Recycled Wood Furniture: Decorate Your Home the Eco-Friendly Way

Recycled wood furniture is a good way to decorate your home in an eco-friendly manner. Instead of supporting those manufacturers who cut down more trees, you can give your money to those who are re-using what has already been cut down. There are several different categories of recycled wood, depending on how long it has been since the tree was harvested.

Recycled wood furniture: Antique wood

Only wood that has been cut down for over a hundred years qualifies for the label of antique wood. Antique wood is generally very strong and can be used to create furniture of any type. The finish of this type of recycled wood has usually been polished or smoothed out over the years, giving it a unique appearance, especially when used as hardwood floor panels. Using antique wood furniture or flooring can give your home a rustic look while remaining modern in every other way.

Recycled wood furniture: Reclaimed wood

Recycled wood that was harvested over fifty years ago but less than one hundred is designated as reclaimed wood. This type of recycled wood is more available than the older antique wood, but will often be just as beautiful and durable. Because of its increased availability, reclaimed wood furniture and flooring is also less expensive than antique wood. Reclaimed wood gives your home the same antique appearance without the premium price.

Recycled wood furniture: Exotic wood

Recycled exotic wood is the most expensive type of eco-friendly lumber. Buying recycled exotic wood allows you to get a variety of lumber that would not be available in your area without having to feel guilty about killing another tree. The antique look of this unusual recycled wood can make your furniture stand out while also minimizing your home's impact on the environment. The main drawback to recycled exotic wood is its lack of availability and price. If you are looking for a specific type of exotic wood, you may have to wait until a batch of unused lumber is located.

Recycled wood furniture: Vintage wood

The cheapest type of recycled wood furniture is simply called vintage wood. This can be any type of repurposed lumber that is less than fifty years old. Be careful when purchasing vintage wood because of the wide variety in quality. Antique and reclaimed wood has proven its durability by lasting at least 50-100 years. You will have no such assurance of quality when buying vintage wood furniture or flooring material. It could be only six months old and still qualify to be called recycled vintage wood.