Reclaimed Wood
Antique and vintage furniture are becoming increasingly popular, in first place for their historic value. A piece of furniture that was made decades or even centuries ago has a special value which goes beyond visual appeal. A chair, table, writing desk and any other piece of furniture that has a history gives a home and the existing decoration an additional charm and prestige. It is possible to get new furniture with antique look as well but new wood simply does not create the magic.
The most beautiful examples of antique and vintage furniture are either in museums or are very expensive. But there is another, less expensive way to give your home a touch of history and heritage – reclaimed wood. It refers to a type of wood that has been acquired from old structures and sometimes even boxcards, wine barrels and other wooden items that are no longer needed but the most common source of reclaimed wood are barns some of which were built hundreds of years ago. The wood that is rescued by reclamation is then used to make furniture, flooring, decking and other wooden objects.
The practice of wood reclamation is very popular in the United States where wood used to be the main construction material since the arrival of the first European settlers. Wooden house are still very popular in many US states which means that reclaimed wood can be found in large quantities. Reuse of old wood is not only an environmentally friendly solution. Products made of reclaimed wood are highly valued for their unique character and aesthetic appearance. In some aspects, reclaimed wood can be compared with antique and vintage furniture, especially in its historical value. Every piece of furniture that is made of reclaimed wood has a special appeal because it is made of wood that has a history as well. The historical value of reclaimed wood cannot be compared with the one of antique and vintage furniture but a bed, nightstand, table or any other piece of furniture that is made of wood that used to be a barn or any other structure has an unique charm.
Due to the fact that most wooden structures were made of any kind of wood available at a certain area at a particular time, you can choose between different types of wood including oak, elm, pine, etc. Furniture made of reclaimed wood reflects its “antiquity” which cannot be seen in furniture that is made of new wood which reclaimed wood an excellent choice for everyone who would like to enhance their home with a touch of history but cannot afford antique or vintage furniture. Reclaimed wood has that aged look making furniture and other products made of reclaimed wood “naturally” antique and giving it an unique appeal and beauty.
Another major advantage of reclaimed wood is the fact that is one of the most environmentally friendly options. In a way, it is a recycled product but has the same qualities than new wood. Even more, most types of reclaimed wood are stronger, more stable and more durable than newly sawn wood because reclaimed wood has been exposed to humidity and temperature changes a lot longer. This makes it a perfect choice for environmentally conscious individuals for two reasons. Firstly, it uses old wood and secondly, it lasts longer than other types of wood and does not need to be replaced as frequently. On the contrary, quality furniture made from reclaimed wood can be passed on to the next generation. Increased use of reclaimed wood for furniture, flooring and other products would significantly reduce deforestation which in turn would help combat the global warming.
Furniture and other products made of reclaimed wood are available in different styles which makes them very easy to combine with the existing decor. The main appeal of reclaimed wood is undoubtedly its “antique” look that makes it very popular for rustic-style furniture but you can also easily find reclaimed wood furniture in up-to-date design that do not reveal being made of recycled wood. Reclaimed wood products are typically more expensive than furniture made of new wood due to higher expenses with dismantling of structures and preparation/treatment of wood but they are more cost-effective in long term due to extraordinary durability of reclaimed wood.