If you consider yourself a handy homeowner, then you may find yourself looking for ways to spruce up your home with do-it-yourself projects around the house. One versatile material that is emerging as a sought after trend is reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood is as exactly as its name implies: previously-used wood that has been processed into new uses. However, modern processes to “produce” reclaimed wood include:
- removing nails, staples and ties
- cleaning the surface to remove dirt and debris
- drying in a kiln for stability, moisture reduction, and pest and mold removal
- milling the surface to a predetermined thickness (i.e. including the wood being planed and ripped, then molded into a new shape)
- crafting the wood into the final shape and product (i.e. cross-cutting and defecting)
After this, reclaimed wood is ready for use by DIY consumers that want to add character, history and strength that only reclaimed wood provides.
But before we discuss popular uses of reclaimed wood for DIY projects, as standard practice, you’d want to maintain appropriate gear to work with. This includes gloves, an apron, and goggles, as well as cutting, measuring, and shaving tools. Also, you’d want to arrange Swansea skip hire for waste disposal, if that’s where you’re at. There will be plenty of residues, especially if the project is extensive, so you should dump the waste well.
Now, let’s begin:
- Fireplace Mantel
If there’s one place in your home that is designated for coziness, it’s usually in proximity to a warm and toasty fireplace. Whether you have a living room, den, or man cave, reclaimed wood can give an organic feel that’s missing in modern materials. Use reclaimed wood to create a unique wood mantel. The installation for this project is simple and non-load bearing. The unique grain patterns of wood can enhance the relaxing aesthetic of a fire during the coldest of nights.
- Flooring
Perhaps one of the most time intensive but rewarding DIY projects you can undertake is using reclaimed wood for your flooring. Reclaimed wood flooring presented a number of challenges in the past, particularly in regards to symmetry and longevity. For instance, if you are looking for matching grains for a cohesive flooring look, reclaimed wood may not be the best aesthetic choice or one that holds up to constant use. However, reclaimed wood more than makes up for it with its color, patina, and antique marks. And it’s for these marks of character that give a room a particularly “lived-in” ambiance that can boost your home’s value and make visitors want to spend the holidays at your home!
- Wood Beams
Wood beams are noted as a fun project for many DIYers, as they are easy to install and instantly liven up a room, particularly if you have a rustic-styled home (i.e cabins, cottages). You can use the reclaimed wood as support if you want to bolster your home’s structure, or the wood can be used purely for aesthetics. Attaching wood beams over the middle of a room, for instance, can allow you to hang light fixtures and planters that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
- Shelves
One of the easiest DIY projects that involves reclaimed wood is simply the addition of reclaimed wood shelves. With the easy installation of a few anchors and a level, you can instantly increase the appeal of room and maximize underutilized storage space and open up a room to new accents.
- Wood Wall Panels
As with shelves, walls and ceilings present the largest opportunities for those looking to add reclaimed wood to their spaces. Reclaimed wood adds its unique beauty and interest to an ordinarily dull space (i.e paint, unfinished surfaces), serving as a focal point to the character of the room. For instance, decorative wall panels that are tastefully applied with dark or light finishes can add depth that paint and tiling doesn’t match. Plus, the wear from the reclaimed wood imbues a history to a room that can highlight paintings, fixtures, and shelves.
For a full list of ideas about DIY reclaimed wood projects-as well as everything else you need to know about reclaimed wood projects-check out the infographic below:
