What Is Reclaimed Lumber?

Reclaimed lumber is lumber that has been previously used. Originally the wood may have come from a barn, a barrel or wood from an old factory. Reclaimed lumber is typically used for decoration, building structures, cabinetry, flooring and furniture. Reclaimed lumber has been popular recently due to the "green" movement.

Durability of reclaimed lumber

Reclaimed lumber has been exposed to the elements such as heat, cold and humidity over time and has not broken down. In most cases it as strong and as durable as it was when it was produced. In fact, many companies who well reclaimed lumber claim that it is stronger than the new lumber that is produced today, since it has already been through the weathering cycle.

Pricing of reclaimed lumber

Depending on the type of wood, dimensions, length, condition and grade, reclaimed lumber pricing can range from $.85 per foot to $4 a foot. Douglas-fir timber tends to be the least expensive type of lumber available, whereas Western Red Cedar pricing is often times double and triple the price of Douglas-fir timber. Reclaimed lumber can be found online or at local lumberyards.

Reclaimed lumber to help the environment

It is possible that billions of feet of lumber goes into our landfills every year. Often times these pieces of lumber are more than a century in age. Reusing lumber can help save the environment and add a piece of history to any building project. Additionally, you will help to save trees when you use reclaimed lumber for your projects. Producing lumber at mills also pollutes our environment; therefore, using reclaimed lumber eliminates toxins in the environment when less new lumber is produced.