Reclaimed wood - Steer clear or jump on it?

[reible]

I have done several projects using reclaimed wood because of the aged factor. In fact I know of several places that sell just that sort of wood. If you ever watch(ed) This Old House and or The New Yankee Workshop TV show they have done several projects where they featured reclaimed wood.

Right now I have several pieces of wide pine boards stored up north at my brothers place that I got for another project. The rustic look and the width of these are perfect for a end of a hall way that needs something. I will clean them up but will not plane or sand them because that would defeat the patina I'm looking for.

On the downside.

I don't think it is a good place to buy general project wood as in most cases it would take extra effort to be reworked. Thing that are painted, well if you want it to be like fresh new wood then all that paint has to come off, that can be a lot of work. Like wise stains and that can be pieces that were stained or stains that have developed due to water damage or the like. Then there are nail holes or other damage that you will have to work around, well any other number of other defects can be find during prep, so time consuming at least.

The other issue is where did the wood come from? Just like pallet wood it could have been treated with some chemicals and ounce you start working with it the dust and fumes will be in the air and could be a bad thing for you.

So it can be a value for the right project and a pain in the you know where for others. I have a small collection waiting for the right project and I really don't have the space to store it.... probably shouldn't have gotten it until I had a project in mind, so unless you have a lot of space just buy the wood may not be a good idea.

Ed

[Ed in Tampa]

Reclaimed wood can be deadly, if they were impregnanted with arsenic, lead or some other chemical.
Also unless the species is known you can get wood that can make your life miserable. Some species cause allergies and infections.

There was a cat walk taken down from a bridge in the Tampa area, the wood was given away. It was ironwood and I heard horror stories of guys that got nasty infections from the wood.

Also the wood should be carefully examined to make sure there is no bug infestations.

[masonsailor2]

I live in Orange county so not a long drive. The walnut might be worth looking at as long as it is thick enough to resurface. The problem as mentioned before is metal fasteners in the wood. As to why they are getting rid of it who knows ? Ventura is harsh weather for wood and it appears it has been stored outside so just have to be aware of checking. The price is right. I have done projects in the past with reclaimed lumber at the request of clients with mixed results. I believe they sell metal detectors now for the purpose of finding hidden fasteners which would be worth the investment. No matter how hard we tried we could not find them all and we damaged a few blades and knives.
Paul

[reible]

Here is the place I use to get recycled/reclaimed wood.

http://enterprisewood.com/

It is located in Rinelander WI and we use to own a home in that general area, now we don't so I will have to think about where to get more if I decide to do another project........

You may want to check google for reclaimed wood projects to give your self an idea of the what hows and whys.

Ed