Does salvaged or reclaimed wood warp?

Reclaimed wood is typically harder virgin wood and doesn't easily warp or shrink.

What is reclaimed or salvaged wood furniture?

Reclaimed wood is wood used for furniture or building that's already served a purpose in a previous life. It comes from a variety of places, each piece with its unique history.

How do you get salvaged or reclaimed wood furniture?

You could look for it in classified ads, construction dumpsters (with permission), or local farms.

How long will salvaged or reclaimed wood furniture last?

While it depends on the state of the wood you're using. Unfortunately, reclaimed materials are not as long-lasting as newer materials.

Is salvaged or reclaimed wood expensive?

Depending on where you find it, it can be free or expensive. Delicately salvaging a part of an old building in a way that doesn't destroy the wood can take a lot of time.

Is salvaged or reclaimed wood strong?

Reclaimed wood is stronger than virgin wood by up to 40 points on the Janka scale of hardness. The reason is that reclaimed wood often comes from old forests; and the new generations of trees that aren't as strong or durable as old-growth wood. Reclaimed wood is, therefore, harder and doesn't easily warp or shrink.

How much should I pay for salvaged or reclaimed wood?

You will spend $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on what kind of wood you're getting. It can be more expensive than new wood, as salvaging hardwood takes some work, which can increase the suppliers' expenses.

Why is salvaged or reclaimed wood better?

Aside from being an environmentally conscious choice, the primary draw of reclaimed wood is how it appears. There is also the storytelling element, where you can share the historical background of the wood that's found new life in your home. You can no longer buy old-growth wood for housing projects as old-growth forests are now protected.

Can salvaged or reclaimed wood be used for outdoor furniture?

When weather-proofed, yes, salvaged wood furniture can be used outdoors.

Can salvaged or reclaimed wood make you sick?

There can be risks when you use reclaimed wood, including the presence of bugs, nails, lead paint, and chemicals. There are affordable test kits that you can use on the wood before you bring it into your house.

How do you clean salvaged or reclaimed wood furniture?

A solution of white vinegar and olive oil mixed with water is recommended. This cleaning solution is non-toxic and natural. This combination works best on reclaimed wood tables that are untreated. A soft paintbrush is a great tool to clear out any crevices that will inevitably build up dirt.

Learn about Salvaged Wood Furniture

Furniture like tables, desks, beds, and chairs made from salvaged or reclaimed wood. Salvaged wood can come from old buildings, urban tree removal, submerged logs, and other sources.

Source the wood as locally as possible, so you know the story of the wood and to reduce the energy required to transport it to the building site. As well, look for wood with little or no previous finish on it, especially avoiding paints that may be lead-based.

Reusing wood reduces our impact on forest ecosystems and makes use of a waste product.

There are an estimated 30 million tons of recoverable wood waste generated by demolition and construction activities each year in North America.