Using reclaimed wood is a smart move for a wide variety of important reasons. While you might not be too familiar with reclaimed wood and its uses, in the coming years you will be hearing more and more about this topic.

One of the most important aspects of using reclaimed wood is that it is quite environmentally friendly. In most ways, it is in fact difficult to find a building material that is better for the environment. The reason that reclaimed wood is such an environmentally friendly material is that it has very little environmental impact.

Here are the top five reasons why reclaimed wood is an outstanding material.

1. It preserves our natural resources

Non-reclaimed wood has to be grown in tree farms or existing forest must be cut down in order to provide lumber. This need for raw building materials such as wood is contributing to deforestation around the world. As a result, eco-friendly builders and furniture designers love using reclaimed wood.

2. Reclaimed wood saves energy

There is also the very real issue of the energy required to cut the trees down and transport them to market. Clearly, the process of cutting down trees is energy intensive. While reclaimed wood and non-reclaimed wood both need to be transported, reclaimed wood is rescued from existing structures with less energy expended. Reclaimed wood something of a superstar for eco-conscious builders because no new trees have to be grown to produce it.

3. Reuse of old materials

What many people do not realize is that reclaimed wood comes from very diverse locations ranging from old barns and factors to even old barrels and boxcars. To a degree, reclaimed wood is literally wood that society forgot about for decades.

4. Reclaimed wood is stronger wood

Of course, there is more to the reclaimed wood movement than just the fact that reclaimed wood is seen as being more eco-friendly. Reclaimed wood has a property that makes it immensely valuable to savvy consumers and builders alike. In the United States, for example, this wood can be a hundred years old or even considerably older. It is taken from old growth trees, which were considerably stronger than new growth trees.

5. Unique characteristics

Builders and furniture designers love reclaimed wood due for a few reasons. One is the strength, as reclaimed wood will last for a very long time. Additionally old growth wood often has characteristics such as nail marks and cracks that give it a real sense of history and character.

Furniture designers are able to make the most out of the unique look that reclaimed wood offers. The furniture made with old growth, reclaimed wood often looks rustic. Yet it is highly durable and well crafted. Modern furniture designers realize that using reclaimed wood allows them to craft furniture that has an old worldly charm. This appeal that is very difficult to obtain any other way.

Using reclaimed wood isn’t perfect for every application or every occasion, but there are times when it can be a fantastic addition to any home or any home construction. While reclaimed wood may cost more, there is no denying its strength, durability and beauty.