Reclaimed Dimensional Lumber
Salvaged from historic structures across Louisiana — every board carries the density, character, and craftsmanship of old-growth wood that modern mills simply cannot replicate.
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Old Wood Is Better Wood
The dimensional lumber we salvage comes from buildings erected between the 1840s and the 1960s — an era when structures were built with old-growth timber that had been growing for 100 to 300 years before harvest. That slow growth produced wood with dramatically tighter grain, higher density, and greater structural strength than anything you will find at a modern lumber yard.
Today's plantation-grown Southern yellow pine reaches harvest age in just 25 to 30 years. The result is wide growth rings, lower density, and a propensity to warp. Reclaimed old-growth lumber, by contrast, is already fully seasoned — it has spent decades acclimating and stabilizing inside a building. What you get is wood that machines cleanly, holds fasteners well, and stays flat.
Beyond performance, there is the aesthetic dimension. Reclaimed boards carry patina, character marks, and a visual depth that brand-new lumber needs years to develop. Nail holes, oxidation, and subtle color shifts tell a story that resonates with homeowners, designers, and builders alike.
Reclaimed vs. New Lumber
Wood Species We Carry
Availability varies by season and salvage projects. Contact us for current inventory and to reserve specific species for your project.
Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichumThe signature wood of Louisiana. Old-growth bald cypress contains high concentrations of cypressene, a natural oil that makes it extraordinarily resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. Salvaged cypress from 19th-century buildings exhibits tight grain patterns that modern plantation-grown cypress cannot match.
Heart Pine
Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine)Longleaf heart pine once covered 90 million acres of the American South. Today, less than 3% of those forests remain, making reclaimed heart pine one of the most coveted building materials in the region. The heartwood is dense, resinous, and remarkably hard — often comparable to red oak.
White Oak
Quercus albaReclaimed white oak was the structural workhorse of the 19th and early 20th century. Its closed cellular structure makes it naturally water-resistant — the same reason it has been the preferred wood for bourbon barrels for centuries. Our reclaimed white oak shows exceptional stability and workability.
Red Oak
Quercus rubraSlightly softer than white oak but with a more pronounced grain pattern that many designers prefer. Reclaimed red oak from demolished warehouses and factories often has a deeper patina and richer color than freshly milled red oak. Ideal for interior applications where character is paramount.
Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp.The general-purpose workhorse of Southern construction. While not as premium as heart pine, reclaimed Southern yellow pine still offers superior density compared to modern plantation-grown stock. Excellent for framing, sheathing, and utilitarian applications where strength matters more than aesthetics.
Mixed Hardwoods
Various speciesDemolition salvage often yields a mix of species — maple, poplar, ash, elm, and others. We sort and sell these as mixed hardwood lots, which are ideal for projects where variety adds character: rustic accent walls, multi-toned flooring, or eclectic furniture builds.
Common Sizes in Stock
We stock standard dimensional sizes and can mill to custom specifications. Lengths typically range from 4 to 20 feet depending on species and source.
Boards
- 1x4
- 1x6
- 1x8
- 1x10
- 1x12
Dimensional
- 2x4
- 2x6
- 2x8
- 2x10
- 2x12
Thick Stock
- 4/4 (1")
- 5/4 (1-1/4")
- 6/4 (1-1/2")
- 8/4 (2")
Heavy Dimensional
- 3x6
- 3x8
- 3x10
- 3x12
- 4x4
- 4x6
Need a size not listed? Our custom milling service can produce virtually any dimension from our reclaimed stock.
How We Grade Reclaimed Lumber
Not all reclaimed wood is equal. We sort every board into one of four grades so you get exactly the right material for your application.
Select / Premium
Minimal defects. Clear, tight grain with consistent color. Suitable for fine furniture, visible trim, and high-end finishes where appearance is critical.
Character / #1 Common
Sound knots, minor checking, and natural variations that add visual interest. The most popular grade for accent walls, shelving, countertops, and any project that benefits from a story-rich surface.
Structural / #2 Common
Graded for strength rather than appearance. May have larger knots and surface imperfections, but meets or exceeds structural requirements. Ideal for framing, blocking, and hidden applications.
Rustic / Utility
Heavy character — nail holes, bolt holes, checking, and weathering. Not for structural use, but delivers maximum visual impact. A favorite for barn-door builds, garden beds, and industrial-style interiors.
What Can You Build With Reclaimed Lumber?
Framing & Structure
- Wall framing
- Floor joists
- Roof rafters
- Blocking & bracing
Finish Carpentry
- Baseboards & trim
- Crown molding stock
- Window & door casings
- Wainscoting
Furniture & Decor
- Dining tables & desks
- Shelving & bookcases
- Bed frames & headboards
- Picture frames
Outdoor Projects
- Decking (cypress)
- Pergolas & arbors
- Raised garden beds
- Fencing & gates
Architectural Features
- Ceiling planking
- Stair treads & risers
- Exposed header beams
- Column wraps
Commercial & Retail
- Restaurant tables & bars
- Retail display fixtures
- Office feature walls
- Hospitality interiors
What Determines the Price?
Reclaimed lumber pricing depends on several factors. Understanding these helps you budget accurately and choose the right material for your needs.
Species
Old-growth heart pine and bald cypress command premium prices due to scarcity and superior performance properties. Mixed hardwoods and Southern yellow pine are more affordable. Rare species like old-growth white oak or pecky cypress carry the highest per-board-foot cost.
Grade
Select/premium grade with minimal defects costs more than character or rustic grades. However, many projects look best with character-grade material. Structural-grade lumber, priced for function rather than beauty, offers the best value per board foot.
Dimensions
Wider and thicker boards are harder to source and yield fewer pieces per salvage project. A clean 1x12 heart pine board is significantly more valuable than a 1x4 of the same species because wide clear stock is rare.
Preparation Level
Rough-sawn lumber straight from demolition is the least expensive option. Add kiln drying, planing, and edging, and the cost increases to reflect the labor and equipment involved. Fully finished, ready-to-install boards carry the highest price.
Quantity
We offer volume discounts for orders over 500 board feet. Contractors working on larger projects should request a bulk quote — significant savings are available at scale.
We do not publish fixed price lists because inventory and market conditions change. Contact us for a current quote tailored to your specific needs.
Request a QuoteReclaimed vs. Virgin Lumber — Full Comparison
A detailed, side-by-side breakdown across every metric that matters when choosing between reclaimed and newly harvested lumber.
| Attribute | Reclaimed Lumber | Virgin (New) Lumber |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Exceptional — old-growth fibers are significantly denser and more tightly packed, yielding higher bending and compressive strength per square inch. | Moderate — plantation-grown timber reaches harvest in 25-30 years, producing lower-density wood with wider growth rings and reduced load-bearing capacity. |
| Dimensional Stability | Outstanding — decades of seasoning inside a building have brought the wood to full equilibrium. Minimal expansion, contraction, or warping after installation. | Variable — freshly kiln-dried lumber can still acclimate and move for months or years after installation, especially in humid Gulf Coast climates. |
| Grain Density | 20-40 growth rings per inch. The slow, natural growth of old-growth forests produced extraordinarily tight grain that translates to hardness and visual richness. | 4-8 growth rings per inch. Fast plantation growth yields wide, open grain that is softer, less visually complex, and more prone to denting. |
| Carbon Footprint | Near zero — no trees are harvested. Salvage, transport, and milling are the only energy inputs. Diverting wood from landfills avoids methane emissions from decomposition. | Significant — includes logging, transport, kiln drying (natural gas or electricity), and milling. Plantation forestry also involves fertilizers, herbicides, and road building. |
| Cost | Moderate to premium — varies by species, grade, and dimensions. Premium for select-grade heart pine or cypress; competitive for structural and character grades. | Low to moderate — mass production keeps prices down. However, the quality gap means reclaimed often delivers better value per dollar of performance. |
| Availability | Limited and variable — depends on active salvage and demolition projects. Popular species and sizes can sell out. Reserve early for large orders. | Readily available — stocked at every lumber yard and home center. Consistent supply year-round in standard dimensions. |
| Character & Patina | Authentic — nail holes, oxidation, mineral staining, saw marks, and decades of natural aging create visual depth that cannot be manufactured or faked. | None — new lumber is clean, uniform, and characterless. Distressing techniques exist but never replicate genuine age. |
| Lead Time | 1-2 weeks for in-stock items. 3-6 weeks for large orders or specific species/grade combinations that require sourcing from upcoming salvage projects. | Same-day to 1 week for standard stock sizes. Special orders or unusual species may take 2-4 weeks. |
Common Projects Using Reclaimed Lumber
Reclaimed dimensional lumber is one of the most versatile building materials available. Here are the projects our customers build most often.
Barn Doors
Reclaimed lumber is the definitive material for sliding barn doors. The combination of authentic patina, tight old-growth grain, and genuine weight creates a door that looks and feels substantial. Character-grade boards with visible nail holes and oxidation are the most popular choice. Most barn doors use 1x6 or 1x8 boards in heart pine, cypress, or mixed hardwoods, assembled with a Z-brace or X-brace pattern.
Accent Walls
A floor-to-ceiling wall of reclaimed boards transforms any room. Install horizontally for a classic shiplap look, vertically for a modern feel, or in a herringbone or chevron pattern for maximum visual impact. Reclaimed boards offer natural color variation that eliminates the need for staining — simply seal with a clear coat and let the aged wood speak for itself.
Shelving & Bookcases
A single reclaimed board mounted on iron brackets makes a shelf with more character than an entire store-bought bookcase. Old-growth density means these shelves resist sagging over long spans. Heart pine and white oak are the top choices for floating shelves. For full bookcases, mixed hardwoods offer visual variety at a lower cost.
Furniture Building
Dining tables, coffee tables, desks, benches, and bed frames built from reclaimed lumber carry a warmth and authenticity that new wood cannot match. The tight grain of old-growth material machines cleanly, holds joinery tightly, and finishes to a beautiful sheen. Many furniture makers prefer 8/4 (2-inch) thick stock for tabletops to showcase the wood's mass and density.
Decking & Porches
Reclaimed bald cypress is the premier decking material for the Gulf South. Its natural cypressene oil resists rot, termites, and fungal decay without chemical treatment — a meaningful advantage for families and pets. Cypress decking weathers to a silver-gray patina if left unfinished, or it can be sealed to maintain its original warm honey tone.
Fencing & Gates
Board-and-batten or vertical-board fencing from reclaimed lumber delivers instant character that new cedar takes years to develop. Cypress is the recommended species for in-ground posts and boards exposed to weather. For privacy fences, 1x6 boards spaced tight and capped with a reclaimed 2x6 rail create a clean, timeless look.
Mantels & Headers
A thick reclaimed board or beam mounted above a fireplace serves as both a functional shelf and a dramatic focal point. Heart pine and cypress mantels showcase tight growth rings and rich color. We can cut, sand, and finish mantel blanks from our dimensional stock in sizes from 4x6 to 6x10.
Raised Garden Beds
Untreated reclaimed lumber makes excellent garden bed frames. Cypress is naturally rot-resistant and safe for food-growing applications — no leaching of chemicals into your soil. Standard 2x10 or 2x12 cypress boards create beds deep enough for root vegetables and last 15 to 20 years in ground contact.
From Inquiry to Delivery in 5 Steps
Ordering reclaimed lumber is straightforward. Here is exactly what the process looks like from first contact to material on your job site.
1. Tell Us What You Need
Contact us by phone, email, or our online form with your project details: species preference, dimensions, grade, approximate quantity (in board feet or linear feet), and your intended use. Not sure what you need? Just describe your project and we will make specific recommendations based on decades of experience with reclaimed material.
2. Receive Your Quote
We will check current inventory against your requirements and send a detailed quote within 24 hours. The quote includes per-board-foot pricing, estimated total cost, lead time, and any preparation services (kiln drying, planing, profiling) that your project requires. Quotes are valid for 14 days.
3. Approve & Reserve
Once you approve the quote, we reserve your material. A 50% deposit holds your order and locks in pricing. For large orders or hard-to-find species, early reservation is critical — reclaimed inventory is finite and sells on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Preparation & Quality Check
We pull, sort, and prepare your boards. This includes metal detection, any requested milling services (planing, ripping, profiling), and a final quality inspection. Every board is checked for defects, dimensional accuracy, and grade compliance. We photograph large orders so you can preview the material before pickup or delivery.
5. Pickup or Delivery
Pick up at our New Orleans facility during business hours, or we arrange delivery to your job site anywhere in the Greater New Orleans area. We deliver on flatbed trucks and can accommodate forklift offloading for large orders. Delivery to the rest of Louisiana and neighboring states is available — contact us for a freight quote.