Anonymous http://vintagetimberworks.com 1m 370 #reclaimedwood
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Using reclaimed wood in home decor is in trend nowadays but it’s not a new concept. It has been around for years since the start of the advocacy for sustainable buildings. Old barns are the most popular sources of reclaimed wood. Today, a lot of these abandoned old bars are deconstructed and their timbers are salvaged to be used in new buildings.
Why Use Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is known for its natural beauty and undeniable strength. It has gone through various weather conditions giving it that natural rustic feel most homeowners and designers crave.
Vintage timbers are fully dried out and have expanded over the years making them more durable and less prone to warping as compared to newly cut and dried wood. If you’re planning to use it for your floors, you can count that these materials will last for a long time.
Reclaimed wood is also known for its unique character and its own history. No two pieces are ever alike, that’s why you can always notice something distinct with these products like exposed knots, nails, or notches.
However, this may also pose as a challenge if you’re trying to maintain a uniformed look. You’ll need to pay in a little extra for custom millwork and make all pieces look the same.
Another drawback is its irregularities in the sizes. If you’re looking for a specific size, you may not be able to find one unless you are willing to trim down the wood and lose its character. Longer lengths of wood are also rare but most people find this as an opportunity to create interesting splices.
Also, using reclaimed wood helps save young trees from being harvested. By salvaging vintage timbers from old structures, you can lower down the demand for new trees, curb deforestation, and reduce the burden on landfills.
It’s also the most environmentally friendly choice as this type of wood has one of the lowest embodied energies compared to concrete, metal or new trees.
There are some ups and downs in using reclaimed wood. But in the end, reclaimed wood has proven to be a great investment if you’re looking to design a stunningly unique home.
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