Popular Types of Reclaimed Wood and Where to Find Them

If you're planning a project and want unique, eco-friendly materials, reclaimed wood might be just what you need. Knowing more about the types of reclaimed wood available can help you choose the right one for your budget and project goals. Each type has its own charm, uses, and where it can be found.

Types of Reclaimed Wood

1. Barn Wood

Barn wood is one of the most popular options for reclaimed wood. It comes from old barns built in the 1800s and early 1900s, using durable timber designed to last for generations. This makes barn wood highly sought after for its quality and history.

Common Types of Wood

• Eastern white pine
• Oak
• Chestnut (including wormy chestnut)
• Hemlock
• Southern yellow pine

What Makes It Special

Barn wood is loved for its rustic character. You’ll often find weathered textures, nail holes, and a unique patina that tell the story of its past. Interior barn wood tends to have warm, rich tones, while exterior boards often have a silvery, aged look from years of exposure to weather.

Where to Find It

You’ll find barn wood in rural farming areas, especially in the Midwest, the Northeast, and the South. These regions have plenty of historic barns that serve as excellent sources for reclaimed materials.

2. Industrial Reclaimed Wood

This type of reclaimed wood comes from factories, mills, and warehouses built during America’s industrial boom. Since these buildings had to support heavy machinery, their timbers are exceptionally strong and long-lasting.

Types of Wood Used

• Southern yellow pine
• Douglas fir
• Oak
• Maple
• Hickory

Key Features

Industrial reclaimed wood often has marks from bolts, machinery, and years of use. These features give it character and make it stand out. The wood often comes in larger beams or planks than what’s commonly available today.

Where to Find It

You’ll often discover industrial wood in areas that were once industrial hubs, like the Northeast, the Great Lakes region, and the Pacific Northwest. Old building renovation projects in big cities also yield these materials.

3. Reclaimed Wood from Historic Homes

Old homes and residential buildings are great sources of reclaimed wood. These materials usually come in smaller pieces that are ideal for detail work like trim or flooring.

Popular Types of Materials

• Flooring (heart pine, oak, maple)
• Siding (cedar, pine, cypress)
• Interior trim
• Framing lumber

Benefits

Wood from old homes is often in better shape than barn or industrial wood because it was not exposed to harsh outdoor weather or industrial wear. Additionally, its sizes and shapes often match modern construction standards, making it easier to use.

Where to Look

Look for reclaimed residential wood from renovation projects in historic districts or older neighborhoods. Coastal areas may have cedar or cypress reclaimed from beach houses.

4. Railroad and Transportation Wood

Railroads, docks, and other transportation systems use wood built for heavy-duty purposes. This makes it another unique option for reclaimed wood.

Common Woods

• Oak (railroad ties)
• Southern pine (treated for railroads)
• Teak (marine applications)
• Douglas fir (trestles and beams)

Things to Consider

Some railroad wood may have been chemically treated, so extra care is needed before using it. On the flip side, marine timber is often highly weather-resistant because it has been exposed to water over long periods.

How to Find It

These materials can be found during railroad upgrades, dock renovations, and shipping facility demolitions. Some salvage companies also focus on marine wood.

5. Regional Reclaimed Wood

Different parts of the U.S. offer various types of reclaimed wood. Here's a breakdown of regional materials:

Northeast

• Eastern white pine
• Hemlock
• Maple
• American chestnut (from old properties)

Southeast

• Cypress
• Heart pine
• Southern yellow pine
• Oak

Midwest

• Oak
• Hickory
• Eastern white pine
• Chestnut

Pacific Northwest

• Douglas fir
• Redwood
• Western red cedar
• Hemlock