Lumber prices have driven up home cost in the past decade more than anything else. Many DIY homeowners and contractors are resorting to using old used lumber for building projects. In New England old barns and houses that are being replaced are often sold to wood salvage contractors just for the old lumber in the structure. Hundred or more year old post and beam structures are particularly in demand because of the high quality of wood that was used in their construction.

Salvaged lumber from these old structures have found their way into hardwood flooring, finished trim and many other uses in new home construction. Old barn beams are refinished and used as exposed beams in libraries and dens. It is quite a novelty to realize that the exposed beams can be two hundred years old.

When it comes to most forms of recycling the actual benefits are often not tangible. Using old used salvaged lumber in home construction is a type of recycling that benefits more than just the environment. It can add great beauty in modern construction projects from material used a century ago.

Good quality hardwood is not a rarity just yet, but prices are pushing it out of reach for a lot of homeowners and builders. Hardwood from maple, oak, hickory and birch is getting hard to come by at a reasonable price. These trees take approximately a hundred or more years to grow for harvest. The demand over the last twenty years has just about dried up the supply. This has made using old lumber so attractive in the last few years.

Using recycled lumber is really a recycling event that enables reusing a stronger, more durable wood. It is also good for the environment too by saving trees. Old lumber can add additional values to a home and is a very practical solution to the increasing cost and short supply of new lumber.

If you are a DIY homeowner and or a wood craftsman, you can obtain old used lumber in other ways rather than tearing down an old house or barn. Wood pallets are a great source for old used lumber. Most recycling centers collect wood pallets and sell them off for firewood. Many of these old pallets are made from oak, birch and maple and can be salvaged. I have made many craft projects from good quality old used lumber salvaged in this way.

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