It’s no secret we love reclaimed wood here at Country Living. (Don’t believe us? See this mountain cabin, this stone farmhouse, this converted barn home, or this one-of-a-kind farmhouse, all of which feature reclaimed wood in some shape or form.) From its environmental benefits to the rustic charm it adds to a room, salvaged beams, boards, posts, and beadboard are easily among our favorite building materials. Below, check out our complete guide to reclaimed wood, including expert tips on how and where to use it, where best to buy it, and what you should know before you do.
Get even more ideas on decorating with rustic, casual charm:
- Try these wood ceiling ideas to bring your room some country charm.
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- We love these rustic farmhouse decorating ideas for your kitchen.
So, What Exactly Is Reclaimed Wood?
Reclaimed wood is simply wood that’s been salvaged from old structures. Think: centuries-old boards from a New England barn, massive beams from an abandoned warehouse, or wide-plank pine flooring from a schoolhouse. It can even be a product of the demo phase of your own renovation.
Is Reclaimed Wood More Expensive?
On average, reclaimed wood purchased from a architectural salvage store or lumber dealer is more expensive than traditional lumber due to the effort required to source the material. That being said, if you are lucky enough to come across a building destined for demo, you may be able to score some lovely aged wood for cheap or even free. Pro tip: Pick through that demo pile before it gets hauled away!
You can also save money on installation by DIY-ing it yourself. Lindsay Birnbaum of Beam and Board suggests starting with your walls or a ceiling, as they are the easiest for novices to accomplish. (Leave the flooring job to the professionals, she suggests.) Her pro tip to getting a professionally finished look? “Reclaimed material has cracks, knot holes and other characteristics, so we always suggest painting the [under] surface black first.”
Here Are the Best Ways to Use Reclaimed Wood
“Using reclaimed wood is such a perfect way to add a sense of history and charm,” says designer and serial renovator Christina Salway. “My favorite way to incorporate it is to add wood as a structural element [like a beam] in a room,” she explains. Builders who deal mostly in new construction are seeing an uptick in reclaimed wood interest, too. According to Colt Byrom of Byrom Building in Birmingham, Alabama, homeowners are clamoring for it and using reclaimed wood for beams, flooring, ceilings, and accent walls. “Utilizing wood this way can add instant patina and charm to what is otherwise a blank slate,” says Christina.
While these may be the most popular applications, there are tons of other inventive options. “We keep most of our reclaimed wood scraps, because there are so many other uses—shelves, picture frames, furniture, tables, you name it," Colt says. For example, crafting a DIY headboard made from weathered cedar is an easy way to cozy up your bedroom, while wrapping a kitchen island in old barn wood is a great way to add instant rustic flair to a crisp cookspace.
Things To Consider Before Using Reclaimed Wood
It Adds Instant Patina
Reclaimed wood gives any space—no matter how new—an old-world feel. “One thing I like when buying wood is the story that comes with the products—it might be from an old barn in rural Montana, an 1800s church in West Alabama, or an abandoned distillery in South Georgia,” says Colt. Before going out to purchase new-to-you wood, be sure that you love the rustic touch these pieces bring to a space. If you’re unsure, don’t feel like you have to commit to an entire room.
It Needs to Undergo Proper Preparation
If you’re planning to purchase your reclaimed wood through a dealer, ensure that they’ve followed the proper preparation protocols. If they do, your old wood will feel as good as new, without looking like it! This process typically involves cleaning, drying, and planing or cutting.
During cleaning, dealers will either employ a mix of chemicals or good ol’ fashioned elbow grease to ensure the pieces have no dirt or debris left behind. (If doing yourself, steam cleaning also goes a long way to loosen and remove debris.) Also look for pieces that have been de-nailed. After the pieces are cleaned, they’ll be dried, the most common method being in a large kiln, until all the moisture is gone. Kiln drying also ensures that any bugs—like wood-hungry powderpost beetles—that weren’t dealt with in the cleaning phase are eliminated. And finally, pieces with irregular surfaces or shapes can be planed or cut to fit modern construction needs.
It May Contain Rot or Lead
If you’re salvaging your wood yourself, you should also be aware of rot. “Dry rot is a common occurrence in these materials,” says Lindsay. “Some can be sanded out to blend in with the textures and do not effect stability of beams or boards, while others cause a section of the material to be considered waste.” (She says that in a standard reclaimed wood retrieval, 30 to 50% of the wood is considered waste and isn’t usable.) Additionally, if the wood you’re salvaging is painted, be sure to test for lead before doing any work to the piece. If it tests positive, reach out to your local hardware or paint store expert to get their advice on the best sealer, also known as an encapsulate, for your project needs.
It Requires Special Cleaning
Cleaning your walls is never fun, but it doesn't have to be hard. Unlike smooth dry wall, the surface of reclaimed wood can hide a lot of dust in its irregular nooks and crannies. Lindsey suggests using a vacuum to dust and a damp cloth to clean up any messes. For furniture made from reclaimed wood, always avoid extreme heat or water damage (coasters will be your best friend) and be prepared that you may need to refinish the piece after 10 years.
It’s Environmentally Friendly
Just like thrifting, repurposing wood is also a great way to keep your home “green.” If you’re concerned with the environmental impact building or renovating a home or has, seek out salvaged or repurposed materials like wood that are destined for a landfill or junkyard.
Where to Purchase Reclaimed Wood
Of course, you’re probably wondering, “Where can I find reclaimed wood near me?” Fortunately, reclaimed wood is widely available, which means you won’t have to look far before getting started on your next home improvement project. Below, find our six suggestions on the types of places to find reclaimed wood. Happy hunting!
Reclaimed Lumber Dealers
Growing demand means it’s getting easier to find professional outfitters who specialize in character-rich boards from historic homes, fences, and old barns. Here are a few of our favorites (many of which ship across the country):
- Antique Beams & Boards: Delta, Ohio
- Box Kite Barn Yard: San Luis Obispo, California
- Beam and Board: Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Cunningham Lumber: Hillsboro, Texas
- Evolutia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Storied Boards: Lake George, New York
Online Sellers
Entering search terms like “reclaimed wood,” “reclaimed lumber,” or “reclaimed timber” on Amazon, Etsy, Craigslist, eBay, or any other local trading sites like Facebook Marketplace will generate pages and pages of buying opportunities. Sellers range from folks looking to make a little cash off their rundown, 100-year-old barns to more expert dealers with lots of inventory. Before you buy, be sure and ask plenty of questions regarding rot, warped planks, and insects before you bring the wood into your home.
Architectural Salvage Yards
Places that specialize in architectural salvage (think old sinks, lighting, hardware...), like Waxahachie Architectural Salvage in Waxahachie, Texas, and Vermont Salvage in White River Junction, Vermont, are also treasure troves of salvaged lumber, as well as columns, porch posts, mantels, and doors.
Demolition Sites
As much as we’d love to personal save every old house out there, unfortunately, not all old homes and buildings can be saved from the wrecking ball. If you know of a barn, home, or old building slated for demolition (some cities’ departments of building inspection have a list), consider contacting the owner of the property to see if you can scavenge for wood pre-teardown. Many see it as a helpful way to get rid of detritus for free.
And don’t forget about your very own demo site! If you’re renovating, ask your contractor to be on the lookout for reusable wood, such as the siding, roof decking, or sheathing under the siding or brick, as well as fences and decks, says Colt. “Large, beautiful boards can be taken off by hand, de-nailed, and used for interior or exterior ceilings or shiplap on an accent wall,” he explains. “I especially like to be able to use that wood on the same home we are building. There is a certain sustainability of recycling a material that would have been thrown away. Plus, it's a great story to tell with the new house. In my own home, we used wood from our old house on porches and on the kitchen ceiling.”
A Field Near You
Our nation’s countryside is dotted with dilapidated barns and farmhouses that have collapsed with age. Contact the owners of those properties with decaying buildings—they’ll likely be thrilled to have someone clear out what they see as an eyesore, but what you see as highly covetable barn siding or a goldmine of old-growth pine shiplap. Searching your county’s appraisal district website can help you identify property owners. (But definitely get permission from the owner first!) Unless you’re a skilled builder, you’ll likely also want to hire a professional to help with the disassembly.
The Home Depot
That’s right, The Home Depot. The store sells disassembled pallets and crates that can be used for flooring, furniture, and accent walls. The heat-treated lumber is a grab bag of wood in mostly pine and oak and comes in a variety of lengths and thicknesses.
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!
