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Availability, Benefits and Environmental Impact of Using Reclaimed Timber

Decking and timbers rescued from factories and old barns, warehouses and other less outdated structures such as wine barrels, boxcars and coal mines are the primary sources of reclaimed timber. Apart from that, timbers that are blown down by storms, rivers or other natural occurrences can also be categorized as another type of reclaimed timber.

However, all these sources did not contribute to providing such reclaimed timber in abundance due to the limited occurrence. But now you will find it easier to get these because these are now salvaged from the demolition sites of old structures. You can get access to reclaimed timber as these structures now are not demolished but deconstructed.

Therefore, it is best to find salvaged lumber domestically rather than opting for the shipped material that will somehow affect the environment.

You can find these lumber in different places such as:

  1. At shipyards in those shipping crates

  2. Garage sales and thrift stores where old furniture and frames are sold and

  3. Real estate that has set structures for demolition.

This type of wood is thoroughly dried to prevent it from warping. It is then inspected thoroughly for insect infestations. However, you must always be careful about the fact that the salvaged wood may be treated or finished at some point of time with lead paint or any other petrochemical-based product and therefore may carry toxic material, unlike the older wood.

The benefits reclaimed timber

You can use reclaimed timber to make interior furnitures such as dining tables and chairs. It is also a good item to use to design a feature wall and even for a few specific exterior projects.


Stylish appearance:

Reclaimed Timber is the most popular choice amongst all types of timbers due to its rugged yet stylish appearance. This is much unlike the processed wood and does not have a smooth finish that gives it the unique texture which gives you a real and traditional feel. Use of such woods will give an altogether different look to your rooms


A touch of history

Moreover, you will not find two identical pieces of reclaimed timber and also the age and appearance of it will add a touch of history to your home decor. Each timber wood has its own story to tell. You can use this lumber to combine with more modern objects and furniture to create a unique appeal.


Eliminate any future risk of splitting

This wood is fully dried due to its past use and exposure to different atmospheric conditions and a wide range of elements for a considerable amount of time. That means it will have expanded and contracted enough to eliminate any future risk of splitting or warping. In addition, the high density of reclaimed timber will give it the added stability, sturdiness, and durability required along with its own distinctive identity.

Environmental impact of reclaimed timber

When you use reclaimed timber it will bring a host of environmental benefits. You will not need to cut down new trees. Moreover, this wood will not turn into landfill or burnt to add pollutants to the environment. Such woods can relive its life again by getting installed in your houses as pieces of furniture.

  1. As wood does not decompose completely it will release methane gas which is a potent greenhouse gas that causes global warming. But reusing the same wood will restrict this volume of gas and also prevent it from being wasted.

  2. Another direct impact of the reclaimed wood on the environment is that it helps in cleaning natural spaces and buildings. This, in turn, benefits the wood source. Since there are several different methods of sourcing reclaimed wood, this promotes the reduction of deforestation on a large scale. This helps in preserving the health of forests and its habitats that includes several endangered species. When the new trees are left untouched it will contribute to the environment.

To sum up, milling reclaimed timber for flooring, paneling or for making furniture needs fewer resources, you can save trees and reduce its impact on the environment by using reclaimed timber. It will also help you save a lot of other resources.

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