Thursday, October 31, 2013

How To Buy Reclaimed Barn Wood Furniture

By Marsha Klein


Reclaimed barn wood furniture is in high demand among people who own cabins or who have tastes that run to rustic antique furniture. Many people buy reclaimed barn wood furniture because of the green house effect that can be avoided by not cutting down new trees. Either way you will find many options and opportunities to view and purchase these beautiful pieces.

Two hundred years ago the hard woods needed for the barns and houses being built were hickory and chestnut. Most of these trees died out from blight and are not available for harvesting today. That makes the only place to find these woods in the old homes and farm buildings. Salvaging and re-purposing them is a lucrative occupation.

Using the renovated pillars from barns and houses gives a texture and finish to the product that cannot be recreated in new wood. The natural aging that nature can do with snow, wind and rain cannot be duplicated by man or machine. These items come in finished or unfinished styles. The unfinished ones are totally natural in color and feel. The finished pieces are smoother and have a lacquer coating to highlight the grain and hues.

When you choose to finish the outside pieces it will protect it from the elements better. It will turn grey without the benefit of finishing but it will not harm the piece to be without. Finishing the interior pieces has benefits also. Unfinished it will simply darken in color but finishing it will protect it from the problems inherent to running a household such as kids and crayons.

The most prolific location for manufacturers is in the Midwest or Northeast states. There are many old abandoned buildings in the countryside that can be salvaged for re-purposing. The materials must be conditioned prior to use and this takes time. Some of the retailers use Amish carpenters to create their products because they are masters of their trade. You can find retailers that will take special orders for custom pieces.

Many suppliers have pieces in stock should you need something right away. Usual production and delivery of an order can take from six to ninety days. If the item you want is in stock it can be shipped immediately. Naturally it will take much longer if you have a specific design you wish to have followed or the one you want is out of stock.

Suppliers try to adhere to the styles and designs that are traditional and that would have been found in a home in the days when the settlers were constructing them. They are made to last for generations just as were the original models. It is not unusual to find pieces that have been in families for centuries and you may be able to start a family tradition of your own with your choices.

As with every major purchase be certain of your supplier before you spend your money. To buy reclaimed barn wood furniture you need only search the internet to find what you are looking for and then check the references. If the shop is close enough you can go to the location and see the product for yourself. You will find that special place to shop and end up with furnishings that will last beyond your lifetime.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment