. We can usually complete the project in a week or less. Learn more about our barn removal & reclamation services.

Will my reclaimed barnwood have an odor?

Your reclaimed barnwood will not have an offensive odor, but it may smell like any other wood product, especially if it is newly cut. The wood can be finished with a clear coat of varnish or oil-rubbed finish, it can be stained, or it can be left unfinished.

What hand-forged iron products do you offer?

We can manufacture iron handrails, balusters, fences, gates, mantel or shelf brackets, straps, hinges, latches, and table bases. Visit our hand-forged iron services page to see examples of our work.

I’m a homeowner working on a DIY project. Will you sell directly to me?

Yes, we will sell to homeowners. You are also welcome to come take a look at our inventory and go back to your architect or designer with your input. Give us a call to see what we have in stock.

What if my barn is falling down?

There may be no positive value of the lumber after the costs of demolition. In most cases with a barn in serious disrepair, it may actually cost you to complete the demolition, even with reclaiming whatever lumber we can.

How do you determine the how much to pay for my barn?

Our Barn Expert will do a site visit and determine the footprint, species, and condition of your barn. He will determine our demo costs and the value of the wood in your barn. We deduct all costs from the value and that is the price we offer in a contract. Sometimes we will offer a value range if we believe we may find additional rot or issues during the demoltion.

How quickly can I schedule my barn removal and reclamation?

We schedule site visits within 2-4 weeks. If we sign a contract, it could take 2 weeks to a few months until our demolition crew is available.

Will I be responsible for disposing of any wood that can’t be reused?

Yes. We do offer the service of a controlled burn of all waste materials or filling and hauling 40 yard containers. This is built into the cost of the demo.

Learn More About Us & Our Products!
717-844-2270

We Now Sell Online!
Shop Our Products

Vintage Wood and Forged Iron

8 Township Drive  |  Paradise, PA 17562

M-F: 7:30 am - 4:30pm
S-S: Closed