Wood was used extensively in the past as a building material, particularly in areas where it was in plentiful supply. It was strong and relatively inexpensive. However, what was once available in great abundance has become scarcer today, with some varieties no longer available naturally. This is just one of the many reasons why reclaimed barn wood is highly sought after.
Barns serve as one of the most common sources for salvaging of timber frames, faded siding and antique flooring. They were typically built using whatever trees were found on site. These included oak, hickory, elm, chestnut and poplar trees. In most cases these trees were hundreds, if not thousands of years old, growing to full maturity without any interference. When a tree is allowed to grow this long, the wood becomes denser and harder.
This old-growth timber is strong, durable and comes with a sense of history. It has become increasingly sought after by homeowners. No two beams are identical and they are often full of imperfections like nail holes, worm holes, knots or variations in the grain. Their history brings an added dimension to any home with colors, grains and patinas not easily found in new growth. Beams are used in ways that show their unique character to the best advantage.
These old beams have survived through the years and been subjected to all kinds of weather. Their age gives them a stability not found in new timber. They are less likely to distort or twist as they have had plenty of opportunity to become seasoned through years of expanding and contracting.
The increased focus on environmental issues in recent years has also had an impact on its popularity. In our world of over-forestation and diminishing natural resources, using a recycled product helps to reduce the need for virgin timber. The processing also has less impact on the environment than new timber that still has to be felled, transported and processed.
A valuable source of high quality, tight grained timber is often found in these old beams. Commercial forestry today emphasizes rapid tree growth and trees are not often allowed to grow to full maturity like the trees from which these old beams were obtained. However, to get the best out of this recycled timber it has to be treated correctly. It should be clean and devoid of any hidden nails. Nails and pieces of metal can be rusty and lead to tetanus. Another important step is kiln-drying. This dries it out thoroughly and prevents termites or other infestations from being brought into the home.
As the genuine products are in great demand, customers need to be aware of the fact that there are individuals trying to pass off newer woods as antiques. The character of older woods is hard to mimic but beware of dealers who are not prepared to guarantee their products or who offer prices that seem unrealistic. A dealer with a good reputation and certification from an environmental agency is obviously preferable.
When it comes right down to it, no matter how environmentally friendly, historic, high quality or full of character reclaimed barn wood is, if it was not beautiful, it would not be used. Architects, designers and homeowners alike appreciate its vintage look and flooring, furniture and paneling are transformed by its beauty. Using such beams is sure to add value to any home.
Barns serve as one of the most common sources for salvaging of timber frames, faded siding and antique flooring. They were typically built using whatever trees were found on site. These included oak, hickory, elm, chestnut and poplar trees. In most cases these trees were hundreds, if not thousands of years old, growing to full maturity without any interference. When a tree is allowed to grow this long, the wood becomes denser and harder.
This old-growth timber is strong, durable and comes with a sense of history. It has become increasingly sought after by homeowners. No two beams are identical and they are often full of imperfections like nail holes, worm holes, knots or variations in the grain. Their history brings an added dimension to any home with colors, grains and patinas not easily found in new growth. Beams are used in ways that show their unique character to the best advantage.
These old beams have survived through the years and been subjected to all kinds of weather. Their age gives them a stability not found in new timber. They are less likely to distort or twist as they have had plenty of opportunity to become seasoned through years of expanding and contracting.
The increased focus on environmental issues in recent years has also had an impact on its popularity. In our world of over-forestation and diminishing natural resources, using a recycled product helps to reduce the need for virgin timber. The processing also has less impact on the environment than new timber that still has to be felled, transported and processed.
A valuable source of high quality, tight grained timber is often found in these old beams. Commercial forestry today emphasizes rapid tree growth and trees are not often allowed to grow to full maturity like the trees from which these old beams were obtained. However, to get the best out of this recycled timber it has to be treated correctly. It should be clean and devoid of any hidden nails. Nails and pieces of metal can be rusty and lead to tetanus. Another important step is kiln-drying. This dries it out thoroughly and prevents termites or other infestations from being brought into the home.
As the genuine products are in great demand, customers need to be aware of the fact that there are individuals trying to pass off newer woods as antiques. The character of older woods is hard to mimic but beware of dealers who are not prepared to guarantee their products or who offer prices that seem unrealistic. A dealer with a good reputation and certification from an environmental agency is obviously preferable.
When it comes right down to it, no matter how environmentally friendly, historic, high quality or full of character reclaimed barn wood is, if it was not beautiful, it would not be used. Architects, designers and homeowners alike appreciate its vintage look and flooring, furniture and paneling are transformed by its beauty. Using such beams is sure to add value to any home.
No comments:
Post a Comment