Salvaged older wood can add warmth and character to your home?if you know where to look for it.
By Tracy Turcott
", credit: "torres21/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/Ib/reclaimed-wood-01-0713-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/QS/reclaimed-wood-01-0713-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide2", url: "where-to-find-reclaimed-wood-2", slidetype: "image", title: "Retired Barns", description: "In some areas, abandoned barns are clearly visible from the roadside or on distant hills. Approach the property owner and inquire about what you need ? you may walk away with gorgeous weathered beams or siding for your renovation project. Beams can be scrubbed clean and then oiled for a warm patinated finish, or, if you prefer, you can create a smooth gloss finish after they have been replaned. Siding should be easy enough to remove, but avoid taking out beams by yourself. They could be structural, and you don\'t want the entire barn to come crashing down.", credit: "diveofficer/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/nS/reclaimed-wood-02-0713-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/2o/reclaimed-wood-02-0713-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide3", url: "where-to-find-reclaimed-wood-3", slidetype: "image", title: "Shipping Crates", description: "Many crates are made of beech, an excellent material for garden and yard projects. Shipping crates can be found at ports, where local companies often buy them to resell to consumers. Find out what\'s available, and ensure you\'ll be able to get the right quantity for your project. Be aware, though, that some of these crates may be chemically treated, so you\'ll need to ask for crates that have not been treated with potentially toxic chemicals and have not been used to ship chemically treated items.", credit: "r.nial.bradshaw/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/YY/reclaimed-wood-03-0713-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/R5/reclaimed-wood-03-0713-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide4", url: "where-to-find-reclaimed-wood-4", slidetype: "image", title: "Salvage Yards or Specialty Buyers", description: "A visit to a salvage yard could yield some beautiful weathered pieces?for example, fir wainscoting that can be reused for kitchen cabinets. You may want to investigate the quantity available for purchase first, then determine which project would best match that quantity. A single trip will often yield enough, but if you don\'t find something right away, keep your eye on the yard. A repeat visit might lead to that jackpot discovery. Hire a professional to refinish these pieces, as they have the tools and facilities necessary for safe removal of paint that may contain lead.", credit: "tracy the astonishing/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/4J/reclaimed-wood-04-0713-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/kt/reclaimed-wood-04-0713-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide5", url: "where-to-find-reclaimed-wood-5", slidetype: "image", title: "Boatyards", description: "As with shipping crates, some companies purchase ships and salvage the wood. Find a boatyard that has old fishing boats on hand. The reclaimed teak on most old boats has a unique, rustic character, especially if it originates from an old-growth forest. Teak is an excellent choice for furniture due to its elegance, durability, and inherent weather resistance.", credit: "geezaweezer/Flickr", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/GF/reclaimed-wood-05-0713-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/qM/reclaimed-wood-05-0713-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 } ] }; Wood details can give a house a welcoming ambience that can be lacking in new construction. Reclaimed or recycled lumber raises the bar on authenticity and preserves a bit of history, with beauty and character showing through every split, nail hole and smoothed-over repair. Salvaged pieces can be used in a variety of projects?think flooring, ceiling beams, and fireplace mantels, to name a few.
Using recycled product is environmentally friendly and, because it's dry and well-seasoned, old wood is by default stable and durable (it's already passed the test of time). Still, getting those perfect pieces involves more than a visit to the local lumberyard. Here are a few great spots to search.
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