People will go to great efforts to find reclaimed timber that can be used to make a style statement about their homes and properties. George Mabry is the homeowner. As soon as you step through his front door, your attention is immediately drawn to the teak stairs made of wood reclaimed at a Southeast Asia demolition site. The exterior's white stucco is accented with redwood siding, made from California olive oils barrels.
"Reclaimed wood has been air-drying for probably 150 years," he says. "The problem there is you'll get (natural) inconsistencies in the wood--it warps and bends." That's why it often needs millwork, particularly for indoor use. Many, but not all, dealers will kiln-dry the newly planed wood, Beatty says. Without that step, the wood could warp again. Kiln-drying also ends any infestation, ensuring that you won't bring termites into your house with the wood.
If you're on the hunt for reclaimed wood for your home or your latest DIY project, here's where to start your search.
Do you want to know more about barn wood than just the traditional? We offer many other products such as antique beams and reclaimed floor, among others.
An old house is a great place to live in, so you know how satisfying it can be to have something unique. Reclaimed wood, unlike other materials that are attractive only for their appearance, has beauty and history.
Of course, some of these reclaimed wood dealers do have inventory online that you can shop from long distance, as well, like these:
We explain why and how to use reclaimed lumber to add history and character into your home.