These days, you can find just about any DIY project on the internet. Some of them are good, some of them are a lot more work than it’s worth, and some of them add a lot of value and character to your home. One of our favorite materials to work with is reclaimed wood. It lends charm and warmth and an instant homey feeling to any space. Reclaimed wood is also environmentally friendly. It is good for the ecosystem and gives new life to something that would otherwise be destroyed or let decompose. Here are a few things to consider and know when working with reclaimed wood!
Where to Get it
Reclaimed wood can definitely get expensive. Especially when you are talking about antique wood or wood that has historical ties. But if you aren’t in a hurry and have the time to shop around, you can always find deals. Salvage stores can be an incredible resource as they are often run by historical societies or environmental groups who are looking to re-purpose and re-use in the name of reducing our footprint. Craigslist can also be a valuable resource as people are doing their own demo and will charge you little to nothing to haul away what they consider to be garbage. You can also get in with local contractors and builders and see if they are willing to point you in the right direction.
How to Work With it
Reclaimed wood is often dirty, but nothings that a good, stiff, nylon brush can’t handle. Make sure to wear safety goggles and a respirator. Some people like to hit it with a power washer, just be sure to test a small portion to make sure that it won’t cause damage. After it is clean, give each board a good visual inspection to make sure that you’ve removed any nails that may have been left behind. While you’re at it, make sure to check for any bugs or pests. Pallet wood shouldn’t have any issues, unlike barn wood, but it’s always a good idea to inspect all of your wood. Some places will kiln dry your wood before selling it, and this will take care of any bugs, but if you find that you do have and issue, you can hit it with your own insecticide. In the same vein, often times, reclaimed wood will be warped, scarred, or crooked. You have two options. You can either leave it the way it is, preserving the beauty and originality of it. Or you have the option of running through the paces of making it even and square. Be forewarned, this can prove to be a long and tedious process. So if it is possible, look for wood that is not warped and in better condition.
All in all, have fun with it! Working with a new product, whether it is actually new or just new to you, is sure to be a pleasure. Take the time to do the job right, ask for help should you need it. And in the end, take pride in the fact that you have created something beautiful out of something that most people overlook and consider to be trash. Happy DIYing!
