Tips When Using Reclaimed Lumber
Using reclaimed lumber as an accent in a room has been a very popular design idea for a few years now. There is nothing like having authentic aging and wear to give a great look and feel. But be sure you have thought about the “roughness” of the particular product you are ordering as part of your design aesthetic. When it comes to incorporating reclaimed wood into your design there is a big differential between a rustic country feel and an urban industrial look. Here are just a few tips when thinking about working with reclaimed wood.
Dirty isn’t good. You want it to look worn, not dirty. Make sure you clean the wood properly. Using a nylon brush to rub the wood down will loosen or get rid of anything. Some have even suggested using an air hose - any compressed air will do. But be very careful if you decide to use a pressure washer that can actually cause some damage or discolor your wood.
Inspect your piece of wood for any remaining nails or metal. You will want to definitely do this if you’re cutting the wood as you don’t want the metal to damage your saw.
BUGS. Yep, inspect the wood for bugs. Especially if you’re using barn wood. You may even want to ask your source of the wood if it’s been treated, like kiln drying that automatically will kill any bugs.
It may not be perfect - but that’s the point! You will find a lot of reclaimed wood will be warped and damaged. Imperfections can be turned into perfection when done properly. If you’re a little more decisive (a nice way to say picky) then consider ordering extra product so you can be a little more selective during installation. Keep in mind there are a ton of ways to use any leftovers.
Depending on your source, (check out my blog on my local reclaimed wood resource) they may offer specialty milling on their reclaimed wood product offerings. This means they may have the capability to run the planks though special machinery, like a planer which can give the planks a more consistent thickness or a router which can add a specific edge detail like to tongue and groove or ship lap. This will add to to cost but give you a more refined aesthetic.
Maintenance is important to consider, as well. Depending how rustic you want your space to feel you may want to add a water-based polyurethane to your wood to smooth out the surface and help keep it cleaner. Or, if you are going natural a good vacuuming - just like draperies, will help keep the dust from building up.
Consider alternative products that can have a similar effect but easier installation. Most reclaimed wood lumber is best installed with a 1/4” plywood backer. But there are many quality peel-and-stick veneer planks which are easier to install and maintain.
As with any design element you choose to add to your space, be sure to carefully consider the impact on your overall design. Don’t just use it because it’s the latest fad. It takes time, effort and money to add this to your plan so make sure you can live this for a long time to come
Title Reclaimed Wood Art: Photo by Statusdog
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