How to Care for Reclaimed Lumber

At The Lumber Baron, we tell our customers that one of the advantages of using reclaimed lumber is that it has already stood the test of time. Because of that, it is not as susceptible to rot, insects, or mildew as new growth lumber would be. With that said, there are still some best practices that should be used to ensure that your reclaimed lumber continues to be durable and look good for years to come. Additionally, sealing exposed exterior lumber helps prevent mildew and mold from growing on horizontal surfaces, keeping things like decks safer for the whole family to use.

Usage Affects Maintenance

Depending on how you are using reclaimed lumber, it may not require any sort of maintenance or care at all. You could still use your choice of the care tips provided, or leave the lumber in its natural state. Reclaimed lumber usages which require little or no ongoing care include:

·        Structural or Decorative Beams

·        Rustic or Antique Applications

·        Barn or Shed Siding

·        Fencing

Oil Soaps and Sealers

There are a variety of sealants available which do not produce a hard finish. Murphy’s Oil Soap is a popular treatment, for example, but you could also use linseed or other natural oils and lumber treatments. This type of treatment is especially effective for beams, decks, fences, and other applications where you want to protect the natural appearance of the lumber. This method requires semi-annual treatments to maintain their effectiveness. Stains can be used with all clear or translucent sealants.

Painting

Painting is always an option, but it is not the best way to care for reclaimed lumber because paints cover up the grain, texture, and natural coloration of your lumber. When you are using reclaimed material such as redwood or old-growth Douglas fir, using paints can actually diminish the aesthetics the wood naturally provides. Keeping the wood color and grain of reclaimed lumber visible is usually the best way to go.

Hard Sealants

Polyurethane or other lacquer finishes are a long-lasting way to treat your reclaimed lumber. You can also use stains on lumber that is unfinished or has a hard, translucent finish. If you have previously treated the material with oils or “soft” sealants, you will have to completely remove the earlier treatments by sanding or power-washing, or your lumber may develop a cloudy, blurry appearance due to moisture trapped between the soft sealant and the hard finish.

For 40 years, The Lumber Baron has provided the Bay Area with quality lumber and home-town milling. Our selection of hand-selected reclaimed lumber is among the best in the business, and our staff is knowledgeable about the best applications and maintenance for this unique type of lumber. We are proud of our family-owned business, so come on in and find out why reclaimed lumber is a better choice for practical and aesthetic reasons.