Reclaimed wood has never been more trendy. More and more architects and homeowners are looking to add an extra touch of character in the design of their new properties.
We can’t be judge and party because we are specialized in producing FSC recycled flooring and decking but still, we share with you what our customers have told us. We have also added some market insights.
The truth:
Yes, reclaimed wood costs more per square meter than virgin wood because of the process it undergoes. Indeed,it is necessary to put in perspective the additional work required to make the wood safe for machines and, ultimately, you!
Thus, all nails and other rusty parts need to be removed. All holes are to be filled and every plank worked through both machinery and manual process to give old beams a new life.
Nails removal is quite a task!
Strength is key.
In many cases, reclaimed wood has experienced life and, as humans,gained strengths in withstanding the adverse effects of life. Salvaged wood had a long story beforehand that tested all its strengths. You can trust that your grandchildren will inherit the outcome, be it furniture, wall cladding or flooring!
This is particularly true for rare exotic essences such as Ironwood, After a first life as a house, a bridge or a pier, it will never get stronger than in your home!
The Sustainability Cost:
New wood can be a more affordable option than old one, but as more and more buyers are taking into consideration the environmental cost of what they buy, old wood is definitely a cheaper option. Indeed, what is the price of oxygen produced by our forests? Priceless of course. Reusing wood that has been logged years ago helps in preventing further deforestation.
Soaring prices of new wood!
Lumber cost has skyrocketed in recent months and, as a result, new hardwood can be more expensive than recycled one. As CNBC stated, “Lumber prices seem to set a new record almost dail now up 67% this year and up 340% from a year ago”. Incidentally, reclaimed wood became way more competitive.
Image from Virtual Capitalist
In the end, choosing reclaimed wood is both a matter of focusing on the bigger picture of its long-lasting properties and the benefits for the environment. All of which while to be added to the inner beauty and the story behind every piece of wood.