Guides
Reclaimed wood furniture is made from timber that has been used before. This includes old roof beams, joists and floorboards, but timber can also come from more unusual sources; some of our pieces are made from discarded fishing boat timbers, or old broken down fortress doors.
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All wood has natural characteristics that make it such a beautiful material to build furniture with. However, the surface of reclaimed wood is naturally aged and weather for a totally unique texture that cannot be duplicated on new wood.
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There are many reasons why people are choosing reclaimed wood furniture over new. From ethical factors to style, here are just a few:
Finding the perfect piece of reclaimed furniture for your home can take time; you need to think about what colour and finish you want and make sure it will work with your space. Here are a few things to consider before you make your decision.
Due to their worn and weathered nature, reclaimed materials can be vunerable to elements such as strong sunlight and heat, so it is important to take good care of your reclaimed furniture.
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A Guide to Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Words by Michaela Quinn
February 01, 2020
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5m
With a growing demand for unique and high quality home décor, reclaimed wood furniture has never been more popular. Reclaimed furniture gives old and unwanted materials a new lease of life, so each piece is individual and will add a touch of timeless character to your home. It’s also a sustainable choice for those who want to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on style.
Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly source of furniture or you just love the warm and rustic look of recycled wood, buying reclaimed furniture should be an informed decision. If you’re thinking about investing in a reclaimed dining table, desk or bed frame, our guide to reclaimed wood furniture will help you with your decision.
What is Reclaimed Wood Furniture?
Reclaimed wood furniture is made from timber that has been used before. This includes old roof beams, joists and floorboards, but timber can also come from more unusual sources; some of our pieces are made from discarded fishing boat timbers, or old broken down fortress doors.
Recycling wood in this way reduces the amount of trees cut down and is a great way to recycle unwanted materials.
Reclaimed wood is extremely versatile and can be made into many kinds of furniture, including dining tables, sideboards, bed frames and wardrobes.
Features of Reclaimed Wood
All wood has natural characteristics that make it such a beautiful material to build furniture with. However, the surface of reclaimed wood is naturally aged and weather for a totally unique texture that cannot be duplicated on new wood.
The nature of reclaimed wood means pieces can have a few ‘imperfections’ such as an uneven surfaces and marks. These features should be appreciated as they add to the unique and authentic character of reclaimed wood furniture.
Here are some of the natural features to look out for in reclaimed wood furniture:
Variations
Reclaimed wood is salvaged from a range of sources with different natural features. This often results in variations shading and grain between different pieces and within the same product, which means that each piece is one-of-a-kind.
Knots
Knots occur naturally in all real wood furniture and are an interesting feature of reclaimed wood. They add character and do not affect performance.
Nail holes
Reclaimed wood often features small holes where old nails have been removed. This helps to give reclaimed furniture its aged look.
Why Choose Reclaimed Wood Furniture?
There are many reasons why people are choosing reclaimed wood furniture over new. From ethical factors to style, here are just a few:
Environmentally Friendly
One of the biggest advantages of reclaimed wood is its environmental benefits. Not only does it reduce the amount of trees used for furniture production, but the timber used may otherwise have been burned or put into land-fill.
Strong & Durable
Reclaimed wood has been seasoned over many years; in some cases centuries. This makes it much denser and stronger that new wood. While this makes it harder to work with, the finished piece of furniture is robust and durable.
Lots of Character
Signs of a previous life give reclaimed wood a certain charm that you can’t get from new timber. The unique look of old wood, whether it’s a beautiful grain pattern or old nail holes, will bring bags of character into your home. What’s more, each piece has its own history and story of where it came from.
On Trend
Reclaimed wood furniture has grown in popularity over the past few years to become a huge trend in furniture. A reclaimed table or chest of drawers will add a statement look to a room and contrasts beautifully with modern decor.
Key Things to Consider when Buying Reclaimed Furniture
Finding the perfect piece of reclaimed furniture for your home can take time; you need to think about what colour and finish you want and make sure it will work with your space. Here are a few things to consider before you make your decision.
Choose the Right Style
Reclaimed furniture adds a unique, lived-in vibe to a room, but it’s important to choose the right style to suit your interior. From classic to contemporary, there are many different looks available. For example, reclaimed pine or elm combined with metal has a rustic, urban vibe that makes a perfect addition to an industrial-inspired interior. On the other hand, reclaimed wood with a white painted finish will add a shabby chic look to a country cottage style interior. Take your time to consider what style you’re looking for.
Measure your space
Reclaimed wood furniture is often hand-crafted and unique, so doesn’t always come in standard sizes. It may sound obvious, but once you’ve found the perfect reclaimed dining table, sideboard or chest of drawers, it’s important to measure your space to make sure it will fit. When measuring, always check twice and leave a few inches spare on every side to be safe. It is also a good idea to check that the item will fit through your doorways.
How to Care for Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Due to their worn and weathered nature, reclaimed materials can be vunerable to elements such as strong sunlight and heat, so it is important to take good care of your reclaimed furniture.
Here are a few tips on aftercare and how to keep reclaimed wood furniture looking great.
Sunlight and heat
Heat can cause reclaimed wood to crack, so avoid placing furniture directly in front of a radiator or heater. Hot dishes and cups can have the same effect, so always use a coaster or mat on reclaimed tables to avoid cracks, burns or ringmarks.
Sunlight can change the colour of wood, so it is also recommended to place reclaimed furniture out of direct sunlight such as a window or conservatory.
Spillages
While spillages can’t always be avoided, it is advised that any liquids are cleaned up immediately with a cloth to avoid staining.
Cleaning
Keep your reclaimed furniture looking good by regularly dusting it with a soft cloth. Beeswax polish can be used to enhance the appearance of your furniture, but silicone-based polishes should be avoided as they can lead to a build up.
General care
Take care when moving your reclaimed furniture – avoid dragging pieces and always lift to prevent damage to the joints. Be careful not to drop furniture when moving it from one place to another.
Sharp objects such as buckles, heels and keys could scratch reclaimed wood, so try to keep them away from your furniture.
If your reclaimed furniture does become damaged, seek professional help to restore it.
Reclaimed Wood Details
So there you have it, our guide to reclaimed wood furniture. Did you know that Barker and Stonehouse are the UK's largest supplier of reclaimed furniture and that nearly 20% off our dining and bedroom ranges are made from reclaimed materials? If unique and eco-friendly style is what you're looking for, shop our range of reclaimed furniture online.
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