Using reclaimed wood is a great alternative to newer wood for lots of reasons.
Mainly because it looks so great. But if you're reading this, you may know that already.
It's been recovered from some other purpose it once served and may have been a barn, a building, a home or a cabin; a mill, a factory, and even in some cases discarded shipping pallets.
But that's another story ....
Since it's been a very long time since it was first harvested, it's very stable;
Since no trees have been cut to acquire it, it's environmentally friendly;
Since it's aged & developed surface character, it looks great and provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere;
Since it's an appreciating commodity and highly sought after, it's a profitable investment!
But the reason you may not hear much about, which is likely most important,
is that using reclaimed wood in your home or business is likely to give you a great sense of pride.
Actually experiencing reclaimed wood as a floor, or a door, beams over your head, or mantels under your entertainment center, often instills it's owners with a sense of gratification that few other purchases can.
The nature of reclaimed wood lends itself easily to a one-of-a-kind product for each and every customer, and the products created, often from the last-of-it’s-kind wood.
Stability and Durability
Reclaimed wood is stronger and more resistant to climate than new wood.
Much of the wood we use for our reclaimed products originally came from old growth trees in virgin growth forests. But by the early 1920's, most of the old growth trees had been cut to provide for the industrial revolution and expansion, which are now being reclaimed today.
Fresh timber cut from newer generation trees is simply not as strong or durable as that which came from old growth forests where trees had grown slowly for hundreds of years.
Old-growth trees were allowed to mature naturally and slowly, making their fibers significantly more dense, and resulting in an overall stronger wood.
Since reclaimed wood has endured decades of exposure to heat and cold, it's gone through many cycles of expansion and contraction, which strengthen and cause it to be more "stable." This means the wood is less prone to warping and a lot less likely to split.
When exploring options for permanent interior fixtures such as flooring, beams, stairs, and siding, this is an important consideration.
One-of-a-Kind Beauty
Centuries old wood has an almost magical quality to it, as though history is embedded in it.
Much of the wood we use for our reclaimed wood products were harvested prior to 1910.
This is what we define as “antique.” Antique wood has an aged, intricate grain and character that can't be replicated.
Unlike new age trees, the trees antique wood is cut from were allowed to grow much slower. Because of this, the rings in reclaimed wood are significantly closer together which affects the look of wood grain as well as its strength.
Whether it’s floors, beams, mantels or trim, we insure your reclaimed wood product to be a one-of-a-kind addition to your home.
Sustainability and Supporting Local
It's no secret that the rapid depletion of natural resources on Earth is a pressing issue.
When you use reclaimed wood products in your home you're giving life to an irreplaceable resource that might have otherwise been destroyed.
Reusing these materials prevents the cutting down of precious living trees.
The harvesting of new wood involves the felling, transporting, and processing of younger trees, which has a massive negative impact on the environment.
Each time you use reclaimed wood for your project, you're helping reduce this impact.
When you choose Whole Log Reclaimed for your reclaimed wood project, you're not only choosing sustainability, you're supporting your local community. We rely on the best local builders, designers and architects to ensure both a superior product, and an exceptional customer experience from start to finish.
Investment Value
Hardwood flooring adds tremendous value to a home. This can be said even more so for reclaimed wood flooring, as it displays unmatched quality, versatility, and only becomes more valuable over time.
- Versatility: Reclaimed wood in a home is a sign of quality and matches just about any choice of decor. If you ever decide to sell your home, this will give valuable assurances to prospective buyers.
- Appreciation: The sustainability and unique quality of reclaimed wood is making it an increasingly popular choice of material for people today. As demand continues to grow in the coming years, and supply dwindles, its value will naturally increase.
Why Not Use Reclaimed Wood?
While the upfront cost of reclaimed wood products may be higher than the cost of newer wood products, the quality and value make it a better choice of investment overall.
Whole Log Reclaimed is committed to providing custom, high quality reclaimed wood products, and remarkable customer experiences to boot!
If you have any hesitations, you can be assured that our team is composed of the most knowledgeable, and reliable, reclaimed wood experts you will find. In addition, we can help direct you to whom to use for installation of your product, as we only work with the best of the best.
If you're considering using reclaimed wood in your next home or commercial improvement project, give us a call today.