Natural wood is one of our favorite materials in a home, whether it’s hardwood floors, kitchen cabinets, or built-in bookshelves. Wood can have so many different looks and is durable enough to last the life of the home- or even beyond. Reclaimed wood is an environmentally-friendly option that keeps quality wood out of the wood chipper and brings depth and character from the wood’s previous life. What is reclaimed wood and how can it be used? We have Scott Peckham, owner of Reclaimed DesignWorks, on Rue Daily to share his expertise.
  



  

According to Scott, the major enviromental benefit of reclaimed wood is that you’re repurposing and recycling a valuable material. “When older structures, like barns, bridges and factories, reach the end of their useful life their components are reclaimed for continued use as opposed to being burned or demolished and disposed of in a landfill. Projects that use reclaimed wood can earn LEED points for being environmentally responsible.”

Additionally for homeowners, reclaimed wood is durable, has history, and often is rare. “Reclaimed wood is often centuries old and was cut from trees that grew slowly and had to fight for survival, which is unheard of now. As such, it is more durable and possesses a tighter grain which is especially great for floors.”
Despite being centuries old, reclaimed wood is not limited to use in rustic cabins, according to Scott. “It looks just as appropriate in your grandmother’s quaint country farmhouse as it does in a New York loft. That said, reclaimed wood gives spaces a quiet confidence; you never feel like it’s trying too hard to grab your attention but it’s too naturally beautiful not to notice. It can make a room feel rustic or polished and urbane– and that’s part of its charm.”

Reclaimed wood’s common uses extend far beyond floors to antique beams (which can be used for aesthetic or structural purposes), wall paneling, ceilings, kitchen back splashes, architectural features, trim, wainscoting, countertops, exteriors and custom furniture. Some of our clients have even used reclaimed wood as structural building material as opposed to incorporating it just as a decorative element.
Some of Scott’s interesting projects have included outfitting the exterior of a home with reclaimed barn siding, giving the house a very relaxed and rustic yet modern feel. Another favorite was a hockey barn that was constructed using reclaimed beams and barn wood, for a professional hockey player. Finally, they used reclaimed wood from floor-to-ceiling in a Polo Ralph Lauren showroom, showing how far from a ‘hunting lodge in the woods’ feel reclaimed lumber can be.

When considering using reclaimed wood, do be sure to find a reputable supplier who has tested the wood for lead paint and other chemicals, has fumigated the wood to remove bugs, de-nailed and kiln dried the wood. Scott promises, “someone passionate and educated about reclaimed wood will be able to guide you and want you to find the best reclaimed wood option for your project.” Have you ever used reclaimed wood? We’d love to see your favorite reclaimed wood projects!

From Ruemag.com/ Posted by Mags