If you have a knack for woodworking, or are just looking for something to do with leftover planks from your recent remodel, reclaimed lumber can be a fantastic starting point for your next at home DIY projects. The natural beauty of antique lumber means that any way you apply it, you will bring a unique and rustic level of detail to your home.
The visual interest and character of reclaimed lumber will reward a seasoned carpenter and an amateur DIYer alike. Each plank is its own work of art, so you don’t need to fuss too much over getting every line clean and perfect.
DIY Project #1: Panel the wall behind your TV
We don’t usually spend too much time on a space that is going to be covered up with a huge screen, but that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for a blank backdrop. Using leftover wood planks from your flooring or other project to create an intriguing accent wall is the perfect way to break up an otherwise unused space.
Depending on your amount of free time and ability, you can choose to go for a simple panel design, or a more complex layout. Either way, the antique lumber will provide a subtle, yet striking background for your daily viewing.
This is a perfect project for more mismatched pieces of wood or odds and ends, considering that any imperfections will contribute to the naturally rich texture of the design.
DIY Project #2: Build a custom table or bar top
If you happen upon pieces of reclaimed lumber with particularly interesting grain or marks, perhaps from old growth timber, antique saws, or long-forgotten construction, you can celebrate their one of a kind aesthetics with a custom bar or table top.
Pulling up a chair or stool to your newly crafted surface will reward you every time with an opportunity to study the lines and grooves in your hand picked piece of reclaimed wood. Every time you set down a dinner plate will be an opportunity to imagine the classic barn that your table once lived in. Each time your friends join you for a cocktail, be prepared for the conversation to start with the classic feel and sturdy nature of your old wood bar.
DIY Project #3: Mix old and new growth with a custom planter
What better place for the knots and veins of antique wood to shine than your garden? A darker, more rustic cut of wood will make a perfect contrast with the green of freshly grown plants. Our weathered antique planks fit this bill perfectly, already looking like they could’ve aged alongside the natural features of your yard.
If your home has more of a modern look, you could opt for the brighter and more weather resistant white oak. Either way, you’ll find a style that allows you to bring the benefits of reclaimed lumber to your outside spaces with a fairly straightforward DIY process.
DIY Project #4: Adorn your walls with barn wood picture frames
If you are looking for a smaller project to do at home that will still have a big impact on your decor, consider building reclaimed wood picture frames. They couldn’t be easier to make and are a fantastic use of any amount of lumber you might have access to.
Manomin Reclaimed Wood around Mercury Mosaic’s Tile
Whether you’re making one or a dozen, handmade frames will keep you admiring your own craftsmanship as much as the art that goes in them. The age and patina of the reclaimed wood will draw eyes to these features wherever you hang them.
DIY Project #5: Resurface an old bench and give new life to old wood
If you have a particularly large piece of reclaimed lumber and are in need of a bench top to match your newly built table, replacing the seat of an old piece of furniture is the easiest and best solution. With the bones of the bench already there, all you need to do is disassemble the old top and attach the legs to your chosen piece of lumber.
This project allows you creative reign to treat the wood in whichever way suits you. You can leave a large old piece of lumber in the shape it is for a whimsical, natural looking bench. Or you can trim it and clean it up for a more measured look. Either way, you will be able to enjoy the classic character of reclaimed wood.
Use what’s available to you for your DIY projects
We love using reclaimed wood for any project. Reusing old wood is a sustainable way to add character to any part of your home. You might already have the lumber sitting around waiting for its new life, or you might need to go search out a new source like Manomin Resawn Timbers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for your next DIY project!
