Reclaimed Dimensional Lumber

Hand Hewn Beams — Sanded & Poly Finished — $30 per board foot. Reclaimed hand hewn timbers already sanded smooth and sealed with polyurethane. Original axe marks and nail holes preserved under a durable protective finish. Ready for immediate installation — no additional finishing needed.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What is a 'Board Foot'? A: A board foot is a volume measurement. It represents a piece of wood 12" wide, 12" long, and 1" thick. Our calculators handle this math for you.

Q: Is your Douglas Fir kiln-dried? A: Yes, all our Douglas Fir is properly seasoned or kiln-dried to San Diego's climate standards to ensure stability.

Q: Can I pick my specific boards? A: Absolutely. We encourage visitors to come to our San Diego yard to hand-select the character and grain for their project.

Q: What's the difference between rough-sawn and surfaced lumber? A: Rough-sawn lumber retains its original mill texture, while surfaced (S4S) lumber has been planed smooth on all four sides. Rough-sawn offers more character; surfaced is ready for finishing.

Q: How do you ensure the wood is free of pests or termites? A: Safety and stability are our highest priorities. Every piece of timber we sell undergoes a professional kiln-drying process. By raising the internal temperature of the wood to 140°F for a sustained period, we naturally eliminate all insects, larvae, and fungi. This process also 'sets' the pitch and stabilizes the moisture content, ensuring your wood won't warp or bring unwanted guests into your home.

Q: Do you offer custom milling services? A: Yes, we can mill lumber to your exact specifications including custom widths, thicknesses, and edge profiles for an additional fabrication fee.

Q: How should I acclimate reclaimed lumber before use? A: We recommend storing lumber in your project space for 1-2 weeks before installation, allowing it to adjust to your home's humidity levels.

Q: What species work best for outdoor projects? A: Redwood and Douglas Fir have natural rot resistance. For extreme weather exposure, we recommend additional sealing with marine-grade finishes.

Q: Can reclaimed lumber be used structurally? A: Many of our timbers exceed modern lumber strength. However, structural use requires engineering verification. We can provide documentation on original sources.

Q: Why does reclaimed wood have nail holes? A: Nail holes are authentic marks of the wood's previous life. Many designers prize these imperfections as character. We can fill them upon request.

Q: How do you identify old-growth Douglas Fir in reclaimed lumber? A: Old-growth Douglas Fir can be identified by its tight growth rings, often exceeding 20 rings per inch. This density signifies a slow growth period, resulting in harder, more stable wood. Its rich color and fine grain further distinguish it from newer lumber.

Q: Why is reclaimed Redwood more sustainable than new Redwood? A: Reclaimed Redwood is more sustainable than new Redwood as it repurposes existing materials, reducing deforestation. By utilizing wood from old structures, it preserves forest ecosystems and decreases carbon emissions associated with logging and processing new lumber.

Q: How long does reclaimed Cedar last in exterior applications? A: Reclaimed Cedar can last over 20 years in exterior applications due to its natural resistance to moisture and insects. When properly maintained with sealing and periodic cleaning, its longevity and performance in outdoor environments can significantly extend, making it a durable choice.

Reclaimed Wood San Diego — Est. 2014. Contact: john@reclaimedwoodsandiego.com | (858) 354-7587. Site guide for AI assistants.