Reclaimed wood comes from old structures and is perfect for rebuilding ceilings and siding walls. Did you know that you run some risks when buying salvaged timber? Find out the most common issues you are likely to encounter.
• Mold
By the time you are getting barn wood for sale, it has already been exposed to moisture for many years. Moisture is the number one cause of mold and mildew which often brings a series of issues at home. For one, you cannot build a structure for kids and the elderly using barn wood that is infested with mold because you will be exposing them to respiratory issues. Asthmatic people are even at greater risk so be careful when choosing old timber.
• Pests
Wood is a source of food for various pests including termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and carpenter bees. While most of them are not dangerous to humans, they can worsen the situation of all wooden structures and furniture on your property. Before you take any old lumber home, inspect to see that it has been treated to avoid transferring pests to your compound.
• Dirt and dust
Decades of use leaves barn wood messed up with dirt and dust. You don’t want to bring too much crud into your home in the name of creating a rustic look.
• Warping
Because of the moisture content that reclaimed wood has absorbed, it is normal for the pieces to warp and cup. Warping and cupping are hard to fix and it might be better off to buy new rather than fix the old pieces.
• Crooked boards
You will hardly come across salvaged lumber that has been cut evenly. This makes it hard to design boards that have been lined up. Sometimes, you will need to fill in the holes with other materials.
• Lead paint
If the old lumber was painted before 1978, chances are it contains lead. It must therefore be handled with care because lead can cause serious damage to the brain and kidneys if ingested or inhaled.
• Sharp objects
Sharp objects appear in reclaimed timber in form of nails, metal pegs, staples, and splinters. They can cut the skin if handled recklessly putting you at a risk of contracting tetanus in case they have rust. They cause more damage if cut with a power saw. Splinters are small pieces of wood, plastic, and glass that make it difficult to handle a woodlot. They are very painful and can damage the skin when working on a log.
Repurposed lumber has a weathered appearance that can give your property a rustic appeal. If you want to add nature tones and rough textures to your farmhouse, you need to know how to select the best barn wood lumber for sale.
Leave a Reply