BOISELUMBER

Reclaimed Lumber

Wood with a Past, Built for the Future

Our reclaimed lumber inventory is sourced from demolitions, agricultural structures, and renovation projects across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Every board is de-nailed, inspected, graded, and processed at our Boise facility before it reaches the sales floor.

Get a Free Quote

Tell us what you need — we respond within 24 hours.

Why Reclaimed

Lumber That Has Already Proven Itself

Reclaimed lumber is wood that has been salvaged from existing structures — barns, warehouses, homes, bridges, railroad trestles, and industrial facilities — and processed for reuse in new construction and design projects. Unlike manufactured "distressed" wood, reclaimed lumber carries authentic age, genuine patina, and verified structural history.

At Boise Lumber, we maintain one of the largest curated inventories of reclaimed wood in Idaho. Our stock changes regularly as new salvage sources become available, but we consistently carry barn wood siding, structural beams and timbers, vintage flooring, and reclaimed dimensional framing stock in a range of species and grades.

Every piece in our inventory goes through the same process: de-nailing, metal detection, visual grading, moisture testing, and dimensional measurement. Structural-grade material is evaluated for soundness, and boards with defects that affect performance are downgraded or removed from inventory. When you buy reclaimed from us, you know exactly what you are getting.

50+Species in Stock

From old-growth Douglas fir to reclaimed heart pine and white oak

200K+Board Feet on Hand

Rotating inventory updated weekly from active salvage operations

100%Inspected & Graded

Every piece de-nailed, moisture-tested, and visually graded

14+Years of Sourcing

Established salvage partnerships across Idaho and the Pacific NW

What We Carry

Reclaimed Wood Categories

Our reclaimed inventory spans five primary categories, each processed and graded to specific standards. Inventory levels fluctuate with salvage availability — call or visit for current stock.

01

Barn Wood & Siding

Weathered boards and planks pulled from Idaho agricultural buildings — barns, granaries, fencing, and outbuildings, some dating back to the early 1900s. These boards carry decades of natural patina: silver-grey weathering, original saw marks, nail holes, and subtle color variation that cannot be replicated with stains or artificial aging techniques.

Best for: Accent walls, ceiling treatments, furniture, cabinetry facing, exterior cladding, signage

Specifications

Species
Primarily pine and Douglas fir, with occasional cedar and larch
Thickness
3/4" to 1-1/2" nominal
Widths
4" to 12" random widths
Lengths
2' to 12', occasionally longer
02

Structural Beams & Timbers

Heavy timbers salvaged from warehouse demolitions, bridge replacements, railroad structures, and industrial buildings. Many of these beams are old-growth Douglas fir or pine with tight, consistent grain patterns that are simply unavailable in new lumber — the trees that produced this wood were 150 to 300 years old when harvested.

Best for: Post-and-beam construction, mantels, header beams, pergolas, structural framing, decorative columns

Specifications

Species
Douglas fir, white pine, hemlock, occasional hardwoods
Thickness
4x4 through 12x12 and larger
Widths
Standard and non-standard dimensions available
Lengths
Up to 24' depending on salvage source
03

Vintage Flooring

Tongue-and-groove and strip flooring recovered from residential and commercial teardowns. Original mill profiles are preserved whenever possible, and we carry both face-nailed wide-plank boards and standard T&G strips. Reclaimed flooring offers density and hardness that surpasses modern second-growth lumber because the original trees grew slowly over centuries, producing tighter annual rings.

Best for: Residential flooring, commercial spaces, stair treads, tabletops, wainscoting

Specifications

Species
Oak, maple, Douglas fir, heart pine, cherry
Thickness
3/4" standard, some 5/8" and 1" available
Widths
2-1/4" strip through 8" wide plank
Lengths
Random lengths, typically 2' to 8'
04

Weathered Siding & Cladding

Exterior cladding boards removed from homes, cabins, and commercial structures during renovation or demolition. These boards feature authentic weathering patterns — sun bleaching, rain washing, and lichen marks — that add instant character to interior and exterior design projects. Profiles include drop siding, lap siding, board-and-batten, and channel rustic.

Best for: Feature walls, exterior facades, ceiling paneling, furniture, retail displays

Specifications

Species
Cedar, pine, redwood, fir
Thickness
1/2" to 1" nominal
Widths
4" to 8" face widths
Lengths
4' to 16' depending on source
05

Dimensional Framing Stock

Reclaimed 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12 framing lumber pulled from residential and commercial teardowns. This material has been de-nailed, end-trimmed, and graded for structural reuse. Reclaimed framing stock is fully seasoned — it won't twist, bow, or shrink the way freshly milled green lumber can, making it an excellent choice for framing, forming, and temporary construction.

Best for: Framing, blocking, forming, shelving, shop projects, utility construction

Specifications

Species
Douglas fir, spruce, pine, hemlock (SPF)
Thickness
Standard 2x nominal dimensions
Widths
4" through 12" nominal
Lengths
8' to 16', trimmed to usable length

Advantages

Why Choose Reclaimed

Reclaimed lumber is not a compromise. It is, in many measurable ways, a better material than what comes off a modern mill line.

Superior Wood Quality

Old-growth reclaimed lumber was harvested from trees that grew for 100 to 300 years before being milled. That slow growth produces tighter grain, higher density, and greater dimensional stability than modern plantation-grown timber. Reclaimed Douglas fir, for example, typically has 15 to 30 annual rings per inch compared to 4 to 8 in new second-growth fir.

Environmental Impact

Every board foot of reclaimed lumber used is one less board foot of virgin timber that needs to be harvested. It also keeps material out of landfills, where wood waste generates methane as it decomposes. The U.S. EPA estimates that construction and demolition debris accounts for over 600 million tons of waste annually — reclaimed lumber programs directly reduce that figure.

Irreplaceable Character

The patina on a century-old barn board, the hand-hewn surface of a timber from a pioneer-era warehouse, the nail holes and saw marks in vintage flooring — these are features that cannot be manufactured. Designers, architects, and homeowners choose reclaimed wood because it carries a visual and tactile authenticity that no factory finish can match.

Proven Structural Performance

Reclaimed structural lumber has already proven itself. A beam that has held up a warehouse roof for 80 years has demonstrated its load-bearing capacity in a way that freshly milled lumber simply cannot claim. Our structural-grade reclaimed beams are evaluated for soundness, and many exceed the allowable stress values of their new equivalents.

Fully Seasoned & Stable

New lumber arrives at a job site with a moisture content of 15% to 25% and continues to dry, causing shrinkage, warping, and checking. Reclaimed lumber has already reached equilibrium moisture content — typically 6% to 10% for interior-sourced material — so it stays flat, straight, and dimensionally stable after installation.

Cost-Effective for Many Applications

Reclaimed framing stock and standard dimensional lumber often costs less than equivalent new material, especially in larger volumes. Even premium character-grade boards — barn wood, hand-hewn timbers, vintage flooring — are competitively priced against the "distressed" and "reclaimed-look" products sold at retail chains, with the advantage of being authentically aged.

Where It Comes From

Our Sourcing Process

We do not simply buy lumber off the back of random trucks. Every source is evaluated for material quality, species identification, and potential contamination. We refuse lumber with evidence of chemical treatment (CCA, creosote, or pentachlorophenol unless clearly disclosed), active pest infestation, or advanced decay.

Our sourcing network spans Idaho, eastern Oregon, and western Montana. We maintain active relationships with demolition contractors, deconstruction specialists, farmers and ranchers, renovation contractors, and municipal agencies. When a structure comes down anywhere in our service area, there is a good chance we hear about it.

For large salvage operations, we send our own crew to evaluate material on-site, handle selective deconstruction when appropriate, and arrange transport back to our Boise facility. This hands-on approach ensures quality control from the moment lumber leaves its original structure to the moment it arrives in our processing bay.

Demolition & Deconstruction

We partner with demolition contractors and deconstruction crews throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond. When a building comes down, our team evaluates the lumber on-site, separates usable material from waste, and transports it back to our yard for processing.

Agricultural Structures

Idaho's rural landscape is rich with aging barns, granaries, corrals, and outbuildings. When these structures reach end of life, the lumber inside them — often old-growth pine, fir, and larch — is far more valuable as building material than as firewood or landfill waste.

Renovation & Remodeling

Contractors and homeowners removing flooring, siding, decking, or framing during renovation projects bring material to our yard or schedule a pickup. We evaluate condition, species, and usability, then purchase or accept material that meets our grading standards.

Industrial & Commercial

Warehouse closures, factory retooling, railroad decommissioning, and infrastructure projects produce large volumes of heavy timber and dimensional lumber. We have the equipment and logistics to handle multi-truckload salvage operations.

Applications

What Our Customers Build

Furniture & Cabinetry

  • Dining tables and conference tables from reclaimed planks
  • Kitchen islands topped with old-growth fir or oak
  • Shelving, mantels, and entertainment centers
  • Cabinet doors and drawer fronts with barn wood facing

Flooring & Walls

  • Wide-plank hardwood flooring from salvaged oak and maple
  • Accent walls and feature walls using mixed-species barn wood
  • Ceiling treatments in restaurants, breweries, and retail spaces
  • Wainscoting and paneling with authentic patina

Structural & Framing

  • Post-and-beam frames for homes, cabins, and pavilions
  • Exposed header beams in great rooms and entryways
  • Pergola and arbor construction using reclaimed timbers
  • Structural framing with graded reclaimed dimensional stock

Commercial & Retail

  • Restaurant interiors — bars, tabletops, wall cladding, hostess stands
  • Retail store fixtures and displays with authentic character
  • Office build-outs featuring reclaimed wood elements
  • Brewery and winery tasting rooms with salvaged timber accents

Our Process

From Salvage to Sales Floor

01

Salvage & Transport

Material is recovered from demolition and deconstruction sites, loaded onto our trucks, and transported to our Beverly Street processing facility in Boise.

02

De-Nailing & Cleaning

Every board is hand-inspected and de-nailed. We use metal detectors to catch embedded fasteners that could damage milling equipment or pose a safety risk during end use.

03

Grading & Sorting

Material is sorted by species, dimensions, and grade. We apply visual grading standards for both structural and appearance applications, and moisture-test every batch.

04

Milling & Finishing

Boards that need surfacing, resawing, or profile milling go through our in-house milling line. Some material is sold rough-sawn; some is planed, tongued and grooved, or custom-profiled to order.

Species Guide

Reclaimed Species We Carry

Our reclaimed inventory spans dozens of species. Here are the ten most commonly available, with their properties and best applications.

Douglas Fir

The backbone of Pacific Northwest construction for over a century. Reclaimed old-growth Douglas fir is significantly denser and stronger than modern second-growth stock, with 15 to 30 annual rings per inch compared to 4 to 8 in new plantation fir. Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for structural beams, posts, and heavy timber framing. The warm color deepens beautifully with age and finishing.

Best for: Structural beams, mantels, post-and-beam frames, flooring, furniture

Properties

Janka Hardness
660 lbf
Density
33 lbs/ft3
Color
Warm reddish-brown heartwood, lighter sapwood
Grain
Pronounced, straight grain with tight old-growth rings

White Oak

One of the most prized reclaimed hardwoods. White oak contains tyloses — microscopic cellular structures that block moisture penetration — making it naturally water-resistant and suitable for exterior applications without chemical treatment. Reclaimed white oak from old warehouse floors and industrial buildings features extraordinary grain density that modern white oak cannot match.

Best for: Flooring, furniture, bar tops, outdoor furniture, stair treads, boat components

Properties

Janka Hardness
1,360 lbf
Density
47 lbs/ft3
Color
Light to medium brown with olive undertones
Grain
Prominent ray fleck pattern on quartersawn faces

Red Oak

The most commonly found reclaimed hardwood species. Salvaged from flooring, trim, and cabinetry in homes and commercial buildings dating from the 1920s through 1970s. Reclaimed red oak typically shows darker, richer color than new stock due to decades of oxidation and UV exposure. Takes stain exceptionally well and machines cleanly despite its density.

Best for: Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, shelving, stair components, wainscoting

Properties

Janka Hardness
1,290 lbf
Density
44 lbs/ft3
Color
Pink to reddish-brown heartwood
Grain
Open, prominent grain with large pores

Heart Pine

True heart pine comes from the heartwood of old-growth longleaf pine trees that were harvested across the American South from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s. These trees grew for 200 to 500 years, producing incredibly dense, resinous wood with 15 to 25 rings per inch. Virgin longleaf pine forests are virtually gone, making reclaimed heart pine genuinely irreplaceable. Its hardness rivals many hardwoods despite being a softwood species.

Best for: Wide-plank flooring, stair treads, tabletops, mantels, architectural millwork

Properties

Janka Hardness
1,225 lbf
Density
52 lbs/ft3
Color
Deep amber to rich reddish-brown
Grain
Tight, dense rings from old-growth longleaf pine

Western Red Cedar

Naturally contains thujaplicins — organic compounds that resist decay, insect damage, and fungal growth without chemical treatment. Reclaimed cedar siding and fencing carries decades of authentic weathering that produces a silver-grey patina prized by designers. Extremely lightweight, dimensionally stable, and easy to work with both hand and power tools.

Best for: Siding, fencing, garden beds, outdoor furniture, ceiling planking, accent walls

Properties

Janka Hardness
350 lbf
Density
23 lbs/ft3
Color
Warm reddish-brown to silver-grey when weathered
Grain
Fine, straight, even grain with minimal knots in clear grades

Hard Maple

Reclaimed hard maple is most commonly sourced from gymnasium floors, bowling alleys, factory flooring, and butcher blocks. These sources subject maple to extreme wear, demonstrating the wood's legendary durability. Reclaimed gym-floor maple has a warm amber patina from decades of polyurethane and foot traffic. When resurfaced, it reveals clean, tight grain beneath the wear layer.

Best for: Butcher blocks, flooring, workbenches, cutting boards, furniture, turned items

Properties

Janka Hardness
1,450 lbf
Density
44 lbs/ft3
Color
Creamy white to light amber
Grain
Fine, uniform, often with bird's-eye or curly figure

White Pine

Idaho's heritage softwood species. Old-growth white pine was the foundation of Idaho's logging industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Reclaimed white pine from that era features tight grain, warm coloring, and the soft, mellow character that defines rustic mountain interiors. It works easily, accepts stain and paint well, and sands to a smooth finish.

Best for: Interior paneling, ceiling treatments, trim, shelving, furniture, craft projects

Properties

Janka Hardness
380 lbf
Density
25 lbs/ft3
Color
Light cream when fresh, warm golden-brown with age
Grain
Fine, even grain with small, tight knots

Hemlock

Western hemlock was widely used in industrial and commercial construction throughout the Pacific Northwest. Reclaimed hemlock timbers from warehouses, bridges, and mill buildings offer solid structural material at competitive prices. It is somewhat softer than Douglas fir but performs well in many framing and structural applications. Clean hemlock with minimal defects planes to an attractive, uniform surface.

Best for: Structural framing, timbers, industrial shelving, concrete forming, shop projects

Properties

Janka Hardness
500 lbf
Density
29 lbs/ft3
Color
Light tan to pinkish-brown
Grain
Straight, moderately coarse grain

American Chestnut

Perhaps the most historically significant reclaimed species. The chestnut blight of the early 1900s effectively eliminated American chestnut as a living timber species, making reclaimed chestnut the only source for this once-abundant wood. It is lightweight, naturally rot-resistant, easy to work, and features a distinctive warm brown color. Extremely rare and highly valued by woodworkers and collectors.

Best for: Furniture, paneling, architectural details, museum-quality restoration, specialty projects

Properties

Janka Hardness
540 lbf
Density
30 lbs/ft3
Color
Warm brown with golden undertones
Grain
Straight, coarse grain similar to oak but lighter

Western Larch (Tamarack)

One of the hardest and densest North American softwoods. Western larch is naturally durable and was commonly used for fence posts, barn framing, and mine timbers across Idaho and Montana. Reclaimed larch timbers are exceptionally strong and feature a rich reddish tone that darkens handsomely with finishing. The wood has natural resistance to decay, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Best for: Structural posts, outdoor framing, decking, flooring, heavy-duty shelving, fence posts

Properties

Janka Hardness
830 lbf
Density
36 lbs/ft3
Color
Reddish-brown heartwood, narrow sapwood
Grain
Straight, fine to medium grain, resinous

Historical Origins

Where This Wood Comes From

Every piece of reclaimed lumber in our inventory carries a story. The wood we sell was first harvested from old-growth forests during Idaho and the Pacific Northwest's original timber boom — roughly 1880 through 1940. The trees that produced these boards germinated centuries before European settlement, growing slowly in dense, competitive forest canopies that produced the tight grain and exceptional density we prize today.

That virgin timber was milled into structural lumber and used to build the barns, warehouses, rail depots, grain elevators, schoolhouses, bridges, and homes that shaped the region. The buildings have served their purpose for 80 to 140 years. Now, as structures reach end of life, the lumber inside them emerges — seasoned, proven, and ready for a second century of service.

We are particularly proud of our Idaho agricultural salvage program. The state's rural landscape contains thousands of aging barns, granaries, and outbuildings built from locally harvested timber. When these structures are decommissioned, the lumber they contain — old-growth pine, fir, and larch, cut from trees that grew for centuries in Idaho's mountain forests — represents some of the finest reclaimed material available anywhere in the country.

1880 – 1910

Pioneer & Homestead Era

Lumber from this period was hand-hewn or pit-sawn from virgin old-growth timber. Beams show ax marks, adze textures, and massive dimensions (10x10, 12x12, and larger). Common in Idaho homestead cabins, early barns, and mining structures.

1910 – 1940

Industrial Expansion

Idaho's major sawmills were at peak production. Lumber from this era was machine-milled but from old-growth stock with tight grain. Found in warehouses, rail infrastructure, grain elevators, and commercial buildings.

1940 – 1960

Post-War Construction

A transitional period where old-growth timber was still available but second-growth was emerging. Lumber from this era features moderate grain density and was widely used in residential construction, schools, and commercial buildings.

1960 – 1980

Modern Era Reclaimed

Second-growth timber was standard by this period, but the wood has still had 50+ years to season and stabilize. Common in remodeled homes, commercial renovations, and decommissioned agricultural buildings.

Grading Standards

Our Reclaimed Lumber Grading System

We developed a comprehensive grading system specifically for reclaimed lumber because standard new-lumber grading rules do not adequately account for the unique properties of salvaged material.

Premium Select

Highest Quality

The finest reclaimed material we offer. Minimal defects, consistent color and grain, structurally sound, and free of significant checking, splitting, or wane. Suitable for furniture-grade applications, visible architectural features, and projects where appearance is paramount. This grade represents approximately 10 to 15 percent of our total reclaimed inventory.

Allowable Defects

Minor surface checking allowed. No through-splits. Maximum 1 tight knot per 4 linear feet. No wane. No stain or discoloration beyond natural patina.

Character Select

Popular Choice

High-quality material with moderate character marks that add visual interest without compromising structural integrity. Light nail holes, minor checking, occasional knots, and natural color variation are present and celebrated. This is our most popular grade for accent walls, ceiling treatments, and rustic furniture.

Allowable Defects

Nail holes allowed (filled or unfilled). Moderate checking on ends. Knots to 1.5 inches allowed if tight. Minor wane on edges (less than 10% of board width). Original patina and color variation expected.

Structural

Load-Bearing

Graded primarily for structural performance rather than appearance. Material in this grade has been evaluated for load-bearing capacity: soundness, freedom from decay, and adequate cross-section for its rated span. Appearance defects (staining, nail holes, surface damage) do not affect the structural grade as long as they do not compromise strength.

Allowable Defects

Surface defects allowed if structurally insignificant. No decay or rot. No through-splits in structural zones. Wane limited to 1/4 of any face. Moisture content verified at 19% or below.

Rustic

Full Character

Material with significant character features: heavy weathering, multiple nail holes, pronounced checking, mixed patina, wane edges, and irregular dimensions. Rustic grade is ideal for projects that embrace the imperfect, authentic aesthetic of aged wood. Structurally sound but not graded for load-bearing applications.

Allowable Defects

Heavy nail holes, checking, and surface weathering expected. Wane to 25% of board width. Knots of any size if tight. Color variation and staining add to character. Boards must be free of rot and insect damage.

Economy

Value Option

Usable reclaimed lumber with more defects than higher grades. Suitable for utility applications, shop projects, concrete forming, temporary construction, and creative projects where imperfections are part of the design. Priced 30 to 50 percent below Character Select to make reclaimed accessible for budget-conscious projects.

Allowable Defects

Significant defects including large knots, end splits, staining, wane, and dimensional irregularity. Material is free of rot and structurally usable for non-load-bearing applications.

Shorts & Offcuts

Small Pieces

Reclaimed pieces under 36 inches long that result from end-trimming, defect removal, and milling operations. Sold in bundles by species or as mixed-species packs. Popular with furniture makers, craft artisans, and cutting board makers who need small, high-quality reclaimed stock at accessible prices.

Allowable Defects

Quality varies within bundles. All pieces are sound and free of rot. Species and grain quality are equivalent to the original boards they were trimmed from.

Moisture Content

Understanding Moisture in Reclaimed Lumber

Moisture content is one of the most critical factors in lumber performance. Wood is hygroscopic — it absorbs and releases moisture in response to the surrounding environment. If lumber is installed at a moisture content significantly different from its destination environment, it will gain or lose moisture after installation, causing expansion, contraction, warping, cupping, or checking.

One of the major advantages of reclaimed lumber is that most of it has already reached equilibrium moisture content. Interior-sourced material — flooring, trim, paneling, structural framing from inside buildings — typically sits between 6 and 10 percent, which is ideal for interior installation in Idaho's semi-arid climate without additional drying.

Exterior-sourced material — barn siding, outdoor structures, exposed framing — may arrive at 12 to 18 percent depending on recent weather exposure. This material is suitable for exterior applications immediately, and for interior use after a brief acclimatization period or kiln drying in our facility.

We moisture-test every batch of reclaimed lumber and record the results. When you purchase from us, we can tell you the moisture content of your material and advise on whether it needs additional conditioning for your specific application.

6 – 8%

Fine Furniture & Cabinetry

Ideal for heated, climate-controlled interiors. Material from interior demolitions often arrives in this range.

8 – 10%

Interior Flooring & Paneling

Standard target for residential interior installations in Idaho. Most interior-sourced reclaimed stock meets this naturally.

10 – 12%

Interior Trim & Shelving

Acceptable for non-critical interior applications. May need brief acclimatization in conditioned space.

12 – 15%

Covered Exterior & Structural

Suitable for covered porches, enclosed structures, and protected framing. Typical of barn interior stock.

15 – 19%

Exterior Construction

Appropriate for decking, fencing, outdoor framing, and exposed structural applications. Standard for exterior-sourced reclaimed material.

Installation Guide

Tips for Working with Reclaimed Lumber

Reclaimed wood behaves differently than new stock in some important ways. Follow these guidelines to ensure successful installations and lasting results.

Acclimatize Before Installation

Bring reclaimed lumber into the installation environment 5 to 7 days before work begins. Stack it loosely with stickers between layers to allow air circulation on all faces. This lets the wood adjust to the temperature and humidity of its final location, minimizing post-installation movement.

Pre-Drill Dense Material

Old-growth reclaimed lumber is significantly harder and denser than new stock. Pre-drilling for screws and nails prevents splitting, especially near board ends and edges. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the fastener shank. For hardwoods like oak and maple, pre-drilling is essential.

Use Sharp Blades

Dull saw blades and planer knives tear reclaimed wood rather than cutting it cleanly. Use carbide-tipped saw blades and freshly sharpened planer knives. If you hit an embedded metal fragment our metal detector missed, stop and inspect the blade immediately.

Seal Both Sides

When finishing reclaimed wood for accent walls, paneling, or furniture, apply finish to both the face and the back of each board. Sealing one side but not the other creates uneven moisture exchange, which causes cupping and warping — even on fully seasoned reclaimed material.

Allow for Irregular Dimensions

Reclaimed boards may vary slightly in thickness, width, and straightness. Plan layouts with this in mind: random-width installations look natural, and using furring strips or a plywood substrate can level out minor thickness variations. Our milling service can surface material to uniform thickness if needed.

Protect Original Patina

If you are using reclaimed wood specifically for its aged appearance, minimize sanding. A light scuff with 220-grit removes loose fibers without destroying the surface character. Use clear penetrating finishes rather than film-forming ones. Avoid power washing — it strips decades of patina in seconds.

Care & Maintenance

Maintaining Reclaimed Wood Installations

Reclaimed wood is inherently low-maintenance. It has already endured decades of use, environmental exposure, and temperature cycling. With basic care, reclaimed wood installations will last another century.

The most important maintenance consideration is moisture management. Keep interior reclaimed wood installations at stable humidity levels — 35 to 55 percent relative humidity is ideal for Idaho homes. Extreme dryness (common in Idaho winters with forced-air heating) can cause checking and shrinkage. A whole-house humidifier or portable unit helps maintain consistent conditions.

For exterior reclaimed wood, plan on recoating penetrating finishes every 2 to 3 years in Idaho's climate. The combination of intense summer UV exposure and winter freeze-thaw cycles demands periodic maintenance. Film-forming finishes (deck stains, spar varnish) may need annual touch-up in high-wear areas.

Interior Walls & Ceilings

Annual

Dust with a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment. Inspect for loose boards or popped fasteners. Touch up clear finish only if wear is visible — most interior accent walls need zero refinishing for 10+ years.

Interior Flooring

Ongoing + Annual

Sweep or vacuum weekly. Damp-mop monthly with a pH-neutral wood cleaner — never saturate. Recoat with polyurethane every 5 to 7 years for residential use, or every 2 to 3 years for commercial high-traffic areas. Sand and refinish every 15 to 20 years.

Furniture & Tabletops

Monthly + As Needed

Clean with a slightly damp cloth. For oil-finished pieces, reapply a thin coat of tung oil or Danish oil every 6 to 12 months, or whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. For polyurethane-finished surfaces, clean and inspect annually.

Exterior Siding & Cladding

Biannual

Inspect for moisture intrusion, loose boards, and finish degradation each spring and fall. Clean with a soft brush and mild detergent — no pressure washing. Reapply penetrating stain or UV protectant every 2 to 3 years.

Pricing

What Determines Reclaimed Lumber Pricing

Reclaimed lumber pricing is more nuanced than new lumber because each piece has unique history, processing requirements, and characteristics. Here are the factors that influence what you pay.

Species Rarity

Common species like Douglas fir and pine are priced accessibly because supply is consistent. Rare species like American chestnut, old-growth heart pine, and wide-plank white oak command premiums because they are genuinely irreplaceable — the trees that produced them no longer exist in harvestable quantities.

Processing Labor

Reclaimed lumber requires significantly more labor than new stock. Every board must be individually de-nailed, metal-detected, cleaned, inspected, graded, and sorted. This hand labor is reflected in the pricing. Heavily fastened material (warehouse flooring with hundreds of nails) costs more to process than cleanly removed barn siding.

Grade & Condition

Premium Select grade commands the highest prices because it represents the best 10 to 15 percent of incoming material. Economy and Rustic grades are significantly more affordable, making reclaimed wood accessible for utility and character projects. Shorts and offcuts offer the lowest per-board-foot cost.

Dimensions

Wider and thicker boards cost more because they come from larger, older trees and are more versatile for end users. A reclaimed 2x12 is rarer and more valuable than a 2x4 from the same salvage source. Large timbers (8x8 and above) carry premium pricing reflecting their scarcity and the logistics of handling heavy stock.

Milling & Finishing

Rough-sawn reclaimed lumber is priced lower than material that has been surfaced, profiled, or finished. If you want your reclaimed boards planed to uniform thickness, milled with tongue-and-groove, or sanded for furniture use, milling charges are added per board foot or linear foot.

Volume & Market Conditions

Volume discounts apply to reclaimed lumber just as they do to new stock. Market conditions also fluctuate — reclaimed lumber pricing tends to be more stable than new lumber (which follows volatile commodity markets), but supply-driven scarcity for specific species or dimensions can affect pricing seasonally.

Application Guide

Structural vs. Decorative Applications

Reclaimed lumber serves two fundamentally different purposes, and understanding the distinction is critical for safe, successful projects.

Load-Bearing

Structural Applications

Structural use means the lumber is carrying weight, resisting lateral forces, or serving as part of the building's load path. Reclaimed lumber absolutely can be used structurally — in many cases, it is superior to new stock because old-growth material is denser and has already proven its load-bearing capacity over decades of service.

However, structural use requires careful evaluation. Every piece must be assessed for soundness: freedom from decay, adequate cross-section, absence of critical defects (through-splits in bearing zones, significant cross-grain cracking), and verified moisture content. Our structural-grade reclaimed timbers go through this evaluation before being offered for sale.

Structural Applications Include:

  • Post-and-beam framing for homes, barns, and pavilions
  • Load-bearing header beams and ridge beams
  • Floor joists and ceiling joists in renovation projects
  • Structural decking subframes and pergola posts
  • Bridge timbers and heavy-load platforms
  • Foundation sill plates (with moisture protection)
Aesthetic

Decorative Applications

Decorative use encompasses every application where the wood is chosen primarily for its visual character, texture, and history rather than its load-bearing capacity. This is where reclaimed lumber truly shines — the patina, nail holes, saw marks, weathering, and grain patterns that make reclaimed wood uniquely beautiful are celebrated rather than hidden.

Decorative applications are less restrictive on grading: Rustic and Economy grades that would not pass structural evaluation are perfectly appropriate and often preferred for accent walls, furniture, and design features. More defects can mean more character, and the cost savings make reclaimed wood accessible for creative projects at every budget.

Decorative Applications Include:

  • Accent walls, feature walls, and ceiling treatments
  • Fireplace mantels and decorative floating beams
  • Furniture — dining tables, desks, shelving, benches
  • Cabinetry facing, drawer fronts, and cabinet doors
  • Restaurant and retail interior cladding
  • Signage, wall art, and mosaic panels

Inspiration

Project Ideas Worth Building

These are the projects our customers build most often, and the ones that consistently produce stunning results with reclaimed lumber.

Barn Door Slider

A full-size sliding barn door built from reclaimed barn wood planks on an industrial track. The authentic aged texture of the wood needs no staining or distressing — just a clear seal to lock in the patina.

Live-Edge River Table

Two reclaimed hardwood slabs joined with a colored epoxy resin river channel. Reclaimed walnut and oak create dramatic contrast with blue, green, or clear epoxy. Our milling team can flatten and prep slabs to your specifications.

Herringbone Accent Wall

Reclaimed barn wood cut to uniform lengths and installed in a herringbone pattern. The mix of aged colors — silver-grey, golden pine, weathered brown — creates a mosaic effect that transforms any room into a design statement.

Outdoor Kitchen Bar

A reclaimed timber frame with a thick old-growth fir bar top, weather-sealed for outdoor use. Paired with steel bracket supports and reclaimed wood shelving underneath. Built to withstand Idaho summers and winters with proper finishing.

Floating Timber Shelves

Reclaimed timber beams hollowed and mounted on concealed brackets to create floating shelves with authentic mass and character. Old-growth fir or pine beams in the 4x6 to 6x8 range work best, providing visual weight without overwhelming the wall.

Ceiling Beam Treatment

Non-structural decorative beams installed on a flat ceiling to create the appearance of a timber-frame structure. Hollow box beams wrapped in reclaimed barn wood are lightweight and easy to install while delivering dramatic visual impact.

Farmhouse Dining Table

A 4-inch-thick tabletop built from joined reclaimed fir or oak planks, mounted on a trestle or steel base. The natural variations in color and grain across multiple boards create a one-of-a-kind surface that becomes the centerpiece of every dinner party.

Reclaimed Wood Headboard

A floor-to-ceiling headboard wall built from random-width reclaimed planks. Horizontal, vertical, or diagonal installation patterns each create a different mood. LED strip lighting behind the edges adds a warm backlight effect.

Garden Pergola

A reclaimed timber pergola using salvaged 6x6 posts and 4x8 beams. The weathered surface of aged timbers creates an instant sense of permanence and character that new pressure-treated posts cannot match. Pair with climbing plants for a living structure.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We hear these questions every week. Here are clear, honest answers.

Is reclaimed lumber safe for interior use?

Yes. All reclaimed lumber we sell for interior use is screened for hazardous materials including lead paint, creosote, CCA treatment, and other chemical coatings. Material with contamination is refused or disposed of properly. Our interior-grade reclaimed stock is clean, non-toxic, and safe for homes, restaurants, and commercial spaces — including around children and food preparation areas.

Can reclaimed lumber be used for structural framing?

Absolutely, but it must be properly evaluated. Our Structural grade reclaimed lumber has been assessed for soundness, freedom from decay, and adequate cross-section for load-bearing use. Many old-growth reclaimed timbers exceed the strength of their new-growth equivalents due to higher density. For engineered structural applications, consult your engineer about using our reclaimed beams — most will approve them with appropriate inspection.

How does reclaimed lumber compare to new lumber in price?

It depends on the application. Reclaimed dimensional framing stock (2x4, 2x6, etc.) often costs 10 to 20 percent less than equivalent new material. Premium character-grade reclaimed wood — old barn boards, wide-plank flooring, large timbers — is priced at a premium reflecting the rarity of the material and the labor required to process it. Overall, reclaimed is competitive with new for most applications and often less expensive for framing.

Do you deliver reclaimed lumber?

Yes, we deliver throughout the Treasure Valley and southwestern Idaho. Delivery options include flatbed trucks for large orders, boom trucks for heavy timbers and hard-to-access locations, and small-load vehicles for residential deliveries. Delivery fees are based on distance and load size. Free delivery is available on orders over 3,000 board feet within the Treasure Valley.

Can you source specific species or dimensions on request?

In most cases, yes. Our salvage network spans Idaho, eastern Oregon, and western Montana. If we do not have what you need in current inventory, we can put out a sourcing request to our network of demolition contractors, deconstruction crews, and salvage partners. Lead times for sourced material typically range from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the species and dimensions requested.

What is the difference between reclaimed and distressed wood?

Reclaimed lumber is genuinely salvaged from existing structures — the aging, patina, nail holes, and character marks are real and accumulated over decades of actual use. Distressed wood is new lumber that has been artificially aged using mechanical processes, chemicals, or stains to simulate the appearance of aged wood. Reclaimed offers authentic character, proven stability, and genuine environmental benefits that manufactured distressed products cannot replicate.

Do I need to treat reclaimed wood for insects?

Generally, no. Kiln drying (which many of our boards have undergone at some point) kills any insect larvae. Reclaimed wood that has been in a dry building for decades is not a hospitable environment for active infestation. We inspect all incoming material for signs of active pest damage — powder-post beetles, termite damage, carpenter ants — and reject compromised stock. If you have concerns about a specific application, we can recommend a borate-based treatment for added protection.

Can reclaimed wood be used in LEED-certified projects?

Yes. Reclaimed and salvaged wood contributes to multiple LEED credit categories, including Materials and Resources (MR Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization), and may contribute to Innovation credits for waste diversion and locally sourced materials. We provide documentation of reclaimed material sourcing, processing, and chain of custody for LEED project submissions.

How do I calculate how much reclaimed lumber I need?

For wall cladding and ceiling treatments, measure the square footage and multiply by 1.15 to 1.25 to account for waste and random widths. For flooring, multiply square footage by 1.15 to 1.20. For structural beams, calculate based on your engineer's specifications. For furniture projects, estimate based on finished dimensions plus 20 percent for jointing, planing, and cutting waste. Our staff can help you calculate exact quantities from plans or sketches.

What happens to reclaimed wood that does not meet your grading standards?

Nothing goes to waste. Material that cannot be sold as lumber is channeled into our recycled wood products program. Shorts become cutting boards and small furniture. Narrow strips become wall art and mosaic panels. Sawdust and chips become mulch and animal bedding. Only non-wood contaminants (nails, hardware, fasteners) leave our facility as waste.

Looking for Something Specific?

Our reclaimed inventory changes weekly. If you need a particular species, dimension, or volume, let us know and we will check current stock or source it from our salvage network.

Request a QuoteAll Products