What does reclaimed wood mean?

Reclaimed wood is salvageable, chemically untreated wood reused from a previous build (ie, barn wood).

Why is reclaimed wood better?

Reclaimed wood is better for a few reasons. It's better for the environment because fewer trees are cut down to produce more high-quality wood making it a renewable resource. Reclaimed wood also has a low carbon footprint, it doesn't have to be imported or exported, and less equipment is involved in the reclamation process. It is also ideal to use for interior wood flooring because it is an insulator. Where it is a "virgin" wood, the air is captured in the cellular make-up of the wood and acts as additional insulation. Which means you're likely saving a little more money on your heating bill.

What kind of wood is barn wood?

Barn wood is wood used around the property of the builder or landowner. Chestnut wood had been commonly used until it was ravaged by disease. Chestnut wood is very valuable and highly sought-after because of that reason. Other types of trees used for barn wood are pine, poplar, oak, and hickory. Each piece of timber was cut and shaped by hand using traditional tools like an ax, for example.

Is reclaimed wood safe?

There are several concerns when it comes to reclaimed wood. It is important to know the source of your reclaimed wood. The wood could have insects and their droppings, mold, hidden nails, lead paint, chemicals, or insecticides. Even after sanding or planing the wood, there can still be unwanted pests or chemicals invisible to the naked eye. It's important to not just take someone's word for it when it comes to the quality and source of the reclaimed wood you want. These can exist in some barn woods, pallets from grocery stores, or old train tracks, for example.

How do you get bugs out of reclaimed wood?

Using insecticides is not recommended because it can stay in the wood, causing health issues, especially if you plan on using the reclaimed wood indoors. Heat treating the wood is a perfect alternative to chemical treatments. You will know if it is heat-treated if you see an "HT" marked on the wood itself. The heat will eliminate any bugs and other issues of concern.

Is reclaimed wood more expensive than new?

Typically, reclaimed wood is more expensive than new wood. It takes longer to dry out, it's harder to source, and the type of wood (i.e., chestnut) can affect the price. Also, prep time involved when it comes to using reclaimed wood is longer.

How much should I pay for reclaimed wood?

The prices of reclaimed woods are based upon where the seller sources it, and also the type of wood. Typically, reclaimed wood ranges from $0-$20 per square foot.

How much does old barn wood cost?

It truly depends on where you get the wood from, but it can range anywhere from $5 per square foot to about $100 per square foot.

Where can I find reclaimed wood?

You can find reclaimed wood online, a landfill, in a store, or in a lumberyard.

Where can I get free reclaimed wood?

Some reclaimed wood can be acquired from a private seller, local lumber yards, farms, old buildings, fences, and some major home improvement retailers such as Home Depot. There are also many reclaimed wood sellers listed on the internet (be sure to do your homework on these sellers and ask about the source of the wood). Some companies are even sourcing wood from bogs, lakes and streams and reclaiming their findings through drying and milling processes.

How do you prepare reclaimed wood for decking?

Make sure your reclaimed wood is heat-treated to eliminate any hazards (mold, insects, chemicals, etc.). Then you'll want to wash it with water, ideally using a pressure washer. Next, you should sand the wood to avoid splinters. If you're unsure, always ask a professional for advice.

Can you use barn wood for decking?

It is not recommended to use barn wood for decking due to chemical exposure, lead from any lead-based paints, splinters, and any potential bug infestations. This is why it's important to know the origins of the wood and that the wood is heat-treated. It may also be more cost-effective to use composite decking to achieve the look you want that reclaimed wood can give.

In-Depth Product Guide

Reclaimed Wood Decking

FAQs

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Reclaimed wood is recycled from another construction project, whether it be unused scraps or full-sized pieces from a tear-down. Unique and interesting decks can be made from a variety of reclaimed wood materials. Salvaged wood is another source - that is wood that has been recovered from urban tree trimming, or underwater.

When looking for wood to reclaim, search scrap piles post-construction, or find any old, unused wooden structure that may consist of material that can be reused. Old barns are a prime source. Look for good, solid wood materials, without signs of rot or mold. Also, wood with a minimum of nails in it is easier and safer to work with. For outdoor decking, where exposed to weather, look for naturally rot-resistant wood species like cedar, redwood, and tamarack. Avoid old painted wood, unless you can verify the paint does not contain lead.

Considering this material is 100% recycled, it is highly sustainable. Wood that may have normally been wasted at the end of a construction project can be repurposed and beautifully reclaimed to create your deck.

Two places in the world claim to host the world's largest deck chair - Winton, Australia, and Bournemouth, UK. Both chairs are immense, high enough to need a ladder or ropes to climb into, and spacious enough to seat more than 50 people.

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