The Joys Of Reclaimed Barn Wood

By Alyce Powell


If you are about to embark on a new project that requires wood, you could easily take a trip to your local home improvement store and go crazy buying brand new lumber. Another option is to use supplies that have already been used for another project or building, and recycle them by using them again. One example is reclaimed barn wood, which can be used for a wide variety of projects.

The use of items that have already been used once before is sometimes referred to as recycling, but in the case of something like wood, it could be referred to as upcycling. This is a relatively new term used for items or projects where used materials are reused and elevated from their former stature. Old barn lumber can be turned into a luxurious piece of furniture, for example.

Reclaiming materials may take a little bit of prior planning, but it is fairly simple to do with a little forethought. You must look for sources in your area where old buildings or structures that aren't being used are located. You may want to check your neighborhood, but don't be afraid to explore nearby cities, towns, or suburbs to see what they have to offer. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

It's important to note that you can get in trouble if the wood you are trying to take is on private property. Never take anything without making sure that the owner of the barn or structure is fine with you taking it. Don't get in trouble for trespassing on private property or other blunders when looking for used lumber.

A popular use of this type of wood is for crafts that can be done at home. Perhaps you want to turn one board into a shelf that you can mount to a wall rather than buying a new board. Maybe a few boards could be turned into a media holder for DVDs, Blu-rays, or even record albums if you still have some lying around.

Something else you can take on with wooden planks is to replace or upgrade the flooring in your home. Even if you already have tile or carpet, creating a new floor with reclaimed materials will make it look unique, which could up your overall property value. If you decide to sell the home later, this up in value could be a real boon to you.

Finally, furniture is a great way to use old boards that you may have picked up. Rocking chairs are really popular with kids and adults alike and can be made relatively easy with this type of material. Tables, from coffee to dining, can also be made, even if you have only basic woodworking skills. You could conceivably furnish and entire house from just one barn if you plan ahead and use up every scrap.

No matter what kind of project you wish to take on, reclaimed barn wood is a great material to use. It saves you money and has a distinctive look that will set your projects apart from others. It also helps you stay green by allowing you to reuse things that might have just been thrown away otherwise.




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