Sourcing Reclaimed Wood
by Suzanne M. Harvey
Several of my projects for our new home involve reclaimed wood. This is a hot trend and for good reasons – it is beautiful, unique & a great way to use existing resources. Plus I love elements in a home that have a previous story (even if I have to make it up ;). But where do you get it? Here are my tips on sourcing reclaimed wood so that you get good product from a reliable source.
Go Local
To begin check your local area for sources. I am a big fan of shopping locally – for so many reasons. I headed to the internet to see where I could make a purchase locally and found two places. YAY! I contacted both and made an appointment to visit them. Don’t worry if you can’t find a local supplier, reclaimed wood is available online. Just make sure to do your homework and ask for samples.
Make a Visit
You need to show up and check out their inventory. This will help you get an idea of what they have available and will also help you learn about their process. Make sure to ask where they are getting the material. If you are in the mid-west or east coast there are a multitude of old homes and barns that are being de-constructed to save the wood. The farther west you are you will find fewer local sources or they will be getting material from the east.
Check the Price
Pricing is always important but it can never be the only factor is making your choice. While I absolutely believe “you get what you pay for”, the most expensive is not always the best choice either. I usually end up in the mid-range for pricing. It gives you the balance between price and quality. At the end of the day – do your homework. Check out the company, talk with the sales people, check out the product & the price in order to make the best decision for you and your project.
Do a Gut Check
The final decision for me most often comes down to a gut feeling. I really do tend to buy from a company that I like. If the people are helpful, if they respond in a timely manner that goes a long way with me. So now all I have to do is choose which wood I want…for my projects it is a brown gray barn siding.
Sourcing reclaimed wood takes a bit of time and effort but is well worth the finished product. I can’t wait to share my finished projects with you. If you need ideas for projects to incorporate in your home check out Barn Wood Inspirations. I look forward to seeing what you do with reclaimed wood in your homes.
Make sure to share your ideas and projects!