If a green lifestyle is important to you, you’ll love reclaimed wood kitchen countertops. Reclaimed wood is a form of art, as well as a functional element of your home. Every piece is unique, and has a history.
Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Countertops: Centuries of Strength
Reclaimed wood kitchen countertops are one of the most popular choices for kitchen upgrades. They give you the utility you need while saving trees and usable old wood. It’s not just another trend. It’s a movement toward cutting down fewer trees and generating less waste.
Settlers cut down trees in old-growth forests to build log cabins. Old-growth trees were available until the early years of the 19th century. The wood from trees never touched by an ax for centuries is much stronger than the younger wood being harvested today.
You can see the strength and beauty of salvaged wood for yourself in our showroom and workshop in Arbutus, Maryland. If you aren’t able to visit us, check out our recent examples of reclaimed wood kitchen countertops projects.
Hand-Crafted and Distressed
Reclaimed wood kitchen countertops have flaws, which is what makes them unique. They can have prominent knotholes, insect holes and nail holes. Reclaimed wood may even have visible marks of the original tools used to cut and shape it.
The wood that you choose for your countertop may have been a barn wall or a counter in a general store. It might have come from a 19th century saloon, complete with a bullet hole or two, or an abandoned farmhouse. You might prepare meals for your family on the same countertop used in a kitchen 100 years ago.
Distressed wood has been popular for years, but this isn’t DIY artificially distressed wood. Reclaimed wood has withstood a century or more of daily use or shifting weather conditions. You can’t recreate the genuine distressed beauty of reclaimed wood.
Species of Reclaimed Wood
Pine is a favorite for reclaimed wood kitchen countertops. We’ve also used it for home bars, pubs and even bathroom countertops. Some of our pine came from trees that were 500 years old when they were harvested. That sticky pine resin you’re probably familiar with is actually what makes pine such a hard reclaimed wood.
Reclaimed oak has a rugged appeal and prominent grain and knotholes. We’ve used it for indoor surfaces like counters and island tops, and outdoor tables. We usually find our reclaimed oak in local barns and other abandoned structures. Oak is heavy, tough and perfect for projects like home bars.
Reclaimed chestnut is light golden brown with enough character to impress your guests while not overpowering the rest of your kitchen. It’s great for islands, bar tops and the counter that holds your kitchen sink.
How rustic you want to go with your reclaimed wood countertops is up to you. We can polish the surface to a high gloss, sand the edges and smooth the corners. We can also leave natural edges for the reclaimed wood countertop in your entertainment room.
Reclaimed Wood and Safety
We use metal detectors to ensure that there are no remnants of metal in our reclaimed wood. We also inspect it by hand.
Why should you consider reclaimed wood?
- It’s already grown more beautiful with age
- The older the tree when it was first cut, the stronger the wood
- Reclaimed wood is the most unique choice for your countertops
- You can choose a range of styles from primitive to rustic
- Choosing reclaimed wood saves an irreplaceable piece of history from the landfill
Reclaimed wood kitchen countertops can give you the one-of-a-kind countertop you’re looking for. To discuss the best reclaimed woods for your home, call Maryland Wood Countertops at 443-840-7373.