Reclaimed wood features a weathered, natural appearance and a luxurious patina that modern finishing techniques aren't able to replicate. Primarily taken from structures that were built out of the dense hardwood of old growth timber during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this extremely durable and beautiful wood stands to last for hundreds of more years. Buildings such as old barns that contain abundant usable wood are being taken down in all parts of the country as their foundations crumble into dust, but they still contain plenty of strong, usable wood. Following are just seven of the many ways the wood can be used.
Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets fashioned from reclaimed wood add a warm, rustic accent to any kitchen. Because reclaimed wood makes interior spaces more warm and inviting, it's particularly appropriative for use in the kitchen. You can round out the country charm ambiance the cabinets provide by framing kitchen windows in reclaimed wood and embellishing them with colorful cotton curtains. If it's an eat-in kitchen, a small dining table made from old, perfectly seasoned wood covered with a sheer lace tablecloth and decorated with a bouquet of wildflowers provides the ultimate in farmhouse-inspired romance.
Headboards
Crafting a headboard is a simple do-it-yourself project that's excellent for those just beginning their journey with cultivating a more personalized approach to their home decor. Choose boards of differing painted colors for a patchwork quilt look, or opt for unpainted wood that's been sanded down and re-stained to complement a more understated decorating scheme. One particularly attractive look when using unpainted repurposed wood is to choose planks of varying natural hues. Variation among shades of wood is so great that the effect can be as dramatic or as subtle as you like. For instance, use everything from mahogany to maple if you want serious contrasts, or use only wood from the same species for a softly understated effect.
Windowsills and Trim
If you like the idea of using reclaimed wood to provide secondary accents rather than act as the primary star of your show, using it for windowsills and trim accomplishes this in an extremely attractive fashion. For instance, frame formal living room spaces with an air of old-school grandeur by using unpainted repurposed wood to provide the accent for well-kept antique furnishings, fine artwork, and luxurious rugs. Using reclaimed wood on exterior window frames extends the country cottage look to your home exterior.
Tables
Like headboards, tables are another easy project that most people new to do-it-yourself techniques and practices can quickly pick up on. Starting with an outdoor patio table is a great way for both adults and older children to learn basic carpentry skills that provide the foundation for progressing to larger and more complex projects such as rocking chairs, hutches, dressers, and sideboards. Making a table as a family project can generally be accomplished during the course of a rainy afternoon.
Walls
A well-put-together salvaged wood wall serves as a piece of art in its own right. Homeowners often choose to use reclaimed wood in all four walls, while others prefer to create a statement wall. Those opting for a statement wall should choose the wall that best serves as the focal point of the room for optimal effect. Another good look is to use reclaimed wood on three walls and cover the fourth in wallpaper featuring an old-fashioned design such as overblown cabbage roses or seascape-inspired blue stripes.
Flooring
Few things complement home decor better than lovely flooring made from fine old heartwood planks. This is a particularly enchanting look in rooms with fireplaces and other traditional features, but it can also work in ultra modern settings. It's appropriate for use in any room of the house.
Outdoor Decking
Repurposed wood makes attractive and functional outdoor decking that will last decades longer than its counterpart made from recently milled wood. Its superior density makes it very difficult to scratch or dent, making it a good choice to use for decks receiving heavy use, such as those attached to homes containing active children and pets. Decks built with repurposed wood make lovely outdoor entertaining spaces because of the wood's patina and character. However, unless you've got significant construction experience, this is one project best left to the professionals.
If do-it-yourself projects of any kind aren't for you, you can still enjoy the beauty and durability of old growth heartwood inside or outside your home. Please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience to find out more.
Comments