As woodworking evolves, more wood alternatives can be found. Some of them are more expensive, such as exotic hardwoods; others are technological in nature, like bamboo plywood. And others follow the “reduce, reuse, and recycle” motto – it is becoming increasingly easier to find reclaimed barn wood lumber for sale.
In some aspects, working with reclaimed wood is just like working with fresher lumber. Each board also features a unique design and pattern. This color variety provides great opportunity for using barn wood lumber in flooring, kitchen counter tops, ceilings, and other decorative elements in your office or elsewhere in your home.
Since this lumber has already stood the test of time and fully dried out, you will be much less likely to be exposed to warping and twisting. Older-growth wood is also denser.
In general, using barn wood lumber for a project is quicker because you will not need to treat it with sealants or stains. If you do decide to stain it, on the other hand, the staining will highlight the lumber imperfections that make it unique, so it could be a good idea. Even the insect marks, surface checking, nail holes, and sun discoloration can tell a story.
If you plan on using it for flooring, you can prep it with sanding, and staining is optional. Wooden floors are good for people who suffer from allergies. They are also a good option if you have spinal and joints issues because they absorb part of the shock when you walk around your home.
Reclaimed wooden flooring is also a good option for radiant heat systems. A low-temperature heat gets distributed evenly throughout the floor. Each board gets exposed to the same heat amount and does not experience uneven drying. Radiant heating replicates the natural process where wood was exposed for years to a regular decrease and increase in air moisture and temperature. Since reclaimed wood has already been through this process naturally, the radiant heat system does not affect it.
Many of the boards come from lumber salvaged from dismantled old barns, structures, and buildings, and that is the origin of the name. Distressed and antique wood floors have beauty, stability and patina.
Using barn wood lumber for sale in your next project will also allow a greener build, since no new wood will be used. Sometimes recycled lumber costs a little more than new boards. This is due to the fact that there is a re-manufacturing and grading process. This process uses manual labor, which is why the lumber costs tend to be higher.
