The Benefits of Using Reclaimed Wood Furniture

• Sustainabilitywhile impacting the environment as minimally as
• Aestheticspossible.
• HistoryReclaimed wood yields stylish yet rustic furniture. In
• Pricesome cases it is hardly possible to tell the piece is not
According to the United Nations Environmentbrand new. Other times, evidence such as old nail
Programme, there are currently twelve species ofholes or saw blade marks are purposely retained,
trees on the endangered list. Many of these haveproviding an antique, well-worn charm. It can be
been popular choices to make furniture, cabinets,designed to suit a wide variety of homeowners'
musical instruments, and other products used bytastes and fits in well with contemporary or
humans. Each year approximately 40 million acres oftraditional motifs.
the Earth's forests are chopped down for thisThere is also a sense of intrigue surrounding a piece
purpose. As our limited resources rapidly dwindle,of reclaimed wood furniture; your nightstand could
companies and consumers alike are searching forvery well have come from a turn of the century
ways to incorporate more environmental responsibilitybarn or a historical school house. Maybe it was simply
into their way of life.taken from neighbor's unused deck; either way, it has
We all know about recycling, reducing energya history and story all its own.
consumption, and going "paperless". Another excellentIf nothing else, the often lower cost of this type of
way to become more eco-friendly is by furnishingfurniture is very attractive to buyers. Although
your home with reclaimed wood furniture. Instead ofhandcrafted furniture can be expensive, reclaimed
being discarded, old lumber from decommissionedmaterials are typically cheaper than brand new ones.
homes and buildings is harvested, refurbished, andReclaimed wood is usually already cut and treated,
given a second life as a coffee table or dresser.reducing expenses even more.
The use of reclaimed wood can have additionalAny homeowner with an appreciation for nostalgia,
environmental advantages beyond the preservationan eye for stylish detail, and a desire to protect our
of virgin trees. Many builders also use non-toxic gluenatural resources would be wise to consider
and paints as well as all natural oil finishes. The mainpurchasing reclaimed wood furniture.
goal is to produce a beautiful, high quality product