When people think of reclaimed timber, they might perceive it as second-hand wood that has been collected from the side of the road, and is shabby in its appearance and of low quality. However, it is in fact wood (often oak, chestnut or pine) that has already been used as part of a building, typically barns and factories, and is of good enough quality to be reused for a different purpose.
Reclaimed Timber is a popular choice of timber for interior furniture due to its stylish and rugged appearance. Unlike processed wood, it doesn’t have a smooth finish, instead a unique texture that gives it a ‘real’ and traditional feel – no two pieces of reclaimed wood are identical. The ageing feel and appearance of the wood can add a touch of history to your home, especially when combined with more modern furniture and objects.
Due to its history and past use, the timber is more than likely to have been exposed to hot and cold atmospheres and a wide range of elements for a significant period of time. As a result, it is fully dried out and has already performed all the expanding and contracting it is ever going to do, considerably reducing the risk of the wood splitting or warping in the future.
Its rich history also means that reclaimed timber is much denser than new wood, allowing it to offer high level of stability, durability and sturdiness.
Reclaimed timber brings a wealth of environmental benefits. In a world where natural resources are slowly decreasing, reclaimed timber prevents the need for further trees to be cut down.
Finding ways for wood to be reused that would otherwise be unnecessarily burnt or enter landfills is an effective and efficient way of reducing the carbon footprint.
