Reclaimed Wood Projects: The 3 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Invest

It can be tempting to jump right into reclaimed wood projects. After all, what’s not to love? You might find a pile of wood someone is about to throw away and immediately see potential. Or maybe you come across a seller online promising reclaimed wood projects at a fraction of the cost of established suppliers.

While reclaimed wood can be incredibly rewarding, not all reclaimed wood projects are created equal. Bringing reclaimed wood into your home requires more than a quick wash and sanding.

Why Proper Processing Matters for Reclaimed Wood Projects

Before reclaimed wood projects are ready for installation, significant effort must go into properly treating the material. This step is critical for both safety and long-term performance.

Reclaimed wood can add instant charm and character to your home, but when it’s not processed correctly, it can also introduce unwanted chemicals, pests, or structural issues. Simply washing and sanding reclaimed wood isn’t enough to make it suitable for indoor use.

The beauty of reclaimed wood projects lies in the story told through natural wear and age. The goal is to preserve that history while removing anything that could compromise your home or your investment.

Before choosing a supplier, here are three essential questions you should always ask before investing in reclaimed wood projects.

1. How Does Your Supplier De-Nail Their Wood?

Every reclaimed wood project should begin with a thorough de-nailing process.

At Manomin Resawn Timbers, reclaimed wood is given the time and care required to ensure only the highest-quality material enters your home. Every board and timber goes through an intensive refining process, starting with de-nailing.

After an initial surface inspection, our team carefully removes all remaining nails and metal embedded in the wood. We use professional-grade metal detector wands—similar to those used in airports—along with specialized tools developed through years of experience. This ensures reclaimed wood projects are safe to mill, install, and enjoy.

2. How Does Your Supplier Process and Treat Reclaimed Wood?

One of the most important steps in preparing reclaimed wood projects is kiln drying.

Kiln drying uses powerful kilns to dry milled lumber until it reaches its ideal equilibrium moisture content (EMC). This balance between moisture content and relative humidity helps keep reclaimed wood projects stable under changing environmental conditions.

Proper kiln drying:

• Prevents warping and shrinkage

• Improves installation quality

• Destroys bugs and larvae hidden in the wood

At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every piece of reclaimed wood is heat-treated in our kilns before it’s used in reclaimed wood projects. Not all suppliers perform this critical step, which is why it’s essential to ask.

Once dried, the wood is expertly milled. Skilled artisans use specialized saws, planers, jointers, and molding tools to create boards that are flat, straight, and square—ready for high-end reclaimed wood projects. No two pieces are ever exactly the same, ensuring each finished feature is truly one of a kind.

3. How Many Reclaimed Wood Project Applications Do They Offer?

The internet is full of DIY inspiration for reclaimed wood projects, from headboards to accent walls. But how versatile is your supplier?

Many reclaimed wood suppliers only offer one or two applications, such as flooring or paneling. Others, like Manomin Resawn Timbers, offer a wide range of reclaimed wood projects.

We proudly provide:

• Flooring

• Wall and ceiling paneling

• Mantels

• Timbers and beams

• Doors

• Table tops

• Custom reclaimed wood features

Our wood is carefully reclaimed from barns, outbuildings, and industrial structures built between the 1820s and the early 1900s. Thanks to the quality of the material and the skill of our team, we can support nearly any reclaimed wood project.

We also offer specialty finishes like Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional Japanese wood-burning technique that adds depth, durability, and dramatic style to reclaimed wood projects.

Find the Right Reclaimed Wood Projects for Your Home

Whether your project is large or small, Manomin Resawn Timbers can craft a reclaimed wood project that becomes a lasting focal point in your home.

With years of experience, industry recognition, and a passion for craftsmanship, we help homeowners turn reclaimed wood projects into meaningful, timeless features. Contact us today to learn how reclaimed wood can transform your space.