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Insights, guides, and stories about reclaimed lumber, sustainable building, and the craft of giving old wood new life in New Orleans and the Gulf South.

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25 articles published

AllTips & GuidesSustainabilityHow-ToProductsIndustryNew Orleans
Tips & Guides

How to Care for and Maintain Reclaimed Wood Flooring

January 16, 20267 min read

Reclaimed wood flooring adds unmatched character to any space, but it requires thoughtful maintenance. Learn the best practices for keeping your reclaimed floors beautiful for decades.

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Sustainability

Deconstruction vs. Demolition: Why It Matters

December 2, 20258 min read

Demolition sends tons of reusable materials to landfills every year. Deconstruction offers a smarter alternative that saves resources, creates jobs, and preserves valuable building materials.

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How-To

Building a Reclaimed Wood Dining Table: What to Know

November 7, 20258 min read

A reclaimed wood dining table can become the centerpiece of your home. This guide covers material selection, preparation, joinery, and finishing for a beautiful and lasting table.

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Products

Common Myths About Reclaimed Lumber Debunked

October 14, 20257 min read

Misconceptions about reclaimed lumber keep many builders from considering it. We separate fact from fiction on quality, safety, cost, and availability of salvaged wood.

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Tips & Guides

How to Specify Reclaimed Lumber for Commercial Projects

September 18, 20258 min read

Specifying reclaimed lumber for commercial construction requires attention to grading, documentation, and sourcing. This guide helps architects and builders get it right.

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Industry

The Circular Economy of Construction Materials

August 11, 20257 min read

The construction industry is shifting from a linear take-make-waste model to a circular one. Reclaimed lumber sits at the heart of this transformation.

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New Orleans

Salvaging Lumber After Storm and Hurricane Damage

July 3, 20258 min read

Hurricanes and severe storms damage thousands of structures across the Gulf Coast every year. Learn how valuable lumber can be salvaged from storm-damaged buildings.

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Tips & Guides

Finishing Reclaimed Wood: Oils, Stains, and Sealers Guide

June 9, 20258 min read

Choosing the right finish for reclaimed wood can make or break your project. This guide covers oils, stains, polyurethanes, and natural sealers for salvaged lumber.

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Products

Why Old-Growth Lumber Is Superior to Modern Timber

May 15, 20257 min read

Old-growth lumber found in reclaimed wood offers density, strength, and beauty that modern plantation timber simply cannot match. Here is the science behind the difference.

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How-To

Reclaimed Wood Accent Walls: A Complete DIY Guide

April 22, 20259 min read

A reclaimed wood accent wall transforms any room with warmth and character. Follow this step-by-step guide to plan, prepare, and install your own.

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New Orleans

New Orleans Architecture: A History Told in Wood

April 1, 20259 min read

From Creole cottages to shotgun houses, New Orleans architecture is defined by its wood construction. Explore how lumber shaped the city and why preservation matters.

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Sustainability

The Carbon Footprint of Building Materials Compared

March 6, 20257 min read

Not all building materials are created equal when it comes to carbon emissions. See how reclaimed lumber stacks up against steel, concrete, and new wood products.

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How-To

Designing with Reclaimed Beams: Inspiration and Practical Tips

February 18, 20258 min read

Exposed reclaimed beams add drama and warmth to any space. Learn how to select, size, install, and finish reclaimed timber beams for residential and commercial projects.

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Products

How We Process and Grade Reclaimed Lumber

January 29, 20257 min read

From salvage site to your project, reclaimed lumber goes through a careful process of inspection, cleaning, milling, and grading. Here is how we do it at Lumber New Orleans.

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Industry

LEED Credits and Reclaimed Building Materials

January 10, 20257 min read

Using reclaimed building materials can earn valuable LEED credits for your green building project. Learn which credits apply and how to document your reclaimed lumber use.

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How-To

5 Creative Ways to Use Reclaimed Wood in Your Home

December 19, 20247 min read

Reclaimed wood is not just for floors and beams. Discover five creative applications that bring warmth, character, and sustainability into every room of your home.

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New Orleans

Sustainable Building Practices in New Orleans

December 5, 20248 min read

New Orleans is embracing sustainable construction methods that honor its architectural traditions while addressing modern environmental challenges.

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Tips & Guides

Understanding Board Feet: A Buyer's Guide to Lumber Measurement

November 14, 20246 min read

Board feet can be confusing for first-time lumber buyers. This guide explains how lumber is measured, priced, and calculated so you can buy with confidence.

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Products

Heart Pine: The Hidden Treasure in Old Southern Buildings

October 30, 20247 min read

Heart pine is one of the most prized reclaimed woods in America. Learn what makes this old-growth lumber so special and where it can be found.

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Sustainability

The Environmental Impact of Construction Wood Waste

October 8, 20247 min read

Construction and demolition waste is one of the largest contributors to landfills. Understanding the environmental cost of discarded wood is the first step toward change.

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Products

Reclaimed vs. New Lumber: A Complete Comparison

September 22, 20248 min read

Choosing between reclaimed and new lumber? This comprehensive comparison covers quality, cost, environmental impact, availability, and best uses for each.

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How-To

How to Identify Common Reclaimed Wood Species

September 3, 20247 min read

Knowing what species of wood you are working with is essential for any reclaimed lumber project. Learn to identify heart pine, cypress, oak, and more by sight, weight, and grain.

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New Orleans

The History of Cypress Lumber in Louisiana

August 12, 20248 min read

Bald cypress has been Louisiana's signature wood for over 300 years. Trace the history of this remarkable species from ancient swamps to modern reclamation.

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Tips & Guides

10 Benefits of Using Reclaimed Lumber in Your Next Project

July 28, 20247 min read

From superior quality to environmental responsibility, reclaimed lumber offers compelling advantages for builders and homeowners. Here are ten reasons to choose salvaged wood.

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Sustainability

Why Reclaimed Lumber Is the Future of Sustainable Building

July 15, 20248 min read

As the construction industry seeks to reduce its environmental impact, reclaimed lumber emerges as a powerful solution that combines sustainability with superior quality.

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