Page 45 - Indulge April/May 2016
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urposing salvaged wood is a popular trend Look at objects in a new way
in the home improvement industry. Not only Doors are versatile pieces of reclaimed lumber because
they’re already flat and rather large. Doors can be turned into
can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of- headboards, tables or benches.
a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate Staircase or porch posts can be turned into candlestick
holders, and wood shutters can dress up walls and provide a
the three Rs of green living into your lifestyle: place to hang artwork and other wall items.
reduce, reuse and recycle. Revecerlayiwmheedrwe ood can be found
Reclaimed wood is often used in flooring, beams, Most people do not have to look too far to find wood they can
wall treatments, and doors, but it also can be salvage. Check salvage yards, landfills, Dumpsters in front of older
turned into furniture or home accent items. Reclaimed homes being renovated, or older, unused barns in rural settings.
wood adds warmth and historical interest to a home’s You also can collect driftwood or discarded shipping crates.
decor that newer materials may lack. Although finding
wood that can be salvaged takes time and some legwork, While some reclaimed wood can be used as-is, some pieces
such efforts can quickly pay off. Many businesses are now may require millwork, including sanding, cutting, shaping, and
devoted to reclaimed timber, which can help make the finishing. If you do not have these skills, you probably will have
process of finding and using salvaged wood even easier. to hire someone who does.
Homeowners considering reclaimed wood may be Planning a
interested to learn that such wood can serve various
functions aside from benefitting the planet. LANDSCAPE PROJECT?
Match old-growth wood Take it one step at a time
New regulations may prevent certain species of trees If you want to transform your yard into a paradise, don’t
from being cut down. That means it can be challenging believe the TV shows that make it seem like a grand
to match old wood in a home, particularly if you’re project can be completed in a weekend. Planning is
looking to maintain historical value and authenticity. essential to success, and staging your project into smaller,
seasonal goals can help you avoid feeling financially and
Relying on salvaged wood items can alleviate this emotionally overwhelmed.
concern, ensuring that you can find rare woods that are
no longer available new. Your landscape master plan needs to be designed not
just for an instant “wow” factor, but to age gracefully and
Salvaged wood has character evolve over time. “Proper planning also helps those with
smaller budgets achieve exceptional results,” says Jarett
It’s difficult to mimic the natural age marks and Zuber of AB Natural Stone in Allentown.
character that older wood may have. Instead of being
raised on farms, wood harvested decades ago probably “It’s important to understand the scope of your project
grew in natural environments, making the wood both and the amount of time, money and labor that will have
durable and strong. The color and grain of salvaged wood to be dedicated,” Zuber says. “If you’re interviewing a
may also be unique. contractor, share your vision. Staging can provide the
financial ability to do a larger-scale project and also give
you a feeling of accomplishment year after year and step
after step.”
in the home improvement industry. Not only Doors are versatile pieces of reclaimed lumber because
they’re already flat and rather large. Doors can be turned into
can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of- headboards, tables or benches.
a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate Staircase or porch posts can be turned into candlestick
holders, and wood shutters can dress up walls and provide a
the three Rs of green living into your lifestyle: place to hang artwork and other wall items.
reduce, reuse and recycle. Revecerlayiwmheedrwe ood can be found
Reclaimed wood is often used in flooring, beams, Most people do not have to look too far to find wood they can
wall treatments, and doors, but it also can be salvage. Check salvage yards, landfills, Dumpsters in front of older
turned into furniture or home accent items. Reclaimed homes being renovated, or older, unused barns in rural settings.
wood adds warmth and historical interest to a home’s You also can collect driftwood or discarded shipping crates.
decor that newer materials may lack. Although finding
wood that can be salvaged takes time and some legwork, While some reclaimed wood can be used as-is, some pieces
such efforts can quickly pay off. Many businesses are now may require millwork, including sanding, cutting, shaping, and
devoted to reclaimed timber, which can help make the finishing. If you do not have these skills, you probably will have
process of finding and using salvaged wood even easier. to hire someone who does.
Homeowners considering reclaimed wood may be Planning a
interested to learn that such wood can serve various
functions aside from benefitting the planet. LANDSCAPE PROJECT?
Match old-growth wood Take it one step at a time
New regulations may prevent certain species of trees If you want to transform your yard into a paradise, don’t
from being cut down. That means it can be challenging believe the TV shows that make it seem like a grand
to match old wood in a home, particularly if you’re project can be completed in a weekend. Planning is
looking to maintain historical value and authenticity. essential to success, and staging your project into smaller,
seasonal goals can help you avoid feeling financially and
Relying on salvaged wood items can alleviate this emotionally overwhelmed.
concern, ensuring that you can find rare woods that are
no longer available new. Your landscape master plan needs to be designed not
just for an instant “wow” factor, but to age gracefully and
Salvaged wood has character evolve over time. “Proper planning also helps those with
smaller budgets achieve exceptional results,” says Jarett
It’s difficult to mimic the natural age marks and Zuber of AB Natural Stone in Allentown.
character that older wood may have. Instead of being
raised on farms, wood harvested decades ago probably “It’s important to understand the scope of your project
grew in natural environments, making the wood both and the amount of time, money and labor that will have
durable and strong. The color and grain of salvaged wood to be dedicated,” Zuber says. “If you’re interviewing a
may also be unique. contractor, share your vision. Staging can provide the
financial ability to do a larger-scale project and also give
you a feeling of accomplishment year after year and step
after step.”
