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Using Reclaimed Wood: Pros & Cons

Using Reclaimed Wood: Pros & Cons

Rustic Refresh | Nederland, CO

The concept of “reduce, reuse, and recycle” is more popular than ever. Reclaiming wood is also gaining popularity in the name of reducing materials and costs when redesigning your home. Installing used wood is not entirely a new idea; it has been in existence since the 1970s and 80s. While the purpose of reusing wood is genuine and eco-friendly, in what situations are they the best fit? In the following section, we will provide you with the pros and cons of fitting reclaimed wood into your kitchen.

Pros

If you are looking to give a traditional look to your kitchen, reused wood is sure to fit the bill. Non-reclaimed wood boasts an appearance that is smooth and shiny. To achieve a more rugged look, you would have to paint or polish it regularly, thus increasing its artificiality. Reclaimed wood performs as the pioneer natural recourse if you want to give your kitchen a traditional, natural feel.

When you are constructing or rebuilding a portion of your house, the plan is to create beautiful and timeless designs. Reclaimed wood is more durable and sustainable in the long term, thus justifying each penny spent on procuring them. Even better, because reclaimed wood lasts the test of time. Additionally, if you use reclaimed wood for your kitchen, you can apply for official certification from LEED and FSC, which is a nice perk full of benefits.

Rustic Refresh | Nederland, CO

What makes your kitchen stand apart from the rest of your home is that it requires materials that are more substantial and sturdy. Sustainability is where reclaimed woods fulfill its real purpose. You can rest assured that reclaimed wood is a lasting material up to the task of upholding the kitchen and all of its needs. The wood used in reclaimed woodwork comes from a former life of boundless possibilities. Maybe it was used in the building of a barn, a ship, an old building, the possibilities are endless.

Lastly, used woods can serve multiple purposes in the kitchen, starting from redesigning the floor to creating the countertops; this is a material that is suitable for all.

Cons

Rustic Refresh | Nederland, CO

One con is the rare availability of used wood, a fact that leads to some dealers selling counterfeit products. If you do not purchase reclaimed wood from a reputable dealer, the chances are that you are not getting authentic materials.

Used wood is expensive, as it is made to last and is eco-friendly.

If you aren’t careful about buying this material from a reputable source, some pieces can come with pests hidden inside. To identify this issue, look for the wood to crumble around the area as soon as pressure is applied. To eradicate these pests and keep the wood away from the insects, manufacturers spray highly volatile and toxic disinfectants. Before you purchase reclaimed wood, check the label and gather some information about the quality of your wood.


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