America's Reclaimed Wood Species Reviewed

In the United States, wood once functioned as the primary building material because of it's cost and availability.  Today, much of this reclaimed wood is available in mass quantities recovered from old barns, factories, warehouses, boxcars, and many other places.  There are numerous wood species on the market but the pricing and availability will depend on region.  Below we have listed most of the reclaimed wood species available in this country including a brief description.  Of course, reclaimed wood is completely eco-friendly as it's a 100% recycled building material.

Ash  -  Ash wood has a blonde to light brown color and it has a similar density and texture as oak.  Reclaimed Ash can be found in wider boards because of the size of the trees.   Generally, it's a lower priced reclaimed wood.

Cherry  -  Cherry wood can be some of the most difficult to find reclaimed lumber.  Reclaimed cherry has a distinct color that continues to darken over time.  Typically, the cost of reclaimed cherry is high because it's not a readily available reclaimed wood.

Chestnut  -  Chestnut is usually only available in the Eastern part of the U.S.  Chestnut trees were significant in size and produced large beams and wide boards.  Pricing for reclaimed chestnut can be high because of it's availability.

Cypress  -  Cypress is a softwood that is light blonde to yellow in color.  Cypress trees were large in growth and produced wide boards.  Cypress is commonly available in the south U.S. and is priced in the mid range of reclaimed wood species.

Douglas Fir  -  Douglas Fir is a common softwood reclaimed wood species that is found throughout the U.S. Reclaimed Douglas Fir can be found in large boards and beems due to the size of the Douglas Fir trees.  Generally, reclaimed Douglas Fir is priced on the lower end of reclaimed wood species.

Elm  -  Elm has a very distinct grain and is very durable.  Elm is a lighter white to brown color that can be quiteunique.  Typically the pricing of Elm is low to mid range for reclaimed wood species.

Heart Pine  -  Heart Pine Trees were very large yielding and produced high volumes to large beams and boards.  The pine heart is often darker, more dense and stable than normal Pine.  This type of Pine is insect resisand is reasonably priced for a reclaimed wood species.

Hickory  - Hickory is medium brown to light yellow is color and is extremely dense.  Hickory trees don't provide big yields so large boards can be hard to come by.  The pricing of reclaimed Hickory is can vary greatly depending on the finish of the product.

Maple -  Reclaimed Maple is divided into two catagories, Hard Maple and Soft Maple.   Hard Maple is oftened used because of it's density and strength.  Soft Maple is mostly lighter in color than Hard Maple but is not as desired in the reclaimed wood market.  Hard maple is generally moderately priced and is often available in the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes regions.

Oak  -  Oak is one of the more common reclaimed wood species available through the country.  Widely used because of it's durability, reclaimed Oak can be found in Red Oak and White Oak and is often available in a variety of grain patterns.  Oak is typically a reasonably priced reclaimed wood species.

Pine  -  There are numerous types of reclaimed pine, each with it's unique characteristics.  There are soft pines and hard pines available but are mostly commonly found in the southern U.S.  Reclaimed pine is generally priced on the lower to moderate end of reclaimed wood species.

Poplar  -  Poplar is widely available and has an excellent strength and resistance to decay and insects.  A large portion of the reclaimed Poplar can be found in the midwestern region of the country.  Generally, reclaimed polar is a mid range priced reclaimed wood species.

Red Oak  -  Red Oak is the the most requested hardwood in the U.S. because of it's hard, strong, and often priced reasonably because of it's availability.  There are several species of Red Oak that include Black Oak, Pin Oak, Shumard Oak, Southern Red Oak, Water Oak, and Willow Oak.

Redwood  -  The redwood tree is also frequently know as Sequoia or California Redwood.  Redwood lumber is soft and lightweight and also resistant to insects and decay.   Reclaimed redwood is sought after and generally a higher priced reclaimed wood species.

Walnut  -  Walnut is often classified as a premium hardwood that is stable and decay resistant.  Walnut can veary in color from a pale brown to a darker chocolate brown color.  Heavily sought after, reclaimed Walnut can be found at a moderate price for reclaimed wood because of it's availability.

White Oak  -  There are several species of White Oak, including Bur, Chestnut, Overcup, Post, and Swamp.  Reclaimed White Oak is relatively abundant and priced in the low to mid range of reclaimed wood species.