The use of reclaimed wood isn’t a new concept, but it’s seen a surge in popularity especially with the green building and remodeling boom. Reclaimed lumber is simply wood with a past life used for a new purpose. Perhaps it was a storage crate or an old barn that has been milled into reclaimed hardwood flooring, though this lumber too is even being used to create reclaimed engineered wood floors that look like it was made from virgin products.
Like all materials, reclaimed wood has not only benefits, but it also has some drawbacks.
The Downside of Reclaimed Wood
Legitimacy: Because of the popularity of reclaimed lumber, some dealers make false claims about the source of their products. To make sure lumber is truly reclaimed, purchase it from a reputable dealer with certifications from organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council or the Rainforest Alliance.
Price: Reclaimed wood may be more expensive than virgin wood because of the process it undergoes. A dealer sorts and prepares the wood so it’s safe for consumer use, and often there is a lot of nail pulling and extra work involved over using virgin lumber. If you have experience handling lumber, you can mitigate this cost in some cases by deconstructing wood products yourself.
Toxins: Companies may treat (or may in the past treated) lumber with chemicals and paint, which can contain volatile organic compounds, adhesives, preservatives, insecticides or lead. If you’re sourcing reclaimed wood on your own, test the lumber for toxins. Also, by learning about the wood’s past life, you may be able to gather information about any treatments it has undergone.
