QA

Quick Answer: Where To Buy Reclaimed Barn Wood

Is reclaimed wood cheaper?

Reclaimed wood is much more expensive than buying new wood from a hardware store. Instead of paying a low 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 virgin lumber.

What are old barn beams worth?

BEAMS – ALL SPECIES (except Chestnut) $8.00 / Run Ft. $15.00 / Run Ft.

What kind of wood is reclaimed barn wood?

Barns are one of the most common sources for reclaimed wood in the United States. Those constructed through the early 19th century were typically built using whatever trees were growing on or near the builder’s property. They often contain a mix of oak, chestnut, poplar, hickory and pine timber.

What kind of wood is barn wood?

What Is Barnwood? Barnwood is just what it sounds like: reclaimed wood that comes from old barns. When barns are too damaged to repair, or new homeowners want to dismantle old barns on their property, instead of trashing the wood, it can be sold or used in interior design projects.

How much does rustic wood cost?

On average, reclaimed wood can cost anywhere between $5 – $10 per square foot, but can be much more expensive depending on the rarity of the wood.

Can old barn wood make you sick?

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.

Is reclaimed wood the same as recycled wood?

If something is reclaimed, it means it has not been altered since its final ‘state’. If you have recycled wood, a wooden item will have been processed into wood mulch and then reconstructed. Reclaimed wood, however, is not altered.

What is the difference between salvage and reclaimed?

Salvaged wood is old wood that has never been used. It allows for a new floor look, without sourcing any new materials. The antique lumber that is reclaimed from old structures often comes from old-growth lumber that isn’t harvested in the modern market.

Why are old barns not torn down?

Some of the barns are simply too outdated for the modern farmer to use. As farms change hands over the decades, each new owner decides how to use and treat the barns and buildings. They do not tear their old barns down because they are wanting to be evil or think that the historic building isn’t pretty to look at.

What can I do with old barn beams?

Barn beams add a rustic look to any type of decor with their dramatic and rough texture. They can be used to create fireplace mantels, inside decor, and furniture. Whether you’re considering DIY home decor projects, or business decor projects, reclaimed barn beams expand your design possibilities.

Can you stain barn 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.

What wood is used to build old barns?

Old barns were made of a variety of hardwood and softwood species, depending on the region. Oak, elm, pine, Douglas fir, hickory, beech and maple were common varieties of wood used for barn construction, and each provided different building qualities and characteristics.

What type wood are old barn beams made of?

Most of the beams that come from old barns throughout our mid-Atlantic region were constructed from mostly oak and chestnut. Reclaimed chestnut often has wormholes, a feature that is very popular because it adds so much character to the wood.

What is barn wood good for?

Residential applications for barn board range from use as wall paneling in feature and accent walls, exterior siding, fence construction, and wainscoting paneling, to use in smaller craft projects such as bed headboards, furniture, other smaller architectural and design elements.

How do you seal outdoor barn 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.

Why is reclaimed wood more expensive?

Reclaimed wood is also said to be more expensive because of the process that is involved in reclaiming it from its previous use. There is much more work involved in sourcing the material to create reclaimed wood furniture and material for reclaimed wood flooring.

Is reclaimed wood safe?

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.

Is reclaimed wood floor expensive?

Reclaimed wood is expensive. Getting that this-floor-has-been-here-forever look by using reclaimed hardwood can run you anywhere from $12 to upward of $20 per square foot, depending on the mix of the woods and the finish.

How can you tell if barn wood is good?

Examine Wood to Ensure Inner Stability Check for soft parts, rotting or moldy patches, or bits that look like they’ve got sawdust on them, which could indicate the presence of wood-eating insects. Lumber that shows signs of rot should be discarded. If the outside is sound, most likely the inside will be as well.

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.

Does barn wood need to be treated?

If using the wood indoors and you want to keep the patina (which is often the case for buying it in the first place), then you won’t have much to worry about. If you plan to use it outside, then you may want to treat it for insects to prevent future issues, but I’ll touch on that in a minute.