Uses For Reclaimed Barn Wood

By Alyce Powell


If you are about to embark on a new project that requires wood, you could easily take a trip to your local home improvement store and go crazy buying brand new lumber. Another option is to use supplies that have already been used for another project or building, and recycle them by using them again. One example is reclaimed barn wood, which can be used for a wide variety of projects.

When people talk about reusing materials in order to make new products, the most common term used is recycling. However, there is a new term in town, and it is beginning to replace recycling when it comes to using old materials. That word is upcycling, and it is used when a new product elevates the old planks that were used to make it.

So now that you know about reclaiming materials, the question is where to find them. Old, run-down structures that have been abandoned are one place. Salvage or junkyards are another source where you can get stuff for next to nothing. Don't be afraid to go explore your city or town to find other sources, as you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find right near your own backyard.

It's important to note that just because a barn or other building looks decrepit and abandoned, doesn't mean that it doesn't belong to someone. You should check to make sure that the barn isn't on private property, or else you could get slapped with a trespassing or even theft accusation. A little bit of prior research or planning will ensure your scavenger hunt for reclaimed wood is kosher.

A popular use of this type of wood is for crafts that can be done at home. Perhaps you want to turn one board into a shelf that you can mount to a wall rather than buying a new board. Maybe a few boards could be turned into a media holder for DVDs, Blu-rays, or even record albums if you still have some lying around.

If you have been wanting to exchange your carpet or tile floors for wood, reclaiming older planks is a good way to do it. It will give you a rich patina that you won't be able to get with brand new materials. It could also increase the value of your home because it looks unique and no other house will have flooring quite like yours.

Finally, furniture is a great way to use old boards that you may have picked up. Rocking chairs are really popular with kids and adults alike and can be made relatively easy with this type of material. Tables, from coffee to dining, can also be made, even if you have only basic woodworking skills. You could conceivably furnish and entire house from just one barn if you plan ahead and use up every scrap.

Every woodworking project, whether for beginners or seasoned vets, requires you to have at least some lumber on hand. This expense could get very high, unless you reuse readily available materials like reclaimed barn wood. This lets you be creative and make unique items with patterns and finishes that nobody else has, while having fun at the same time.




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