Reclaimed Lumber
Dimensional boards rich with character and history, salvaged from structures across the Midwest.
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Available Species
Our inventory changes regularly as new salvage projects are completed. Here are the species we most commonly carry.
| Species | Hardness | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| White Oak | 1360 Janka | High |
| Red Oak | 1290 Janka | High |
| Douglas Fir | 660 Janka | Medium |
| Heart Pine | 1225 Janka | Limited |
| American Chestnut | 540 Janka | Rare |
| Elm | 830 Janka | Medium |
Standard Dimensions
We carry a wide range of sizes. Custom milling is available for non-standard dimensions.
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How Reclaimed Lumber Is Processed
Turning century-old structural timber into usable dimensional lumber is a careful, multi-step process. Here is how we do it at North Iowa Lumber.
Site Assessment & Salvage Planning
Before any deconstruction begins, our team visits the structure to assess the quality and quantity of recoverable timber. We evaluate species, dimensions, structural integrity, and check for signs of rot, insect damage, or chemical treatment. Only structures that yield sound, usable timber move forward.
Careful Deconstruction
We disassemble structures by hand wherever possible, using pry bars, reciprocating saws, and rigging equipment rather than bulldozers. This protects the wood from unnecessary damage and preserves the full length of beams and boards that a demolition crew would splinter.
Transportation & Receiving
Salvaged timber is loaded onto flatbed trucks and transported to our yard in North Iowa. Upon arrival, each load is cataloged by species, approximate dimensions, source structure, and estimated age. This provenance data follows the wood through every step of processing.
Hand De-Nailing
Our crew removes nails, screws, bolts, and other embedded hardware by hand using nail pullers, grinders, and end nippers. A single reclaimed board can contain a dozen or more nails driven over the course of a century. Thorough de-nailing is essential to protect our milling equipment and your tools.
Metal Detection
After hand de-nailing, every board passes through our industrial metal detector. This catches any remaining ferrous and non-ferrous metals — including broken nail tips, fence staples, and hardware fragments too small to spot visually. Boards that trigger the detector go back to the de-nailing station.
Kiln Drying
Reclaimed lumber enters our kiln at moisture contents ranging from 14–25%. We dry it down to 6–8% over 5–14 days depending on thickness. The kiln temperature exceeds 130°F for at least 72 hours, which sterilizes the wood against insects, larvae, and mold per ISPM-15 standards.
Milling & Surfacing
Dried lumber is milled to final dimensions on our planer, rip saw, and moulder. We can surface boards on one or both faces, rip to consistent widths, and cut tongue-and-groove or shiplap profiles. Milling tolerances are held to ±1/32 inch across every board.
Grading, Inspection & Inventory
Finished boards are graded according to structural integrity and aesthetic character. Select grade has minimal nail holes and consistent color. Character grade shows moderate patina and occasional checking. Rustic grade features heavy character marks, knots, and color variation. Every board is inspected before it enters our sales inventory.
Applications Gallery
Reclaimed lumber is one of the most versatile building materials available. Here are the most popular ways our customers put it to use.
Flooring
Tongue-and-groove flooring milled from reclaimed boards delivers unmatched character underfoot. The tight grain of old-growth species resists denting and wears beautifully over decades. Available in widths from 3 to 12 inches.
Furniture
Dining tables, bookshelves, desks, and bed frames built from reclaimed lumber carry a depth of grain and color that new wood simply cannot replicate. Woodworkers prize reclaimed stock for its stability and aged beauty.
Accent Walls
Mix species, widths, and patina levels to create a textured feature wall that anchors any room. Reclaimed wall boards install easily with construction adhesive or a nail gun and can be left natural or finished with a clear coat.
Shelving
Floating shelves, bracket shelves, and built-in bookcases made from reclaimed lumber add warmth to kitchens, living rooms, and retail spaces. A single 2×10 board with live edge makes a striking open shelf in any kitchen.
Exterior Cladding
Dense species like white oak and heart pine perform well as exterior siding and cladding when properly finished. The natural weathering of reclaimed wood gives new construction an instant sense of age and permanence.
Fencing
Reclaimed boards make beautiful, durable fencing that stands out from pressure-treated alternatives. The varied tones and textures of salvaged lumber create a fence line with genuine character and no two identical boards.
Decking
For covered porches and protected decks, reclaimed white oak and Douglas fir offer excellent durability and a surface that improves with foot traffic. Seal annually for best performance in exposed applications.
Trim & Millwork
Crown molding, baseboards, window casings, and door trim milled from reclaimed lumber give finished spaces an heirloom quality. Our custom milling service can match existing historic profiles or create entirely new ones.
Pricing Information
Pricing for reclaimed lumber varies by species, grade, dimensions, and processing. Below are typical price ranges per board foot to help you budget your project. Contact us for a precise quote.
| Species | Select Grade | Character Grade | Rustic Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Oak | $8.50 – $12.00 | $6.50 – $9.00 | $4.50 – $6.50 |
| Red Oak | $7.50 – $10.50 | $5.50 – $8.00 | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Heart Pine | $11.00 – $16.00 | $8.00 – $12.00 | $6.00 – $9.00 |
| Douglas Fir | $6.00 – $9.00 | $4.50 – $7.00 | $3.50 – $5.50 |
| American Chestnut | $14.00 – $22.00 | $10.00 – $16.00 | $7.00 – $11.00 |
| Elm | $7.00 – $10.00 | $5.00 – $7.50 | $3.50 – $5.50 |
* Prices are per board foot and reflect rough or surfaced-two-sides lumber. Custom milling, kiln drying, and profiling may add $1.50\u2013$3.00 per board foot. Volume discounts are available for orders over 500 board feet.
Care & Maintenance
Reclaimed lumber is remarkably durable, but proper care ensures it looks its best for generations. Follow these guidelines based on your application.
Interior Finished Surfaces
For flooring, furniture, and paneling with a clear coat or oil finish, dust regularly and clean with a damp (not wet) cloth. Reapply penetrating oil finishes every 12–18 months in high-traffic areas. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can strip natural oils and discolor aged wood.
Unfinished Interior Wood
Unfinished reclaimed boards used for accent walls or decorative shelving need minimal maintenance. Dust periodically and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can lighten the natural patina over time. A single coat of matte polyurethane or hard-wax oil can lock in the color without changing the look.
Exterior Applications
Reclaimed wood used outdoors should be sealed with a UV-protective exterior finish before installation. Reapply the finish every 1–2 years depending on sun exposure and climate. Inspect annually for signs of checking or cupping and address them promptly. Keep wood at least 6 inches above ground level to prevent moisture wicking.
Structural Beams & Timbers
Exposed interior beams generally require no maintenance beyond occasional dusting. If your beams are in a high-humidity environment (above a kitchen or in a bathroom), ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture absorption. Check beam connections and mounting hardware annually in structural applications.
Preventing Damage
Use felt pads under furniture legs on reclaimed floors. Place mats at exterior doorways to catch grit and moisture. Maintain indoor humidity between 35–55% year-round to minimize seasonal expansion and contraction. Wipe up spills promptly to avoid staining on unfinished or oiled surfaces.
Environmental Benefits
Choosing reclaimed lumber is one of the most impactful environmental decisions you can make as a builder or homeowner. Here are the numbers behind the choice.
Saved for every 1,000 board feet of reclaimed lumber used instead of new-growth hardwood. That is approximately 2.5 tons of living wood left standing in the forest.
Kept out of the atmosphere per 1,000 board feet of reclaimed wood. This accounts for both the embodied carbon preserved in the wood and the emissions avoided by not harvesting, transporting, and milling new timber.
Of construction waste diverted from landfills for every 1,000 board feet of reclaimed lumber we process. Nationwide, construction debris accounts for nearly 25% of all landfill material.
Average age of the reclaimed lumber in our inventory. These boards have already proven their durability over a century of service and are ready for another hundred years in your project.
Looking for a specific species?
Check our detailed species profiles for grain patterns, workability, and best uses.
Species Deep Dive