Reclaimed wood has a rich history, beautifully aged look, and tons of character that comes with great durability and strength. But, what exactly is it?
Reclaimed wood is sustainably sourced timber that has been salvaged from old buildings, barns, factories, or furniture. It is cleaned, de-nailed, and processed to preserve its natural character while making it ready for reuse in furniture, flooring, and décor projects.
Uses and Applications for Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is prized for a wide range of uses both indoors and outdoors:
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Hardwood flooring and wall paneling
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Fireplace mantels and exposed ceiling beams
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Custom rustic furniture (tables, shelves, cabinets)
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Wood accent walls and decorative cladding
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Entry doors, barn doors, and artisan millwork
Why Is Reclaimed Wood So Popular?
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Firstly, one is that it’s an environmentally friendly choice that puts a decrease on the demand for virgin wood. When barn wood is harvested responsibly, you’re reducing the environmental impact that comes with deforestation and reducing the creation of further landfill waste.
Character & Aesthetic Value
Secondly, besides the environmental choice, a general appreciation of preserving vintage wood may lead you to pick reclaimed barn wood for your next project. When you purchase salvaged barn wood, you’re also getting a piece full of history that provides a vintage look that cannot be replicated with non-recycled barn wood.
Unique Wood Species
And lastly, one of the more unique reasons to build with vintage wood is that you can repurpose rare, exotic wood species into a new, original piece. Some of the more exotic and rare woods can be obtained only by going with vintage wood. In turn, they can become reclaimed wood furniture or wood shelves, pieces that cannot be mass produced or duplicated.
Above all, we hope you now have a better understanding as to what reclaimed wood is. And how it can bring unique style and character to any project. You may find yourself asking, “Where to buy reclaimed wood?”
Where to Buy Reclaimed Wood
At Vintage Wood and Forged Iron, we offer a large variety of reclaimed wood at our lot in Lancaster County, PA. Stocks rotate frequently, so it’s worth visiting to discover the latest unique finds and to speak with experts who understand the story and potential of each piece.