Reclaimed Wood Mantel
Are you thinking of redecorating your home? Why not include a reclaimed wood mantel? Choosing recycled woods over newer cut woods has a wealth of advantages. Here are a few reasons you should consider this type of wood for your decorating needs.
What many don't know about reclaimed wood is that it isn't just salvaged from just anywhere. Most of the time this material is salvaged from barns, houses, churches, railroad cars, and even ships and boats! This results in a wide array of antique woods that have a truly unique and interesting history. You can learn more about the origins of your wood by contacting the company you bought them for. Many keep records for just such an occasion.
When it comes to choosing the right wood for your reclaimed wood mantel, you have a lot to choose from. These include some of the more common woods, such as elm, birch, maple, cedar, and others, though it's not uncommon to uncover some of the more rarer woods, such as mahogany, redwood, or American Chestnut. The latter is especially popular among reclaimed wood collectors, as it went extinct at the turn of the century.
Another reason to consider a reclaimed wood mantel would have to be the wood's durability. While time has had its effect on the color and texture of the wood, this doesn't mean for a moment that it's somehow flimsy or rotten. Many use reclaimed wood for their floors due to its extreme durability. Seeing as many of these planks were used to support buildings for centuries, it shouldn't be a surprise that they should last so long while in your possession. Many of these woods are also resilient toward heat as well, making them ideal materials for mantels.
If you're an eco-conscious buyer, you'll be pleased to know that, in buying a reclaimed wood mantel, you will be contributing toward the preservation of living trees. This is because as we lean more toward recycled woods, we can lessen our dependence on newer wood. Over time, this will allow our forests to recover. In addition to this, it also saves energy, oil, gas, and other resources that are often used for cutting down trees.
These are only a few reasons you should consider a reclaimed wood mantel. One of the best advantages to using durable, solid antique wood is that its aged appearance lends a richness and vividness to the wood that fresher woods simply don't have. If you've ever watched anyone stain a chair or a countertop to achieve an antique look, you'll know why this rustic design is so popular. The big difference is that you actually have the genuine article. Learn more about your reclaimed wood mantel today!