Reclaimed wood is a repurposed or recycled type of wood. It can come from old buildings, barns, or ships, among other things. The term “reclaimed” refers to the fact that this wood has been reused rather than thrown away or burned.

It is a favourite choice for furniture because it’s often stronger and more durable than new wood. You can also use it in ways that would be impossible with new wood. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice since it reduces the waste created by manufacturing new products.

Why Choose Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood has become a popular option among many homeowners and business owners. This trend has become a way for people to support their local communities by purchasing items made from recycled materials.

The following are other reasons for you to go down this path:

• Sustainable: You can save trees when you go for reclaimed wood. They may be more expensive, but the extra cost is the price for lessening your carbon footprint. Besides, buildings made from repurposed wood have a higher green building score. This makes them more desirable among business owners. 
• Reduce Waste: It also helps reduce waste in your community. You’ll also be supporting local businesses and farmers who take pride in using materials responsibly and recycling them whenever possible. 
• Customizable: You can use it as furniture or flooring. It has a unique look and feel manufactured products, such as laminate or plastic, cannot replicate. You can customize your space using different colours and styles of reclaimed lumber—no two pieces will ever look exactly alike. You can also play around with the wood’s texture and design when you go for a reclaimed wood table top or other reclaimed wood furniture. 
• One-of-a-kind: Since most reclaimed woods were processed or cut into different shapes before being sold, each piece is truly one-of-a-kind. 

Students from the University of British Columbia, Canada, discovered a process wherein they chemically treated recycled wood with dimethylacetamide and lithium chloride. As a result, they transformed the reused wood into something more robust than steel. In this case, you can say that salvaged wood is ideal for its durability. 

How Much Does Reclaimed Wood Cost

The price of reclaimed wood varies depending on the wood type you want and how much of it you need. Generally, it is more expensive than new lumber. The price difference is because repurposed lumber is more in-demand among consumers looking for unique products.

Apart from the demand, reclaimed wood is also more expensive because of the following reasons: 

• Unique characteristics: The wood’s age creates a weathered, aged look that no one can replicate. 
• Cost of harvest: The harvesting cost would largely depend on the wood’s age and the environment from which you’ll harvest it. For example. It’ll be cheaper to get repurposed wood from a bowling alley than from a 100-year-old barn. 
• Supply prepping: This includes removing nails from the planks, smoothing the wood’s surface, cutting it, and other tasks that would prep the wood for selling. 

What To Look for in Reclaimed Wood

When buying reclaimed wood, you must know what you’re getting. Here are some smart tips to make an informed purchase.

• Look for wood salvaged from old buildings or other structures. The older the wood, the more character it will have—and the more value it will have in your home.
• Ask questions about where the wood came from and how long it’s been in storage. Figure out if the seller used pesticides or chemicals on the lumber. 
• Buy from trustworthy dealers who know what they’re doing and can provide documentation on the origin and treatment methods for each piece of lumber.

Know What You’re Getting

Reclaimed wood is a great way to show off the story of the home or business. It’s also an environmentally friendly option that you can use in many different ways. Many options are available today if you’re looking for reclaimed wood flooring or furniture.

Knowing what you’re getting when buying reclaimed wood is essential. Do your research before making any purchase. Know how much work will be involved in preparing your furniture piece. With these, you don’t end up with something that isn’t what you wanted or expected.