You wouldn’t think old barn wood would make for anything better than kindling, but you’ll be surprised to know it’s actually one of the most beneficial and trending materials in the creation of both homes and furniture. If you crave a rustic aesthetic featuring high-quality materials, we can’t help but extol the greatest benefits of reclaimed antique wood.
Refurbished and Unique
What really makes reclaimed barn wood stand out from others is that the wear and tear of time and different weather conditions gives reclaimed wood a completely unique appearance. Knots and weathering create a nostalgic and rustic aesthetic within your home, but the materials are notable stronger and more durable than other types of wood thanks to careful refurbishing. For example, a craftsperson will hand-hew reclaimed wooden beams with meticulous care to ensure the wood is in great condition by the time it reaches the market.
Antique Wood Advantages
While you might expect reclaimed wood to be expensive because it’s unique and handcrafted, such woods hail from an era where lumber was the backbone of construction thanks to its abundance, strength, and inexpensive costs. As such, reclaimed lumber suppliers can gather an abundance of antique wood and sell it in bulk, even though this unique brand of wood is impossible to manufacture synthetically.
Reclaimed wood’s scarcity will naturally add value to your home wherever you use it, but you shouldn’t think it is lesser in physical qualities because of its age. As mentioned, reclaimed wood is very strong and durable because it started off as what’s known as “virgin” lumber. This lumber originated from forests that had not previously been harvested, so the trees had adequate time to grow and reinforce themselves. Replanted trees meant for harvesting don’t have nearly the same amount of time to grow and become strong as virgin lumber.
Positive Environmental Impact
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of reclaimed antique wood is that it leaves a positive impact on the environment. Naturally, reclaimed lumber is a form of recycling, re-using lumber from barns and other old, unused buildings rather than cutting down new trees. It also ensures that this wood doesn’t end up in landfills and ultimately preserves natural resources. Plus, craftspeople often refurbish reclaimed wood by hand, meaning a lesser consumption of electricity and other resources.