Table of Contents
12 Ways to Use Reclaimed Wood in Your Home KITCHEN CENTER ISLANDS. The ultimate in rustic, farmhouse style, our center islands in the ranch kitchen add that perfect blend of casual yet refined. A BEDROOM ACCENT WALL. KITCHEN CABINETS. A WESTERN BAR. A LIVING ROOM ACCENT WALL. BUILT-IN BEDS. BATHROOM CABINETS. WOOD BEAMS.
Is it safe to use reclaimed wood?
For the most part, reclaimed wood is safe to use in your home, but like anything, there are precautions that need to be taken to ensure the wood you are using is safe.
How does reclaimed wood work?
That is, reclaimed is anything that once served one purpose, but has been stripped down to serve another. It’s barnwood, but it’s also pallet wood, flooring, fence boards, your grandfather’s old shed, wood washed up by the tide, and dismantled furniture pieces.
Do you need to seal reclaimed wood?
Finish with Wood Sealant. The last step in how to finish reclaimed wood is sealant. Once you apply your wood finish, use a large bristle brush to put a light layer of wood sealant over the lumber. The sealant will protect it against wear and tear, making it more durable in any high traffic or exterior areas.
How do you finish a reclaimed pine?
Finishing heart pine A good way to protect the wood while making the most of its natural color is to use a penetrating oil finish. But if a “show” surface contains a pitch pocket, make sure to seal this area with one or two spot applications of de-waxed shellac or shellac-based sealer before applying any other finish.
Is reclaimed wood real wood?
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.
Does reclaimed wood have mold?
Reclaimed barn wood has likely been exposed to excessive moisture over the years, resulting in mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can lead to serious respiratory problems, especially in children, the elderly, and those who suffer from asthma.
How do you tell if reclaimed wood is treated?
How can you tell if wood is treated? Pressure-treated lumber has end tags or stamps identifying the chemical used. It can have a green or brown color from the treating process. Treated wood can smell oily or chemical as opposed to a nice natural smell of untreated wood.
Is reclaimed wood good for furniture?
Reclaimed Wood Furniture is Durable: Reclaimed wood comes from a variety of sources, such as old barns, houses, and factories. You might not know this, but reclaimed wood is often not only harder and more durable than fresh lumber, but it also doesn’t easily shrink or warp because it has been dried and treated.
What are 2 benefits of using reclaimed wood on projects?
3 Eco-Friendly Benefits of Using Reclaimed Wood Preserves Natural Resources. Reclaimed wood furniture preserves natural resources as it preserves natural timber resources by reducing the need for new logging. Creates Fewer Watershed Toxins and Less Waste. Reclaimed Wood Furniture Requires Fewer Paints and Stains.
Is reclaimed wood more expensive than new?
Reclaimed wood is much more expensive than buying new wood from the hardware store. Instead of paying a cheap price that makes it easy to pick up a couple of 2×4’s, reclaimed wood comes at a premium. But for that premium, you’ll have wood with a story and unique characteristics different from newer and cheaper wood.
Can you stain reclaimed wood?
If you are using reclaimed wood for furniture or a similar DIY project, staining the wood is an efficient means of achieving the appearance that you want your reclaimed wood to have. The process of staining reclaimed wood involves a number of steps, of which the actual staining itself is likely the easiest.
How do you treat reclaimed wood for bugs?
Borax and Water Spray Mixing a little bit of borax and water and throwing it into a spray bottle is a great way to spray the wood for bugs. It will not only kill any insects that are currently living in the wood, but it will also prevent any new bugs from taking refuge in your reclaimed wood.
How do you seal weathered wood?
There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.
How do you seal wood without yellowing it?
To avoid a yellowing wood finish, use a water-based polyurethane instead of an oil based polyurethane. The best water-based polyurethane is Minwax’s Polycrylic, which is formulated for easy consumer use.
How do I get a smooth finish on rough wood?
In order to get a smooth wood finish, you’ll want to start with a low grit, like 80 or 100. This will leave the wood rough, but it takes away imperfections and finish faster. You go progressively finer in order to remove some of the roughness left by the coarser grit.
How do you wax reclaimed wood?
How to wax your furniture All you need as an old rag, which you can use to apply the wax generously across your piece of furniture. Rub it on along the grain of the wood to make sure it gets into all areas. Once you’ve done your waxing, it’s best to leave it approx 30mins.
How strong is reclaimed wood?
Durability. As compared to virgin wood, reclaimed wood is stronger by up to 40 points on the Janka scale of hardness. The reason for this is that reclaimed wood usually comes from old forests; and the generations of trees that we have today aren’t as durable or as strong as old-growth wood.
What can reclaimed wood be used for?
Reclaimed wood is used for both residential and commercial projects alike. It can be used for both interiors and exteriors, as flooring, furniture or cladding.
Can you use reclaimed wood outside?
Reclaimed Wood Can Be Used Outdoors It can be used for structures that will be mostly outdoors, as well as for outdoor surfaces. However, like any other wood materials you might use, it will require some maintenance. Wood — when exposed to the elements — can warp, rot, or swell.
