Building a custom home is a great way to get what you want out of the designs. It's also a great way to choose your own materials. When you buy a tract home, you end up with the contractor's version of what a home should look like and what materials should be used. But, that's not the way it is when you design a custom home. While you're choosing the materials for your new home, don't forget about reclaimed wood. One great thing about reclaimed wood is that you're not limited in its use. In fact, you can use reclaimed wood for everything from beams to flooring. If you're still not sold on the idea of using reclaimed wood in your new home, read the information provided below. Here are four reasons to use reclaimed wood.
Give Old Wood New Life
If you plan to use wood design features in your home, you owe it to yourself to choose reclaimed wood. Exposed wood has historically been left to rot in many old buildings. It wasn't until about the 1980s when people realized that old wood could be reclaimed and used again. When you use old wood in your home designs, you're giving it new life. You're also reducing the need to cut down other trees.
Enjoy the Rich Characteristics
If you're looking for rich grain designs for the wood you want to use in your new home, don't settle for new wood. Instead, use reclaimed wood for elements such as cabinets, counters, and floors. New growth trees haven't lived long enough to develop the detailed grains that you can find in reclaimed lumber. That's because most reclaimed wood was harvested from old-growth trees. As a result, you'll enjoy rich characteristics you can't get from any other wood.
Reap the Benefits of Old Growth
If you think rich designs are the only structural benefit to choosing reclaimed wood, you're mistaken. Reclaimed is also stronger and more durable than most of the new wood that's harvested and milled today. The fact that reclaimed wood has lasted so long is a testament to its strength. If you want cabinets and other wood features that will last for many years, choose reclaimed wood for your new home.
Keep Rustic Wood Out of Landfills
Finally, if you want to do your part for the environment, choose reclaimed wood for your new home. When you choose reclaimed wood for your home, you keep it from being sent to the landfill. Not only that, but each piece of reclaimed wood you use is a piece of history you're preserving.
To learn more, reach out to a company like Old World Lumber Company.