The interest in using reclaimed wood to build furniture has been steadily increasing in the last few years. While wood is a renewable resource, trees require many years of growth before they can be harvested. For reclaimed shelving, furniture makers simply take old or used wood, clean and prep them, and re-use them as new furniture. Here are the reasons why you should consider using reclaimed shelving for your home.
Eco-Friendly
Reclaimed shelving use wood that was already harvested and processed. When the problem of deforestation is a very real threat, using reclaimed furniture helps cut down on the demand for good wood. When you use reclaimed furniture, you are essentially recycling and reusing old wood, which would otherwise simply be thrown away or destroyed. This will also help reduce the amount of waste that gets dumped in landfills.
Durability
Reputable manufacturers of reclaimed furniture can assure you of sturdy and safe used wood sources. As such, you can be assured that your shelving will last long and keep its looks for years to come. This is because old wood is often sourced from old-growth trees which are many times harder than new generation wood harvests. Old-growth trees matured more slowly, taking decades and even centuries to reach full maturity. As such, they tend to be larger, stronger, and produce denser wood. Some manufacturers even claim that reclaimed old-growth wood has a Janka hardness scale of as high as 40 points. With this type of durability, your shelving is guaranteed to last for many years with good care.
Exotic Wood
If you are lucky enough to acquire Reclaimed shelving made from reclaimed exotic woods, then you know that what you have is uncommon. The use of exotic woods is frowned upon today and also considered illegal but with reclaimed wood, you can use exotic wood guilt-free. Exotic species of hardwood are also quite unique in terms of appearance, so you will enjoy a thing of beauty for many years.
Unique
Since old-growth forests are considered protected, lumber from these forests is no longer sold. Reclaimed wood planks or boards are often one-of-a-kind. It is not common to find two pieces that are exactly alike. If your shelving is made of reused or recycled wood, it is very likely that you have a unique piece of furniture that is distinctive and unlike other furniture pieces currently available, whether these are made from old or new wood. It will also have a very unique weathered and aged look that you will not find in other furniture made from new materials.
