The History And Beauty Of Reclaimed Wood Furniture.
There’s something inherently interesting (or even captivating) about material objects that have existed for generations. It’s part of the reason consumers love antiques so much. We need these objects that stand the test of time because it maintains our connection to the past. History is the lynchpin of our entire civilization because it’s formed who we are today.
Our connections with the past have never been more crucial in a world where we place precedence on the latest tech and constant innovation. We must never forget where we came from.
Fortunately, splurging on extravagant antiques isn’t necessary to have pieces of the past in your home or business. Instead, you can adorn your living and working spaces with reclaimed wood furniture.
Reclaimed wood furniture (such as a reclaimed wood dining table) possesses eye-catching beauty, robust durability, and a story in every crack and hole.
Below, we’ll explore the beauty and history of reclaimed wood furniture:
What Is Reclaimed Wood Furniture?
At its core, reclaimed wood furniture is simply furniture made with recycled timber.
The magic might not be evident when you read that definition. Yet, peeling back the layers and examining the subtext will unearth how reclaimed wood has lived a previous life (or lives).
Who can say where the reclaimed wood has been? It could have housed families for generations or been a table for a celebrity. The repurposed wood has fostered life and given us warmth when we’ve needed it most. In many cases, it was here before we were born and can continue to exist centuries from now. It’s a time capsule.
Some examples of reclaimed wood furniture are desks, bookcases, and dining tables.
Reclaimed wood is like a fine wine, improving with age because of the character and richness of each piece.
Furthermore, reclaimed wood furniture has become a growing trend in interior design over the past few years. However, the practice of reclaiming wood for furniture has a history that goes back about a century.
What Is Reclaimed Wood? Why Is It Of A Superior Quality?
Reclaimed wood–in and of itself–is timber used for something previously and is now being reused to create something new.
Theoretically, all wood is reclaimed besides timber chopped from a virgin tree. However, reclaimed wood generally comes from old structures. For instance, at Restored Timbers, we source our reclaimed wood from buildings, barns, and homes.
Reusing wood is, first and foremost, a sustainable practice that can save our forests. However, this practice also preserves the quality of the timber. Reclaimed wood typically comes from “old-growth” trees used before modern milling and construction methods were commonplace. Mature trees that had grown for centuries were frequently used to build structures before World War II.
Such wood carries denser growth rings than its younger counterparts being sent to today’s mills. In other words, the longer a tree grows, the more durable and robust it becomes.
Below, we’ll examine some reclaimed wood sources:
Industrial Buildings
Warehouses and factories contain seamlessly reusable support beams, floorboards, and structural joists.
Barns.
Wood is the primary building material in barns. Much of the time, these structures fall apart over time and must be removed. In these instances, an abundance of salvageable wood is made available and can be repurposed.
Other good wood sources in barns are old water tanks–as long as the water has been emptied!
Homes.
Plenty of wood in old homes can be repurposed. The sources in houses would be similar to those in old industrial buildings (e.g., floorboards and support beams). Furthermore, hardwood floors can also be reclaimed.
At Restored Timbers, our sourcing process yields a jigsaw-type design. One piece will have been melded with various sources, creating a wholly unique finished product. You’ll also notice distinguishable features such as check marks and nail holes. These original wood components offer an authentic, rustic quality in each completed piece.
The History of Reclaimed Wood Furniture.
Wood has been a prominent building material throughout the centuries, going all the way back to around 8,500 BC. This makes wood the world’s second oldest building material, with brick coming in at #1.
The Industrial Revolution was a peak for wood construction, followed by the post-World War II era. Frequent usage during these times led to natural, old-growth wood becoming a rare commodity.
Forests with old-growth trees are almost non-existent in the US today, with only 3% remaining–according to the US Forest Service.
All the same, old-growth wood’s durability, historical qualities, and enhanced durability make it a sought-after commodity to this day.
Moreover, despite the lack of old-growth trees remaining, you can still find old-growth wood in 20th-century buildings.
A Timeless And Sustainable Method.
The sustainability of reclaimed wood furniture is almost self-explanatory. You’re using wood that’s already been used instead of relying on new wood. Thus, using these materials helps us preserve our forests.
Furthermore, sourcing new wood comes with exponential energy costs. It must be cut, processed, and transported, using up a plethora of resources. Sourcing reclaimed wood doesn’t call for such a high number of resources. Nor does it demand much energy consumption compared to new lumber.
The design style and aesthetic of reclaimed wood furniture are highly sustainable. A reclaimed wood dining table will always stay in style. It offers a mix of rustic charm and sleek sophistication that transcends trends. While other decor items may need to be updated every few years, your reclaimed wood dining table will remain a pivotal component of your home’s interior for decades.
One more sustainable quality of reclaimed wood furniture is its durability. The lasting power is second to none–you likely won’t need to worry about repairs or replacements. These materials are built to withstand the rigors of daily living.
You can rely on your reclaimed wood dining table for family dinners, social get-togethers, and holiday shindigs, year in and year out. It can be your home’s standout fixture, offering an eye-catching appeal that makes it a centerpiece.
Discussing The Broader Picture Of Reclaimed Wood Furniture.
Reclaimed wood has an artisanal quality. It embodies the spirit of craftsmanship, offering an authentic touch that takes us back to simpler times.
Initially, reclaimed wood furniture was a niche product. However, it almost immediately grew into a more mainstream, relied-upon building material for commercial and residential projects.
You’d have first seen reclaimed wood furniture in restaurants and coffee shops seeking an artisanal aesthetic. Soon, it made its way into commercial buildings, hotels, offices, and homes.
Since related data speaks to wellness benefits, reclaimed wood furniture has entered schools, retirement homes, and hospitals.
Blending Seamlessly With Biophilic Design.
Biophilic design patterns revolved around a more profound connection with nature, making reclaimed wood a seamless fit.
Reclaimed wood furniture harnesses our connectivity to nature. It has an authentic fading quality that connects people to natural systems, creating a relaxing, enlightening, anticipated, and nostalgic environment.
Here’s another way to put it: Wood improves our mood because we look forward to and enjoy being in spaces incorporating it.
The Science Behind Reclaimed Wood.
The wellness-boosting properties of reclaimed wood furniture are backed by a wealth of research. Studies have examined the complexities involved in the relationships between people and nature.
Results indicate that reclaimed wood–in particular–can improve how we work, interact, and feel in a space. Being in a room with wood can reduce stress responses and heart rates, improving occupants’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
By combining reclaimed wood furniture with other biophilic design elements (e.g., greenery and natural light) or in collaboration spaces, we intensify the impact of reclaimed wood. Thus, reclaimed wood furniture cultivates an environment meant for enhanced well-being.
Want To Purchase A Reclaimed Wood Dining Table?
You don’t need to scour the ends of the earth to purchase a reclaimed wood dining table. Although these products are highly sought after, they’re readily available.
For example, Restored Timbers allows you to shop for our products online. You can start by browsing our website collection catalog to view hundreds of photos. Moreover, you can buy one product or utilize custom options to build a complete set. Also, our live chat assistant can help you navigate our vast product line.
It’s good to know that you can purchase this top-tier material from the comfort of your home. In today’s landscape, we’re often too busy to make it to a brick-and-mortar store–but our online store makes it so you don’t have to miss out!
Alternatively, many people don’t want to invest in such a pivotal addition to their home’s interior without initially seeing it in person. We fully appreciate your need to see our products firsthand so you can be 100% assured about your purchase. That’s why we have a 15,000 sq ft showroom you can visit at your convenience!
Do you have any questions you’d like to ask us directly? If so, contact Restored Timbers today!
