As the world is facing a shortage of many resource and that, in the meantime, we are using more and more of them, we need to rethink our ways to consume in general, and to build in particular. This is where “reclaimed wood” comes in.
This is no news to anyone that deforestation is threatening our very existence in regards to climate change of course, but also in terms of health threatening diseases.
Palm oil plantations, a major cause for deforestation.
Among various actions the world is committing to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, the Circular Economy movement is growing rapidly.
Part of this circular economy effort involves reusing old wood. Indeed, wood was practically the only construction material prior to the masonry-buildings era, so its history is very, very rich!
So why specifically using reclaimed wood? We give you 8 reasons!
1. “Recycling” is on every responsible consumer’s lips. Indeed, it is time to use reclaimed barn wood to be contributing in preserving the forest, and using the resources responsibly.
2. Reusing barn wood takes minimal toll on the environment (level “0” doesn’t exist, mind you).
Old ironwood barn being dismantled in Kalimantan, Indonesia
3. It would take more energy to process new lumber as compared to reclaimed barn wood for a project.
4. Because today’s contemporary designs often use shorter plank lengths because commercially grown ones are practically long enough to obtain their optimised sizes as soon as possible, which results in shorter lengths.. Basically, utilising reclaimed wood gives you the freedom to have longer planks of wood in terms of cut, making it ideal for bigger projects.
5. Every element of reclaimed wood is different. So, you can be able to come up with an extraordinary design and pattern. This scheme in colour and patterning makes it ideal for flooring, ceiling, countertops and a lot more decorative elements such as accent walls in office or home.
Stunning flooring!
6. Reclaimed wood is more durable because it is fully dried out. Therefore, it can stand the test of time way better than new lumber.
7. Reclaimed wood is oftentimes regarded as “story wood” or “historical wood” because each piece tells a story. When you buy reclaimed wood, you have to make sure to ask about the wood’s history. After all, there is something extraordinarily special in terms of acquiring a piece of history and to tell its tale to your visitors!
“My flooring was this bridge in Indonesia!”
8. When it is used for a project, where it will not be stepped on, there is no need to treat it using stains or sealants. Thus, it is faster to install. When using reclaimed wood for flooring, it can be prepared with minimal sanding, and staining is only an option.
There are a lot of sources of reclaimed wood, but not all of them are equally good of course. References from around you will always be the best. And of course, Kaltimber is among the world's best recommended in its own category: Kalimantan FSC reclaimed ironwood.
But regardless of where you acquire, you are guaranteed to be overly satisfied with the finished project.
So, do you have anything in mind? Start now!