Why would you use reclaimed wood for your next construction or building project? Many people choose reclaimed wood for its durability and strength. When remodeling some want to use a material that will keep its appearance for many years to come. For others it could be the conservation element and having less impact on the environment. When it’s harvested responsibly, reclaimed wood is a renewable resource that reduces the environmental hazards created to make new products as well as landfill waste. Or, it could be simply for an aesthetic reason, having wood that’s rich in history and character adds a certain beauty, charm and story to surroundings.
The strength and durability of reclaimed wood is much stronger than fresh cut wood found in lumber yards today. The biggest reason for this strength difference is tree maturity when harvested. Most reclaimed wood came from trees that lived for decades while maturing, which continued to develop its strength. Each piece of reclaimed wood likely came from a tree that did not have today’s exposure to air pollutants, which contributes to its strength. Lumber today is harvested from trees once they reach a certain size, so the wood is much younger. Trees today are also likely exposed to increased air pollutants, which decreases their strength.
Another reason to choose reclaimed wood is its minimal effect on the environment. Since this wood has already been harvested, the effect on the environment is lessened. When harvesting fresh lumber, local ecosystems are disrupted, causing stress and unnecessary changes to the environment. This is not a factor when using reclaimed wood.
Reclaimed wood has distinct features and colors that only come to life as the wood ages. This wood has the ability to tell a story in a home and add historical character that cannot be duplicated by modern materials. Each piece tells a story, as it was used prior to coming to your home. Whether this reclaimed wood came from a local family barn or was used in the nearby mill, it has a link to history that gives it unmatched character.
Using wood fasteners honors the reclaimed wood by blending in and helping to keep its natural beauty. LignoLoc® is the first collated wooden nail that doesn’t require pre-drilling or wood glue. The pneumatic nailing system also makes the fastening process more efficient. The nails are made from compressed European beech wood and resin, which is more environmentally friendly than aluminum, especially when it comes to recycling wood because the pieces can be cut and recycled without removing the fasteners. To use wooden nails in your next project, visit the LignoLoc® website to get more information or place an order.