Wood is reclaimed primarily by salvaging or repurposing it from its original use.
What is Reclaimed Wood?
Essentially, reclaimed wood refers to wood that has been salvaged or repurposed in various ways. Instead of being discarded, this wood is given a new life for different applications, reducing waste and utilizing existing resources.
Primary Sources of Reclaimed Wood
A significant source for reclaimed wood comes from older structures. This includes:
- Vintage buildings
- Old structures such as barns, factories, warehouses, and bridges.
The Process of Reclaiming Wood
The process involves accessing the wood from these sources. According to the reference, this often happens through the ethical dismantling of old structures. Instead of demolition, which can damage materials, careful dismantling allows valuable wood to be salvaged piece by piece. This meticulous approach ensures the wood is preserved and ready for its next use.
Why is Reclaimed Wood Sought After?
Wood salvaged from old buildings is highly valued for several reasons. One key factor, as mentioned in the reference, is that this process provides access to highly sought-after old-growth wood. This type of wood often possesses unique character, density, and stability that are difficult to find in newly harvested timber.