Reclaimed Timber: Does it Make Sense for Your Timber Frame Home?

A lot of people see a pile of reclaimed timbers and think, "reclaimed, that must be cheaper." I'm here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, reclaimed wood can be up to five times more expensive than new timber. But for the right person, with the right project, it can be an investment that pays off in ways that go far beyond the bottom line.

So, let's unpack the pros and cons of using reclaimed wood in your timber frame project.

The "Cons": Why Reclaimed Timber Costs More

The journey of a reclaimed timber is a long and labor-intensive one, and that's reflected in the price. Here's a breakdown of the hidden costs:

• Labor-Intensive Demolition: Someone has to carefully dismantle old buildings to salvage the wood, which is a much slower process than simple demolition. Then, every single nail and piece of metal has to be found and removed, and even then, some always get missed, which can destroy saw blades.

• Handling and Storage: Once the wood is salvaged, it has to be inventoried, moved with a forklift, and stored in a warehouse. All of that takes time, space, and money.

• Waste and Inefficiency: When we cut a new timber, we can be very efficient. With reclaimed wood, we have to work with what we've got. There's always a lot of "drop" – side pieces that we have to find a new home for. And finding the exact right size for your project can be a real challenge.

• The Risk Factor: If we make a mistake and cut a piece of reclaimed timber wrong, we can't just go out and get another one. We have to go back to the drawing board and source a whole new piece, which adds more time and cost to the project.

The "Pros": The Unmatched Character and Quality of Reclaimed Timber

So, if it's so expensive, why would anyone choose reclaimed wood? Because it offers some things that you just can't get with new timber:

• Stability and Precision: Reclaimed wood has had decades, sometimes even centuries, to dry out and settle. It's done all the shrinking and twisting it's ever going to do. This means we can create incredibly tight and precise joints that will stay that way for the life of your home.

• Unbeatable Quality: The wood from old buildings often has a much tighter grain than new wood. This is because the trees grew more slowly, resulting in denser, stronger wood.

• Unique Aesthetics: Every piece of reclaimed timber tells a story. Some people choose to leave the original paint on, or even some of the metal. You can have a timber frame with a rustic, historic feel, or we can re-saw the beams to create a clean, modern look.

• A Piece of History: We recently worked on a project using wood from the first fruit cold storage facility in Yakima. Knowing that your home is built with wood that has such a rich history is a pretty amazing feeling.

• Environmental Responsibility: By using reclaimed wood, you're giving it a new life and keeping it out of the landfill. It's a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and build a more sustainable home.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the decision to use reclaimed timber is a personal one. It's a significant investment, but it's one that can pay off in a home with unmatched character, quality, and a story to tell. If you're looking for something truly special, and you're not afraid of the investment, then reclaimed timber might be the perfect choice for you.

If you'd like to learn more about wood species, we have another video on the best and worst woods for timber framing that you can check out. And of course, if you have any questions about your own timber frame project, don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.