Reclaimed wood is widely recognized as the most climate-friendly wood source. This historic material continues to store carbon from its original harvest and reduces the emissions associated with timber harvesting. Reclaimed wood’s low need for processing also helps reduce emissions from product manufacturing.
In our thirty years of experience, we’ve salvaged millions of board feet from historical buildings, factories, and barns – preserving the history of these materials, diverting them from the waste stream, and reducing pressure on commercial forests.
What Historic Buildings Can Teach Us About Local Sourcing
When our teams head out to survey a barn, they look at the trees as they approach the property – typically, these are the species the farmer would have used to build the barn.
For most of history, buildings were constructed in a similar fashion, from the materials close at hand. Only in the last century did structures begin to lose connection to local and regional resources. Since wood is the second-largest component of the construction & demolition waste stream, we see a responsibility to continue this tradition by salvaging these quality materials and extending their life and benefits.
Carbon Storage and Climate Benefits of Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood stores carbon that was absorbed for decades—sometimes centuries—ago. By diverting wood from landfills and reducing the need for new timber harvesting, this material plays a critical role in lowering the embodied carbon of today’s buildings.
Reclaimed Wood and Lumber Quality
Since reclaimed wood was originally harvested from forests that had grown for hundreds of years, it offers greater strength and stability than lumber from modern commercial forests. Old-growth wood has almost ten times the number of growth rings per inch as new lumber, making it denser and more resistant to rot and decay.
Reclaimed Wood Isn’t Just Barn Wood
Reclaimed wood offers far more than a traditional rustic aesthetic. Through our experienced methods of sorting, remanufacturing, and refinishing, we provide a wide range of finishes — from dramatic, rustic textures to smooth, refined tones and subtle character.
Design Inspiration from Past and Present
Reclaimed wood bridges history and innovation. Explore our product pages to see how it brings warmth, story, and character to both modern and traditional designs.
