subject: Reclaimed Barn Wood for Your Home Decor [print this page] We borrow our traditions from our ancestors; we borrow our heritage from our forefathers; we seek inspiration from our earlier generations; so why not borrow some timber to redecorate our homes? The business of using reclaimed timber beams is on an all-time high. Beginning in the 1970's people started understanding the history and quality of reclaimed lumber. Reclaimed lumber, in its true essence, is wood that has been taken for re-use. Most often, this is timber from wood beams and decking that is salvaged from long-standing idle buildings such as old barns, factories and warehouses.
Reclaimed and antique lumber is highly desired by architects and designers for its history, quality and character. Reclaimed wood is popular as barn wood flooring, siding, paneling, cabinet lumber, and furniture.
In some cases, reclaiming lumber is the only source for certain species of wood like the American Chestnut. Beginning in 1904, a Chestnut blight spread across the US forests killing billions of American Chestnut Trees. Wormy Chestnut is a popular flooring and paneling option for many architects and designers because of its beautiful grain and large color range.
For those who are environmentally conscious and care enough to make judicious use of our natural resources, reclaimed timber allows for making truly green furniture. It is a comforting thought that your new home dcor is not costing the lives of new trees. With reclaimed wood furnishing, you save the forests and keep them green while redecorating your house with splendid quality wood.
So, where do you find high quality used wood that you can re-use? Barns serve as one of the most common sources for reclaimed wood in the United States. Barns that were built around the early part of the 19th century were typically constructed of a wide variety of natural wood, including Antique Oak, Hickory, Chestnut, Elm, and Douglas fir. Barn boards and beams were either sawn or hand hewn using an axe or squared with an adze. Hand hewn beams are often used by architects, designers and homeowners for their vintage yet sophisticated look.
As one thinks about it, there are virtually limitless uses for reclaimed wood. What's your unique idea? Give shape to your dreams with reclaimed wood. It's cheaper, greener and steeped in history.
