Everything You Need to Know About Reclaimed Wood for Your Green Interior Design Project
If you are embarking on a green interior design or home building project, you may have heard of reclaimed wood. You may be wondering what it is, and how to incorporate it into your home design. Where can you source reclaimed wood? Is reclaimed wood cruelty-free and non-toxic? What exactly is the definition of reclaimed wood?
What is Reclaimed Wood?
Reclaimed wood is simply wood that has had a previous life in some other building or for some industrial purpose. Reclaimed wood can come from all kinds of buildings, old barns, furniture, storage pallets and any form of construction or industrial process in which wood has been used.
Reclaimed wood should not be confused with salvaged wood, which is wood that has been harvested in some other way as a byproduct of forestry, or wood that is a product of trees that have fallen naturally or been salvaged in other ways. An example of salvaged wood is driftwood.
Reclaimed wood can be wood that was processed in a factory but not used in construction, or it may even be antique wood, which is very old wood used in antique building construction or furniture. Part of the beauty and charm of reclaimed wood is in its provenance and its unique weathered look.
What Do You Need to Know About Sourcing Reclaimed Wood?
Price
Reclaimed wood is sometimes cheaper than traditional wood such as expensive hardwood for hardwood flooring. However, depending on the condition of the wood and how it is processed, it may be more expensive.
Quality and Safety
Reclaimed wood can often be of very high quality, as it is frequently produced from old hardwoods. Some reclaimed wood that has been re-processed can even be more durable than hardwood. It’s important to be aware that it may also have issues that include deterioration, pests, and safety, such as nails in the wood. The upcycling process may also involve treating the wood with chemical processes, or the original wood may have been exposed to toxic chemicals or finishes. When sourcing reclaimed wood you need to be clear about the history of the wood and the processes it has undergone.
Is it Really Environmentally Friendly?
Due to the popularity of reclaimed wood, some suppliers may be offering “reclaimed wood” that isn’t produced in a sustainable way. Look for wood from reputable suppliers that has been verified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Forestry Stewardship Council or other reputable certification bodies.
If you are embarking on a green design project, whether it’s green home remodeling or green home design, there can be a lot to think about. Sourcing genuinely environmentally friendly, sustainable, non-toxic and cruelty-free materials for your project can be one of the most overwhelming challenges of a green interior design project.
At Earth Science Design we have researched the science behind green interior design, biophilic design and eco-conscious design for over ten years. We have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the process of sourcing materials, finding suppliers and craftsmen and fine tuning your design. Green interior design is an extremely creative process that is not rule bound and can even incorporate your own creative skills and elements of upcycling. We help people make each project unique to themselves, using the best and most sustainable, cruelty-free materials and processes. We can consult with you remotely or work with you in person. Please contact us to learn more about our biophilic design services.
