What reclaimed wood is
Reclaimed wood is timber that has been used before, such as in barns, factories, warehouses, floors, fences or shipping pallets, and is then salvaged for new use. It often shows nail holes, saw marks, patina and colour variation, which many people choose it for. Reclaimed material is sometimes denser and more stable than new timber because it has had decades to dry, though that is a general pattern rather than a guarantee.
Design ideas
Feature walls
Reclaimed boards on a single wall add warmth and character behind a bed, sofa or dining table. A mix of widths and tones looks relaxed, while evenly milled boards look cleaner. See what to use for a wood accent wall for layout and fixing options.
Ceilings and beams
Salvaged beams can give rooms a rustic or industrial feel. Make sure any structural use is approved by a qualified professional; decorative beams or boxed faux beams are lighter alternatives. See interior design ceiling types for more on beams.
Kitchens and dining
Open shelves, island tops, bar fronts and dining tables made from reclaimed wood work well. If you are pairing a rustic table with other pieces, see how to mix and match dining room furniture. Food-contact surfaces need a food-safe finish and a clean, uncontaminated source.
Bedrooms and living rooms
Headboards, mantels, bookshelves, media consoles and coffee tables are popular. Mixing a rough wooden piece with smooth, modern materials stops the room from feeling too themed.
Bathrooms
Reclaimed wood can be used for vanities or shelves with the right sealer, but constant damp is hard on any timber. Keep it away from direct water and ventilate well.
Floors
Reclaimed flooring is available from specialist suppliers. Because it is salvaged, boards vary in thickness and condition, so a professional installer is advisable.
What to make from reclaimed wood
- Floating shelves and mantels
- Dining and coffee tables
- Headboards and bed frames
- Accent walls and wainscot
- Sliding barn-style doors
- Benches and entry storage
- Picture frames and mirror surrounds
- Planters and decorative signs
Where to source it
- Architectural salvage yards and reuse centres
- Specialist reclaimed timber dealers
- Demolition and renovation sites, with the owner’s permission
- Online marketplaces and community groups
- Old barns or sheds, again only with permission
Compare supplier descriptions and ask what the wood was and where it came from. Our guide to wood types in interior design can help you identify what you are looking at.
Inspecting and preparing it
- Check for hidden metal. Nails and screws can ruin tools and injure people.
- Look for rot and insects. Soft, crumbly or holed timber may be unsuitable. Active infestation needs treatment before it comes indoors.
- Consider old finishes. Paint on older wood can contain lead, so avoid sanding or burning it without testing and proper protection. Wood treated with preservatives may not be suitable for indoor living spaces.
- Clean and dry it. Brush, wash if needed and let it dry fully.
- Sand lightly and seal. A clear matte sealer keeps the look while limiting dust and splinters.
How much does it cost?
Questions such as how much reclaimed barn wood sells for have no single answer. Prices vary with species, age, width, grading, region and whether it is processed or raw. As a rule, rare old-growth timber and carefully milled, kiln-dried boards cost more than raw salvage. Request current quotes from a few suppliers, and ask whether the price is per board foot, per square foot or per piece.
Wood you can no longer easily buy
Some species and old-growth timber are restricted or hard to obtain now because of protection laws, scarcity or past over-harvesting. Examples often mentioned include certain tropical hardwoods and old-growth forest timber, and rules differ by country. If you are buying a rare species, whether new or reclaimed, ask about legality and provenance. Reclaimed supplies can sometimes offer access to woods that are otherwise difficult to find.
Is reclaimed wood environmentally friendly?
Reusing timber avoids the demand for freshly harvested wood and can keep material out of landfill, which many people consider a benefit. However, transport, processing and finishes also have an impact, so the picture varies by project. There is no single “most environmentally friendly wood”; responsibly sourced, certified or reclaimed options are generally considered better choices.
For other finishes you might combine with salvaged boards, see our overview of interior wall cladding options.