There are a plethora of benefits to using reclaimed wood in commercial and home interiors, but what exactly is this material and why is it becoming so popular? Every day, millions of bridges, homes, docks, and community buildings that were constructed from virgin timber many centuries ago approach the end of their useful life. Such structures are brought down, skillfully seasoned and air-dried, a process that rediscovers new and useful reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood is considered a premium material that is immensely flexible, strong and highly durable, because of its air-dried and seasoned nature, often taking centuries to develop. Before they are used, the material is cleaned, crafted, and kiln-dried for anti-infestations and to ensure steady moisture content. The piece of wood is thereafter expertly handmade into uniquely and finely characterful chairs, dining tables, benches and other household and office furniture pieces.
Reclaimed Furniture: Giving Used Pieces A Second Chance
Each piece of furniture made from reclaimed wood proudly wears its history with subtly finished nicks, grooves and imperfections. Unlike plastic alternatives, every piece is only one of its kind to its owner. Because of its inherent classic feel and look, the furniture tends to be family and life proof and, with little care, it can easily be passed to the next generation. Nobody wants to throw that away. Equally at home in crispy kitchens, in box cottages or vintage townhouses, reclaimed furniture can either offer balance or compliment interiors due to its pared back and warm look.
The recycling process gives the woods a second life. Home furnishings and furniture should have minimal environmental footprint, and reclaimed furniture help us achieve that. Reclaimed furniture is certainly the substitute of environmentally harmful products, saving approximately 90% of the carbon of equivalent raw timber, according to UNEP. Uncontrolled deforestation reduces biodiversity, threatens livelihoods and reduced life chances for many communities. Anything that lowers the demand for raw timber can greatly contribute to solving of such problems.
Guide for Buying Reclaimed Furniture
The Product Construction
Mortise and Tenon joinery, adequate lumber size and quality hardware should be part of a quality reclaimed furniture piece. A close visual inspection will help you establish that. You could also view the instruction sheets from the manufacturers to further establish that you are buying a quality furniture piece.
Learn the difference
There have been some furniture pieces, which are not really premium grade reclaimed and and not really “reclaimed” as some manufacturer will make the product by treating the raw wood with chemicals. These are not quality reclaimed pieces because normally it is only a thin layer of reclaimed that has been glued over a less quality type of wood. Normally, such furniture pieces will begin showing their true nature after the reclaimed layer has faded, in less than two years.
Research On The Manufacturer
Quality manufacturers who sell genuine reclaimed furniture will definitely be well known and have a noticeable web presence. Check them out and find out all the aspects of their manufacturing processes and what consumers have to say about their reclaimed furniture pieces. This will help you make a more informed decision when considering buying.
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