Are Reclaimed Wood Panels Right For Your Home
The beauty of outfitting your home with reclaimed wood paneling is that you can bring a touch of class and warmth to any room for an affordable price
. Whether in a lawyer's office, or in the comfort of your own living room, reclaimed wood panels will make any room glow. Reclaimed wood paneling isn't just reserved for high-end, wealthy individuals. In fact, it's an affordable option for most families. What's even better about reclaimed wood paneling is that most homeowners can actually install it themselves, cutting down their costs further.
Before you dive into a project involving reclaimed wood panels, you should have as much information as you possibly can. Here is some background information as well as the pros and cons of installing reclaimed wood panels in your own home:
Reclaimed Wood Paneling vs. Virgin Wood Paneling
The very first step in considering reclaimed wood paneling is to know how it differs from virgin wood paneling. Reclaimed wood panels are extracted from existing wood products, while virgin wood comes from fresh timber. The latter involves cutting down and processing new trees, which contributes to deforestation.
Reclaimed wood products can be created from the timber of old barns, shipping containers, and other deteriorating wood structures, that, with the help of special restoration processes, is transformed into fantastic looking wood which is extremely difficult to differentiate from virgin wood.
Now that we have distinguished between reclaimed wood and virgin wood paneling, here are the upsides and downsides of using it in your home.
Cons of Having Reclaimed Wood Paneling in your Home
Like with any wood paneling, there will be certain challenges for a homeowner to face when considering installing reclaimed wood panels. Though reclaimed wood paneling is a more eco-friendly option, there are some other elements to keep in mind.
Though it is less of a problem with reclaimed wood in comparison with virgin wood, it is important to note that wood panels tend to curve and bow due to the wood shrinking and expanding with the temperature. Reclaimed wood panels will be more stable as the material has shrunk and expanded many times over the years.
Another problem with wood paneling is that if it's not properly finished, it can show water stains and other marks. For damaged reclaimed wood panels, you can try sanding them down and re-staining any areas with discoloration.
A final issue to consider is that wood rot can plague wood paneling. Especially in moist areas such as the Pacific Northwest, wood is more susceptible to decay as it is often exposed damp conditions. To protect your reclaimed wood paneling from falling victim to wood rot, make sure it is kiln dried and moisture-proofed when you install it. If there are small amount of wood rot, it is possible to salvage your panels by sanding and re-staining that area. Make sure your reclaimed wood panels are not already infested - if they are, they may need to be replaced.
Advantages of Having Reclaimed Wood Paneling in your Home
There are quite a few advantages to choosing reclaimed wood products for your home. First of all, choosing reclaimed wood is good for the environment. It helps keep the forests on the planet intact as it doesn't use deforestation methods in order to get wood materials.
Another reason reclaimed wood panels are quite popular is that they are unique and naturally beautiful. Wood in general is a wonderful material which adds an inviting and comfortable air to any room in your home. So why not use a wood material that is great looking and good for the environment to make your home more attractive?
Wood paneling can even help make your home look more clean and organized. Do you have an issue with the disorderly appearance of a tangle of computer and television cords? You can hide the mess of your entertainment center behind reclaimed wood paneling.
Finally, reclaimed wood panels are not only less expensive than virgin wood, but they are also quite easy to install. Homeowners can save even more money by installing the panels themselves.
In addition to the above advantages, reclaimed wood is a long lasting and durable material. You can even apply a sealant to make it water proof, thereby preventing it from getting watermarks or rotting.
Now that you have seen the pros and cons of reclaimed wood, you can determine whether or not if reclaimed wood paneling is right for you and your home.
by: Michael Clark
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