Architects, designers, and builders have long used reclaimed wood in their building projects, a trend that continues to be popular. Whether it’s a brand-new home or a remodel of an older one, the one-of-a-kind beauty of reclaimed wood never looks out of place. Here are five reasons to consider reclaimed wood for your design and building projects.
- Sustainability
Wood is a naturally renewable building material, which makes it better for the environment than others. And building with reclaimed wood steps that up another notch! When you use reclaimed wood in your building projects, you decrease the demand for newly sourced lumber, which can help curb deforestation. Also, the use of reclaimed wood helps to reduce landfill waste as well as the carbon emissions and other environmental hazards produced by manufacturing new products.
- Strength
Reclaimed wood that comes from old-growth trees — and most salvaged wood does — can be harder and sturdier than newly cut wood. Old-growth trees are usually stronger, longer, and wider than younger trees because they took decades, sometimes centuries, to mature. The more slowly a tree grows, the denser the wood fibers are. This ensures that your building or design project will remain sturdy for years to come.
- Access to Exotics
Exotic wood is highly prized by architects and designers because of its beauty, rarity, and unique look. Unfortunately, because of overharvesting and the risk of extinction, it is illegal to cut down many exotic species of wood (such as rosewood and Spanish cedar) today.
Often the only way to use exotic woods in building and design projects is via reclamation and salvaging. In the past, many structures around the world were constructed from exotic wood due to its local availability and lower expense to harvest, so there is still a lot of rare, reclaimed wood out there waiting to be found.
- Aesthetics
Reclaimed wood has a unique beauty that adds interesting texture, color, and warmth to any project. It pleases the eye and lifts the spirit without overwhelming a design. Used as flooring, a countertop, wall or ceiling panels, or even structurally, reclaimed wood makes a room feel lived-in and comfortable.
- Uniqueness
The weathered, aged look of reclaimed lumber cannot be duplicated. This is what gives reclaimed wood its uniqueness and desirability. Each piece of reclaimed wood in your building comes with its own history and character that any newly harvested wood cannot match.
Find the Perfect Reclaimed Wood for Your Project
If you’re looking to use reclaimed or salvaged wood in your next building or design project, look no further than Vintage Wood & Forged Iron. We carry a wide array of timeless elements perfect for making your unique vision a reality. Whether you’re creating a modern farmhouse living room or just want to add natural elements to a home, we’re sure to have just what you need. Contact us today!