Antique, Reclaimed, Vintage Wood
Defining Recycled Woods and their Uses
Be environmentally responsible and learn about the different types of recycled wood available for home decorating.
Going green at home is a hot decorating trend that not only makes your home look fantastic but feels good for the soul as well.
For some the decision to go green is easy and they have no qualms about taking reclaimed, recycled and salvaged pieces and incorporating them into their home décor. For others, it’s not such an easy concept to get their heads around and they are left with images of dumpster diving and beat-up used pieces of furniture. To counter the mindset of the second group and to quash today’s throw away mentality a few terms have come up in the salvage world which makes recycling a bit more palatable.
Antique Wood. Antique wood is a term that has cropped up to define wood that was harvested at least 100 years ago. This wood is generally quite durable (or it wouldn’t have lasted more than 100 years) and typically very beautiful. It tends to have the best patina, or wear pattern, and over the years has become darkened and polished with time and use. Antique hardwood flooring panels can be used in new homes to give it a warmth and unique appeal that nothing else could every replicate. Other pieces antique wood can be crafted into beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture by skilled tradesmen.
Reclaimed Wood. Reclaimed wood is sometimes referred to as recycled wood, but the term recycled is a little confusing, so reclaimed is the preferred word. Reclaimed wood is more than 50 years old. Oftentimes this wood has an excellent patina and incredible durability, is found in more abundance than antique wood and will cost a bit less. There is just as much flexibility with reclaimed wood as there is with antique, in fact a bit more, as reclaimed wood is more prevalent.
Vintage Wood. Vintage wood is basically timber that is less than 50 years old, but quite often this term is used to describe scrap wood. The term vintage really dresses up the lumber, as it could simply be crates or pallets, but don’t shy away from this wood as it could be exactly what you need and by using it you’re still doing your share for the environment.
Recycled Exotic Wood. Recycled exotic wood is exactly what it sounds like. You can get that incredible sounding wood that is grown in only one particular part of the world by not killing a tree. Generally, this is more expensive wood and isn’t readily available. But if you want to have a great dinner table that will draw people together and create an instant conversation, then opt for the recycled exotics.
Using recycled wood in your home is not only great for the environment and the soul, but it can provide an inspiration for your entire home and decorating scheme. Let the feel and history of the wood inspire you in ways you had never considered.
