Why Reclaimed Wood Constructions Should Be Used Today


By Nancy Gardner


Becoming ecofriendly extends to all aspects of our lives. From what we eat to how we live and where we live, there is something we can change to make it better for our world. Saving the earth is done little by little with each change.

Recycling is not a new thing. It has been promoted for years. In the housing industry, using reclaimed wood constructions is a way of reusing old material. Old lumber and steel from buildings that have closed down and have been demolished can be saved and given a new use.

To reuse something does not make it lesser quality. It is a way to have less waste. By using something you are extending its life. Less trees will be milled if we can use older lumber.

Older structures are torn down to make way for something modern. While designs may have changed, there is still the fact that older buildings had some very good quality materials. The kind of lumber found before is rare now. Its this sought after quality that make recycling to appealing. If it can pass the safety standards like not having lead and being structurally sound, there is absolutely a lot you can do even with fifty year old lumber planks. There is a long processing that takes place. Any metal and nails have to be removed. These older pieces can also be used for decorations if a vintage aesthetic is wanted.

Old water heaters and furnaces are some things that cant be used. Old lighting fixtures can be rewired and upgraded but there are some electric devices that are just not compatible in our current times. There is probably not as much use for older electronics because they do become obsolete and outdated.

You might think that using old material is more cost effective. That is not always the case. You may be able to source them from scrapyards and junk yards but it will require careful processing and prepping for it to be usable.

When you have a building project like this, you need to have a balance. Reuse what you can but also buy locally. It would be cheaper to buy new stuff locally than it would be to reuse an old item but have to transport it to your city. Looking for materials can be challenging. There may not be much choice or options to work with. It takes time to get enough to use.

To do something like this would require so much planning. All the labor may cost a lot. In some cases old materials cost even more that new ones. There are many things to consider as well like following the planning codes and safety guidelines.

It is important to be conscious of the impact we have on the world. Recycling and reusing will cause less pollution. That is something the whole world should strive for because the last thing we need is to add to the already full landfills.




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