Finding the best reclaimed wood suppliers in the US means seeking more than just lumber — it’s about uncovering authentic history in every board. Builders, architects, and homeowners increasingly turn to reclaimed wood for its character, sustainability, and irreplaceable craftsmanship.
At Bourgeois Materials, authenticity is foundational. Each beam and plank carries a tangible link to America’s industrial and agricultural past, responsibly sourced and carefully restored for new design life. This balance of history and craftsmanship defines every reclaimed piece.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to evaluate reclaimed suppliers, compare regional and national sources, and choose materials that match your project’s integrity and vision. Whether you’re building a timeless home or a statement interior, it begins with knowing where — and how — to source true reclaimed wood.
Suppliers serve local projects, nationwide builders, and niche restorations. The right source depends on your budget, species needs, and whether you want certified sustainable reclaimed lumber or unique vintage character.
Regional suppliers focus on nearby barns, warehouses, and mills. They often offer quicker lead times and lower shipping costs, which helps if you’re working on a remodel or small build.
Look for suppliers that list local salvage sources and species. They usually sell barn board, floor planks, and beams reclaimed from nearby structures. You can often inspect boards in person, pick matching runs, and get milling or custom cutting on-site.
Buying regionally makes it easier to confirm provenance and check for old nail holes, patina, and drying status. Many regional yards provide free measuring tips or sample pieces so you can test color and finish before ordering.
According to ArchDaily, reclaimed wood plays a role in ecological design by encouraging architects and builders to reuse materials and reduce waste, a core principle of sustainable architecture.
Sourcing wood locally cuts transportation emissions and supports regional circular economies, which is essential for minimizing a project’s environmental footprint. Buyers who choose regional suppliers also benefit from easier access for in-person inspections and quicker delivery timelines.
Local sourcing makes provenance verification and on-site quality checks far simpler. This approach aligns with broader sustainable design goals in modern architecture and reuse practices.
National suppliers ship reclaimed wood across the country and carry larger inventories. They fit well if you need consistent runs for commercial projects or multiple job sites.
These companies sell a wide range: reclaimed wood siding, paneling, flooring, and specialty planks. They often offer online catalogs, free samples, and standardized grading so you can match boards between shipments.
Expect higher shipping costs, but also more species options and larger volumes. If you need certified sustainable reclaimed lumber or engineered reclaimed products, national vendors often have those options ready for bulk orders.
Specialty suppliers focus on rare species, historic timbers, or design-driven products. You’d turn to them when you want standout pieces, museum-quality beams, or custom milling.
They might reclaim wood from ship timbers, boardwalks, or industrial sites and provide detailed histories for each board. Many offer finishing services, custom profiles, and certified sustainability documentation.
These vendors usually cost more, but they can supply showpiece materials and detailed provenance for high-end interiors or restoration projects. If your design calls for a unique character or specific old-growth species, specialty providers deliver those rare options.
You’ll find reclaimed wood in many forms, each with a different look and use. Choose by grain, color, stability, and how you plan to install or finish the material.
Barn wood comes from old barns and outbuildings. You get weathered boards with nail holes, knots, and a worn patina that adds character. This wood often shows gray, brown, and red tones from sun and rain exposure.
Use barn wood for accent walls, ceiling beams, and furniture. It’s already aged, so you save time on distressing or staining. Reliable suppliers sort and grade pieces, offering select boards for visible areas and rustic grades for hidden or decorative uses.
You may need de-nailing and flattening before installation. Sealing improves durability in kitchens or bathrooms.
Antique wood includes older planks and structural beams salvaged from historic buildings. These pieces often come from old-growth trees, giving you tighter grain and richer color than modern lumber.
Beams are great for mantels, posts, or structural accents. Planks work for flooring and paneling where consistency and depth of color matter. Expect heavier weight and fewer knots than typical barn wood, plus unique markings like mortise cuts and chisel marks that tell a story.
Inspect for stability and moisture content. Reclaimed beams may need kiln drying or reinforcement. Ask the supplier for provenance and grade to ensure the piece suits load-bearing or decorative use.
Reclaimed Douglas fir provides strong, straight-grained boards and beams. It’s common in old warehouses and bridges, so you can find wide planks and long lengths that are hard to source today.
Douglas fir’s warm, amber tones and clear grain make it a favorite for flooring, stair treads, and modern rustic cabinetry. It machines well and accepts finishes smoothly. Because it was often grown in dense old-growth forests, reclaimed fir can be more stable and durable than new fast-growth lumber.
Check for prior use marks and ensure proper drying. Some reclaimed Douglas fir shows planer marks or machine scores that you may want to keep or sand out, depending on your design.
Mixed hardwoods combine species like oak, maple, chestnut, and poplar into planks, flooring, or custom furniture. These collections let you match color and density for specific projects.
Suppliers often offer custom cutting, planing, and joining. You can get matching stair risers, trim, and flooring sets. Mixed hardwood floors can be finished to a uniform tone or left with varied hues for a rustic look.
Ask about species breakdown, milling history, and recommended finishes. Hardwoods vary in hardness and color stability, so your supplier’s grading helps prevent surprises during installation and wear.
You can use reclaimed wood in ways that add character and save resources. The most common uses include interior walls, floors, and ceilings, and exterior cladding where durability and appearance matter.
Reclaimed wood walls give rooms a textured, lived-in look you can’t get with new lumber. Install planks horizontally or vertically for different effects; thinner shiplap creates a clean line while wider, rough boards add rustic depth.
Match plank finish to the room: smooth, sanded panels fit modern spaces, while weathered boards suit cabins and accent walls. Attach to plywood or furring strips with corrosion-resistant screws. Allow the wood to acclimate for at least a week to avoid gaps or cupping.
For moisture-prone rooms, seal with a clear water-based finish to keep the wood stable without hiding its grain. If you want an authentic story, use reclaimed wood wall pieces from barns or snow fences for visible nail holes and patina.
Lay reclaimed wood as hardwood flooring for a warm, antique look. Select boards with consistent thickness and inspect for nails or rot before installation. Engineered planks made from reclaimed timber offer easier installation and better moisture resistance than solid reclaimed boards.
For ceilings, install reclaimed beams or tongue-and-groove planks to add visual interest and reduce echo. Use joist-leveling and proper blocking when adding heavy beams. Refinish floors with a durable polyurethane for high-traffic areas.
For ceilings, a lighter clear coat preserves character while preventing dust buildup. Both floors and ceilings benefit from grading selection—choose higher-grade reclaimed boards where surface wear matters.
Exterior cladding with reclaimed wood provides a unique façade and can be highly durable if prepared correctly. Use dense species like oak or fir and ensure boards are properly dried and treated against insects and decay.
Profile choices include shiplap, bevel, or board-and-batten,n depending on the architectural style you want. Install a ventilated rainscreen behind the cladding to manage moisture and extend life. Fasten with stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails to avoid rust stains.
Finish with an exterior-grade stain or preservative; opaque stains hide imperfections while clear finishes show the wood’s weathered look. Reclaimed exterior cladding works well for accent walls, siding, and detached structures when you prioritize both appearance and proper detailing.
Check supplier history, inspect pieces for soundness, and confirm how the wood was dried and finished before you buy. These steps help you avoid pests, hidden damage, and surprises during installation.
Look for suppliers with a track record of selling reclaimed wood, not just distressed new lumber. Search for company names, then read reviews on Yelp, Google, and trade forums. Pay attention to repeated comments about delivery issues, hidden defects, or good customer service.
Ask the supplier specific questions: How long have you been selling reclaimed wood? Do you publish an invoice or a certificate of origin? Can you provide photos or a short video of the lot before purchase? Reputable reclaimed wood suppliers will give clear answers and references.
Check whether the supplier lists types of timber (e.g., old-growth pine, oak, barn siding) and whether they offer inspection access or returns. If a seller refuses to let you inspect in person or by video, treat that as a red flag.
When you inspect wood, look for consistent patina, old nail holes, and mill marks that match reclaimed material. Test for rot by pressing a screwdriver into a few spots; solid wood resists penetration. Watch for mold, active insect frass, or soft areas.
Measure boards for straightness and flatness. Ask for moisture readings; reclaimed wood should read below 12% for interior use. Verify dimensions versus advertised sizes and ask about any structural repairs, epoxies, or sistering the supplier performed.
If authenticity matters, request provenance details: where the wood came from, what structure it was in, and any photos of the original building. Keep records of communications and receipts in case a dispute arises after delivery.
Ask whether the supplier kiln-dried the wood after salvage. Kiln drying kills insects and stabilizes moisture. If the supplier did not kiln-dry, get a written plan for drying and a timeline before installation.
Clarify finishing options. Some suppliers sell raw reclaimed boards; others offer planing, sanding, or finishing with oils or sealers. If you plan to install flooring or furniture, request sample finishes and a description of sealers used. Confirm compatibility with adhesives, stains, or paints you intend to use.
Ask about chemical history. Older structures sometimes had lead paint or creosote. A trustworthy supplier will disclose hazards and recommend testing or proper handling.
You’ll learn how reclaimed wood prices compare to new lumber, why reclaimed lumber helps the environment, and the common places suppliers get reclaimed wood. These points will help you weigh cost, eco-impact, and where the material comes from.
Reclaimed wood usually costs more per board foot than new softwoods like pine. Oak, heart pine, and wide-plank hardwoods are more expensive because they are rare and require extra processing. Labor for cleaning, de-nailing, milling, and grading adds to the price.
You can save by choosing mixed-grade or slower-finish pieces for structural uses instead of finished furniture. Buying in bulk or working with regional suppliers helps cut freight costs. Compare cost-per-square-foot after milling and finishing, not just the raw board price.
Look for clear pricing on milling, finishing, and shipping. Ask suppliers about warranties and return policies so you understand the total project cost before committing.
Reclaimed wood reduces the need for new timber and keeps old-growth characteristics in use. Using reclaimed lumber lowers carbon emissions from logging and manufacturing. This choice benefits the climate compared to many new-wood supply chains.
Reclaimed wood stores carbon for decades, and reusing it delays emissions from decomposition or burning. Choose suppliers who provide chain-of-custody documentation or third-party certifications. Check for responsible cleaning methods that avoid harsh chemicals.
For the most sustainable option, pick locally sourced reclaimed wood to reduce transport emissions. Ask suppliers about their processing steps to avoid hidden environmental costs from shipping or chemical treatments.
Suppliers collect reclaimed wood from barns, industrial sites, old mills, demolished buildings, pallets, and river or dock salvage. Each source affects appearance and cost—barn beams yield wide, character-rich planks; pallets are lower cost but need more cleaning.
Some suppliers focus on architectural salvage and provide documentation about building age and previous use. Others work with construction firms to reclaim wood from demolitions or renovations. Online marketplaces and salvage yards also offer smaller quantities.
Ask suppliers where their stock comes from and if they inspect for contaminants like lead paint or preservatives. Confirm whether the wood is milled and kiln-dried locally or shipped elsewhere, since this affects cost and environmental impact.
Authentic reclaimed wood connects today’s projects with the craftsmanship of the past. Each beam, plank, and patina tells a story — one that blends structural strength with architectural beauty. Selecting the right supplier means ensuring those stories continue.
Bourgeois Materials provides verified reclaimed wood, responsibly sourced from historic American and European structures. Trusted by builders and designers nationwide, our materials combine provenance, durability, and timeless appeal.
Bring enduring character to your next project. Explore authentic reclaimed beams, flooring, and siding on our website and discover materials that build legacy, not just structures.
This section lists specific suppliers, ways to find reclaimed wood, local options for mantels, places that give wood away, common exchanges, and how professionals source material. You’ll get concrete steps and names you can use right away.
Centennial Woods and Old World Timber receive high marks for large inventories and consistent quality. Reclaimed DesignWorks and Manomin Resawn Timbers are known for flooring, beams, and custom milling.
Local specialist dealers and regional salvage yards also earn strong reviews for unique pieces and hands-on service.
Search online marketplaces and supplier websites to compare species, board widths, and provenance. Look for inventories that list origin and offer sample photos or physical samples. Contact suppliers directly to ask about current stock, custom milling, lead times, and delivery options.
Check local salvage yards and woodworking shops first; they often stock mantels or can cut beams to size. Search supplier websites for “fireplace mantels” or “antique mantels,” and filter by location or delivery radius. Ask nearby lumber yards and reclaimed specialists if they offer custom finishing or pickup to avoid high shipping costs.
Yes. Demolition sites, barn tear-downs, and construction waste piles can be free sources if you get permission. Use local Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist “free” listings, and community groups to find posted wood donations. Always confirm the wood is safe (no chemical treatment) and that you have permission to remove it.
Online platforms like local Facebook groups and community resale sites act as informal exchanges. Specialized forums and marketplace sections on sites for builders and woodworkers also trade boards, slabs, and beams. Regional salvage yards sometimes list items in public inventories or email alerts for new arrivals.
Many carpenters build relationships with salvage yards, demolition crews, and supplier networks to secure a steady supply. They inspect and buy in person, select full pallets for consistency, and arrange milling or finishing before installation. Professionals sometimes take on custom reclamation work by sourcing wood to match a client’s design and handling treatment and drying.
