Using reclaimed wood has become popular in recent years although the tradition of use actually extends back centuries. After all, reclaimed wood is simply wood that has been used for one purpose and is now being used for another. In effect, it’s pre-used or pre-owned wood.
You can use reclaimed wood for almost anything, from making furniture to hardwood floors. In fact, hardwood can be reclaimed to make new hardwood floors, such as this great parquet flooring Sydney.
There are several pros and cons to using reclaimed wood.
Let’s start with the cons:
Ease of Being Misled
Reclaimed wood is popular because it minimizes your impact on the environment. However, it is generally more expensive than fresh wood. This has prompted so dealers to sell ‘reclaimed wood’ which is actually fresh wood. It’s important to check the documentation before purchasing it.
Cost
Reclaimed wood is more expensive because old wood needs to be sorted and prepared before it can be processed into reclaimed pieces. This is more time consuming than simply chopping a tree down and slicing it for wood.
Chemicals
Old wood may have been treated with a variety of chemicals, some of which can be toxic. These remain in the reclaimed wood and mean that you could be introducing toxins into your home. As no one can be sure of the effects of these toxins it is possible you’re doing your body damage without knowing it.
Fortunately, there are several pros to using reclaimed wood:
The Environment
It can be hard to know how to do your bit to help the environment, using reclaimed wood is an easy way of helping to save the planet. Click here to know more about trees and wood.
Every time you purchase reclaimed wood you are reducing demand for new wood. This gradually stops the destruction of forests which has been linked with rising temperatures and global warming. The great thing is that you simply have to spend a little more money than normal and you’re doing your bit for the environment.
Stronger
You may be surprised to learn that reclaimed wood is generally stronger than new wood. This mainly due to the trees that were used in the past. They were often old-growth trees that are denser and stronger
The Look
Reclaimed wood is generally more weathered and has an attractive look compared to new wood. This can make a more distinctive and impressive piece of furniture or flooring. It’s desirable and environmentally friendly while looking stunning.
Tells A Story
Every piece of reclaimed wood has a story to tell because it was originally used for something else. Discovering its history and crafting its story is a great way to bring any reclaimed wood to life.
The bottom line is that reclaimed wood may cost a little more but the extra expense is worth it, providing you make sure the wood is genuinely reclaimed. Of course, the fact that you won’t have any guilt when using reclaimed wood does make it easier to enjoy it.
