10 Things to Consider About Reclaimed Wood/Lumber
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Since I am always perusing Craigslist for free stuff, it is amazing how many people offer free pallets. It got me wondering what happens to all those pallets? Then I came across a great piece on 13 Creative Ways to Recycle Wooden Pallets
That said, it seems that people are looking at reclaimed lumber, so thought I would put up some helpful hints!
Wasted Wood Facts:
- An old warehouse wiht one million board beets of reusable lumber can save the need to harvest 1,000 acres of forest
- Only 8-9 Million Acres are left in the USA of old growth trees.
- Most of the remaining trees are found on federal land.
- Nearly 1 Million Acres of hardwood are harvested each year to make shipping pallets.
Why Use Reclaimed Wood
1.) Keeps out of landfills
2.) Environmentally friendly
3.) History: hard to find old growth wood
4.) Stylistic statement
5.) Depending on the wood, can be less expensive
6.) Sturdy: Much of the wood reclaimed was taken from old growth trees which is harder, more stable and less prone to splitting.
10 Things to Consider When Buying Reclaimed Lumber
1.) Go to Quality Retailers who can provide information about their products and history.
2.) Visit the shops specializing in reclaimed wood and look at samples before you make your decision.
3.) Know that reclaimed wood will not have the same uniformity.
4.) Look for boards that fit your style, many boards will have nail holes, rust spots and other distressed markings.
5.) Look for Wood that has been properly treated and milled.
6.) What width? Wide Plank or thinner slats?
7.) What type of wood? Cypress, Cedar, Oak, Teak, Pine and many more.
8.) Look for source close to you saves energy and shipping.
9.) Use Biodegradable sealants, stains to lessen VOC.
10.) Use a quality installer
Some Fun Ways to Use Recycled and Reclaimed Wood
A new look of Reclaimed Wood at Apartment Therapy:
Pallet Art: transformed discarded shipping pallets into home accessories and others products.
Whit McCloud makes furniture from reclaimed wood
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