Have you ever looked at an old piece of furniture and wondered about the story behind it? Many of us likely wouldn’t give this too much thought. However, wood can carry a fascinating history and come from just about anywhere. In its past life, your antique wooden coffee table might have served a completely different purpose. It could have been part of a building foundation or helped craft a previous piece of furniture.
Reclaimed wood is incredibly versatile, and its benefits are unmatched. Learn more about these uses and perks in this complete reclaimed wood comparison guide.
What Is Reclaimed Wood?
Old wood can be recycled from a source such as an abandoned building, factory or barn, then restored to serve an entirely new purpose. This is what we call reclaimed wood, and it has various uses — constructing tables, flooring, walls, countertops, shelves and more. Reclaimed wood adds a timeless touch to any setting. For this reason, it has grown widely popular in restaurants, pubs, homes and offices. It adds charm and character to essentially any space it occupies.
Types of Reclaimed Wood
Depending on the region of the country, certain wood species tend to be more readily available. This benefit of increased prevalence makes them easier to salvage and reclaim. Here are some common wood types that serve this purpose:
- Chestnut
- Heart pine
- Oak
- Redwood
- Fir
- Elm
- Hickory
- Maple
Uses of Reclaimed Wood
With reclaimed wood, the possibilities are endless — it can create the appearance of a stately farmhouse, a cozy log cabin or a modern, contemporary look for your home or business. No matter the style you desire, reclaimed wood can help you achieve it.
We’ve briefly touched on some general uses of reclaimed wood. In this section, we’ll go more into detail regarding some of its most common applications for homes:
1. Flooring
If you’re considering a floor renovation for your next home project, reclaimed wood is the way to go. It uses thick, wide floorboards to expand any living space and generate a more open feel. Additionally, it’s a great way to add a country charm to your space, and it emanates a homey warmth.
2. Headboards
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your bedroom, a reclaimed wood headboard could be your solution. It radiates comfort and relaxation while adding a rustic touch to your room.
3. Accent Walls
You’re likely familiar with the accent wall trend, as it continues to grow more popular in interior home design. While it’s easy to paint one wall of your room a contrasting color, why not take it one step further by installing a reclaimed wood accent wall? It’s the perfect way to add a unique touch to any room of your house.
4. Tables
With many different table styles out there, reclaimed wood can help craft any of the following:
- Coffee tables
- Kitchen tables
- Dining room tables
- End tables
- Desks
For a lovely conversation piece to really wow your guests, consider adding a reclaimed wood table to your home or office.
5. Mantels and Beams
A reclaimed wood mantelpiece is a charming and functional addition to your living room. It’s a cozy complement to your fireplace and provides a space for framed photographs, plants, vases or other decorative pieces.
Additionally, you might consider installing reclaimed wood beams to define a high living room ceiling. You can also use these beams to accent your home’s exterior, providing a memorable first impression for visitors.
6. Stairs
Reclaimed wood adds authentic beauty and elegance to your staircase and makes for a stunning home entrance. Wood stairs will serve both decorative and functional purposes for your home, as their durable planks allow them to withstand wear and last for years.
7. Shelving
A wooden shelf serves as a simple yet classic addition to any room of your home or any workplace office. Reclaimed wood adds character to any type of shelving unit, whether it be an elaborate bookcase, a large entertainment center or a set of floating shelves for your wall.
8. Home Decor Items
Aside from larger home renovation projects, reclaimed wood can also be used for more simple household items. Its intricate graining adds a unique touch to wall hangings, signs, window frames, shutters and even candle holders. Reclaimed wood serves many artistic purposes, so you’ll surely find some way to utilize it in your home.
9. Cabinets
Reclaimed wooden cabinets can add a robust appearance to any kitchen or bathroom. You can use these cabinets to complement accompanying features such as countertops, tables and flooring.
In addition to this list of popular uses, we have other reclaimed wood ideas to help inspire your next home project.
Benefits of Reclaimed Wood
Now that we’ve covered a few of its uses, let’s look at three benefits reclaimed wood offers:
1. Historical and Limited Availability
Every piece of reclaimed wood has a unique history behind it, and it possesses an unmatched level of distinct exlusivity. Due to environmental threats, many wood species are difficult to find on lumber markets. However, reclaimed wood typically consists of these rare species, giving it a remarkable history that reminds us to appreciate the beauty of forests.
2. It Adds Value to Your Property
Reclaimed wood is a widely popular design trend right now — home and business owners everywhere constantly look for ways to incorporate this rustic charm into their properties. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the demand for reclaimed lumber continues to increase each day. Adding reclaimed wood features to your home or business’s building can boost its value, which is a significant benefit to consider.
3. It Benefits the Environment
When old wood is repurposed, you are recycling existing material and reducing your carbon footprint. The need to harvest trees is minimized, and wooden materials from run-down buildings are kept out of landfills. This makes reclaimed wood a friend to our environment.
Choosing Superior Hardwoods of Montana
If you’re looking to add reclaimed wood to your home or office, our team at Superior Hardwoods of Montana can provide you with the knowledge and expertise needed to start your renovation project. By recycling sustainable lumber, we are able to produce the following antique reclaimed lumber products:
- Siding and paneling
- Flooring
- Timbers and beams
- Molding
- Lumber
Contact Us Today for Reclaimed Lumber
There’s no better time than now to renovate your home or business and help it achieve its full potential with a new rustic or contemporary wooden look. To request a free sample or quote for a reclaimed lumber project, contact Superior Hardwoods of Montana today!