Reclaimed wood is any wood that has been previously used and then repurposed.
This type of material has had a recent surge in popularity and is being used in everything from flooring to furniture. It’s often used in current design trends, such as farmhouse style, that blend old and new to create a look that is rustic yet chic.Reclaimed wood adds textural contrast while staying fairly neutral in color. It often contains a wood species mix of chestnut, oak, hickory, poplar, and pine timber. The depth and warmth of a wood look can be either an accent or the main focus of the room. The more wood that is used, the more rustic your project will appear.
Salvaged wood can actually come with a big price tag. In this article, we discuss ways to find the building material for less money, and what material you can use instead to get the look of reclaimed wood.
Where Do You Get Affordable Reclaimed Wood?
- Craigslist
- eBay
- Home Improvement Stores
- Demolition Sites
It all depends on the quantity and quality of the wood you’re looking for. Below are 4 sources to start your search and potentially score a deal for the perfect reclaimed wood for your project.
Craigslist
Craigslist is a treasure hunt for pretty much anything, and reclaimed wood is no exception. Once on your city's Craigslist page, click on "Materials" located under the "For Sale" section. Type in "reclaimed wood" to find postings where you can find items like reclaimed barn wood, paneling, wood planks or beams to purchase from local sellers.
eBay
eBay has over 1200 listings for reclaimed lumber at the time of writing this article. Not only do many of the listings offer free shipping, but some also have a “best offer” option, so you may be able to bargain your way to a better deal.
Home Improvement Stores
Retailers such as Home Depot and Lowes have a section specifically for reclaimed wood. An associate will even cut the wood for you at no additional charge.
Demolition Sites
This is a perfect example of one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If there is an old building that is going to be demolished in your region, it is worth reaching out to the owner of the property. Ask if you can take the reclaimed material off their hands once the demolition is complete. You would actually help them avoid disposal costs by hauling away the used lumber. You can also try this approach with remodeling contractors.
If you already have your wood and aren’t sure what to do with it, check out these reclaimed wood home design examples for inspiration.
The Benefits Of Reclaimed Wood
- Environmentally friendly
- Has character
- Stronger wood
Reclaimed Wood Is Environmentally Friendly
Using reclaimed wood means reduces the demand to cut down more trees for new lumber. This has positive benefits for wildfire and the environment as it reduces landfill waste.
The Charming Character Of Reclaimed Wood Is Unique
Reclaimed wood products are popular for their charming aesthetic that is unique to each piece as no two pieces of reclaimed timber look exactly the same.
Reclaimed Wood Is Stronger Than New Wood
Old reclaimed wood is stronger than newly harvested virgin wood because it has been exposed to the harsh elements already. The longer a tree grows, the stronger it is. Reclaimed wood may likely have been from a tree that grew for many years before being turned into lumber. New lumber today comes from farms that exist to quickly grow trees for lumber which results in wood that is not as strong and durable.
How Much Does Reclaimed Wood Cost?
The average cost of reclaimed wood is $10- $12 per square foot but could be as much as $20 per square foot. Reclaimed wood surprisingly costs more than new lumber. This may seem odd since a main reason people usually buy anything used is to save money. The lumber can be more expensive because of the process of reclaiming it from its original use.
Another reason why used lumber is priced higher than new lumber is that reclaimed wood is stronger than new wood. The older wood was able to grow to maturity, as opposed to new wood of today that is farmed for timber and cut down as soon as it’s big enough. As a result, the newer wood is softer, weaker, and not as durable as reclaimed wood.
Why Is Reclaimed Wood So Expensive To Buy?
Reclaimed wood is in limited supply as there's only so much old wood in circulation and it cannot be mass produced. At the same time, a hot construction market is causing demand for quality reclaimed wood to continue to rise, especially after the lumber shortage of 2021.
Metal Siding That Looks Like Distressed Wood
Imagine if there was a cost-effective way to get the rustic look of old lumber without having to actually do any maintenance to wood. Luckily, there is!
T-8 Plankwall® is a metal siding that is designed to look like old reclaimed wood. It arrives ready - meaning no maintenance like cutting, staining, or painting is required.
T-8 Plankwall® generally costs between $8-$11 per square foot.
The panels are produced with 24-gauge metal and can be installed vertically or horizontally. Designed with four distressed wood patterns, each grain pattern replicates wood lines from different wood types. The concealed fastener panels are 1 inch high, 8 inches wide and 1 foot to 45 feet long.
T-8 Plankwall® arrives ready to be installed as soon as it’s delivered. This saves you from the potential hassles of working with real wood.
Using metal panels will eliminate having to worry about:
- Wood warping
- Cuts
- Potential chemicals that were previously used on the wood
- Undesirable finishes
- The higher price of reclaimed wood
- Bringing insects into your home
- Rotting
Metal panels are waterproof and will not absorb moisture and rot like real wood. There are no inconsistencies or bending in a metal finish like wood warping. There’s also no need to worry about termites, as they cannot penetrate the metal of T-8 Plankwall®.
An additional benefit of metal is that, while reclaimed wood has no guarantees on its lifespan, T-8 Plankwall® comes with a 40 year limited paint warranty.
An Affordable Reclaimed Wood Alternative
There are many benefits to metal panels that mimic wood, but the biggest reason comes down to affordability and availability. Still, some may still choose to work with real lumber for its uniqueness and character. While T-8 Plankwall® includes four different patterns, there are no two pieces of reclaimed wood that look alike. It all depends on the aesthetic you are looking to achieve.
For more information on metal panels that look like wood, download the brochure for T-8 Plankwall® or check out the different color patterns that are included in this wood alternative wall and soffit system.
