In an ever-advancing society, we strive to make things easier, faster, cheaper, and stronger. The building industry, in particular, is always pushing technology and innovation to the extreme, but just because something is new does not necessarily make it great. Many building materials these days have been glued, jointed, pre-fabricated, pressure treated, waterproofed, fireproofed, and dummy proofed. But in recent years, there has been a worldwide movement to salvage the building materials that exist in historical structures. The materials found in these old buildings are vastly superior to today’s materials. The lumber used in the construction of a 19th century factory was typically a “first growth” timber meaning that it had never been harvested before. These trees had been allowed to grow in a natural, undisturbed environment for hundreds of years. Today’s wood is taken from trees that are planted, fertilized, and artificially stimulated for rapid growth. The result is an inferior wood product which has become the standard of the industry.
Many designers and architects are now incorporating antique woods into their specifications on items such as flooring, exposed beams, stair treads and trim. All across the globe, old buildings are being taken down and the material from those buildings is being recycled. There are species of wood that because of deforestation, disease, or milling practices are not available today. The grains and colors present in reclaimed woods create a look that is second to none. The wood can also develop a unique patina from the many years it was exposed to the elements inside a factory, warehouse, or home. Longleaf “Heart” Pine was the building material of choice one hundred years ago; the trees grew tall and straight and slow which made the grain extremely tight. This specific tree was so highly sought after that it was nearly driven to extinction by the 1920’s. The tightness of the grain and the warm colors found inside this wood make it easy to see why Antique Heart Pine flooring, stair treads and exposed beams have become so popular today. There are many other species of recycled wood available, all with their own unique look and color.
The material started its journey many years ago, but now it can get a new lease on life. Using antique woods in new construction brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “If those walls could talk.” If they could tell us their stories, we would hear of years in a factory, smelling baking breads. Another would tell of the hard working farmer milking his cows by hand every morning. Another could tell of the children that learned within its walls. By using these materials you can acquire a piece of our country’s history. Let your home tell a story.
By: Don Gardner
The Woodshop of Texas
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