Reasons to buy reclaimed hardwood
Using reclaimed wood decreases the demand for newly-harvested virgin wood from forests. This helps preserve the countryside rather than deplete it. There are also the creatures of the forests to take into consideration. Birds nest in trees. Animals like squirrels eat acorns, and insects feed on tree bark — not to mention the various species of plants that rely on tree cover and forestation to live. If too many trees are felled, many of these creatures and plants will lose their natural habitats.
Virgin wood involves felling, transporting and processing the trees, which have a massive impact on the environment. Using reclaimed wood reduces this impact every time it’s used on a project. The cumulative energy used to make virgin lumber in comparison to the reclaimed variety was found to be about 11 to 13 times more.
2. UNIQUENESS
Perhaps you’re passionate about conservation and about reusing the materials we have around us. If this is the case, you’ll love to give old wood a new life. According to studies, one billion feet of usable lumber is produced from demolishing buildings. When you buy old wood, you’re also purchasing a piece of unique history.
It’s easy and inexpensive to change up the look of your home with a few reclaimed wood fixtures. For example, old doors that would have been thrown away can bring a completely unique look to your home. Distressed woods, in particular, look great when used in this way. Using old wood in your projects is a beautiful alternative to buying new pieces. Reclaimed wood provides a vintage look, is long-lasting and can be passed down for generations of your family to enjoy.
3. RUSTIC CHARACTER
Reclaimed wood is unique in that it offers ageless distinction and beauty. It’s also unparalleled in terms of its architectural quality. Every piece is different and cannot be replicated. Reclaimed wood has so much character, and its age only brings out its allure, depth and color even further.
There is a specific uniquely weathered beauty about reclaimed wood that has so much more “heart” than mass produced modern pieces. Old wood displays random character marks and has a rich patina that draws you into it.
Every piece has its own story and history. This provides a real talking point when friends and family come over, as every piece has its own appeal and interest that can never be found in modern wood.
4. STRONGER
As well as looking unique, items constructed from reclaimed wood are both durable and strong. When our country’s old residences, warehouses and factories were built, only the most stable and durable timbers were used to support them. It’s a fact that many of these old buildings have stood strong for many hundreds of years.
Old wood is far stronger than the lumber of today because the pieces originating from before the 20th century received little to no air pollution. Additionally, most old wood comes from virgin timber that grew for many hundreds of years before being cut down by humans.
5. EXOTIC
Using exotic woods is a no-no in terms of sustainability. However, if you see some beautiful, rare and exotic reclaimed wood, you can use it in your project guilt free. Additionally, rare woods, such as exotic and tropical blends of European and Asian hardwood species, add value to a property.
Often the only way to obtain large quantities of exotic woods is via reclamation. There is a lot of rare reclaimed wood out there today, as in the past, many buildings were constructed from exotic wood due to its availability and cheapness.