Frequently Asked Questions

Reclaimed lumber is wood that has been salvaged from demolished or deconstructed buildings, bridges, barns, factories, and other structures. Rather than being sent to a landfill, this wood is rescued, inspected, de-nailed, and processed for reuse in new construction, renovation, and design projects. The wood may be 50 to 150+ years old and often comes from old-growth trees that are no longer commercially harvested. It is fundamentally different from "recycled wood" (which may include chipboard or engineered products) or "reclaimed" labeling used loosely in retail — genuine reclaimed lumber has a documented salvage source.

In many cases, reclaimed lumber is actually stronger than modern new lumber. This is because much of the reclaimed stock comes from old-growth trees that grew slowly over 100–500 years and developed denser, tighter grain patterns with more growth rings per inch. A reclaimed 2x4 from a 1920s warehouse may be significantly stronger than a modern 2x4 grown on a plantation in 20–30 years. The critical caveat: this applies to sound, properly graded reclaimed lumber. Wood with hidden decay, insect damage, or unchecked splits can be weaker than new stock. We grade all structural reclaimed lumber and can provide engineering data and span tables for load-bearing applications.

Pricing varies widely based on species, grade, dimensions, and processing level. Standard reclaimed dimensional lumber (like Douglas Fir 2x6) typically costs 10–30% more than comparable new stock — reflecting the additional labor of de-nailing, inspection, and milling. Premium species like Heart Pine, reclaimed White Oak, or old-growth Redwood command 50–200% premiums due to their rarity and irreplaceable character. Some reclaimed species (Poplar, Hemlock, standard-grade fir) can be cost-competitive with new. Volume discounts are available for orders over 5,000 board feet. Request a quote for accurate current pricing.

Absolutely. We sell everything from a single board to full truckloads. There is no minimum order for most products. For custom milling services (surfacing, profiling, shiplap routing, etc.), we have a minimum of 100 board feet per run to set up the mill for a specific profile — smaller amounts can still be run if you are flexible on timing and can share a run with other orders. Standard stock items are available in any quantity. Walk-in customers at our Commerce, CA facility are welcome.

Our most common species are Douglas Fir, Southern Yellow Pine (Heart Pine), Red Oak, White Oak, Western Red Cedar, Hemlock, and Spruce. We also regularly stock Hard Maple, Black Walnut, Cherry, Ash, Hickory, Cypress, and Poplar depending on what comes through our salvage operations. Inventory rotates constantly — what was available last month may be gone and replaced by something better. Contact us for current stock levels for specific species and dimensions before planning a project around a particular material.

We stand behind the quality of our product. If material arrives damaged, misgraded, or not as described, we will replace it or issue a full credit. We strongly recommend inspecting all material at delivery before signing the delivery receipt and noting any issues on the paperwork. Custom-milled lumber is non-returnable unless there is a milling defect (incorrect dimensions, improper surfacing). Contact us within 7 days of delivery for any quality concerns. We do not charge restocking fees for standard stock returns initiated within 7 days when material is in original condition.

Acclimation is one of the most critical steps and the most frequently skipped. Wood expands and contracts with changes in moisture content — if you install lumber before it has reached equilibrium with its new environment, it will move after installation, causing gaps, cupping, buckling, or split joints. For interior applications, bring the lumber inside (or into the climate-controlled space) at least 7–14 days before installation, ideally more. Stack it with stickers (spacers between layers) to allow air circulation on all faces. For flooring, target a moisture content within 2% of your subfloor moisture content. In dry California climates, 6–8% MC is typical; humid areas may be 10–12%. Use a pin or pinless moisture meter to verify — do not rely on feel or visual appearance alone.

Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners for any exterior application or when working with naturally durable species (Cedar, Cypress) that contain acids that corrode standard steel. For interior structural work, standard zinc-plated or galvanized screws and nails are fine. Pre-drilling is strongly recommended for hardwood species (Oak, Maple, Hickory, Ash) to prevent splitting — drill 90% of the fastener diameter. For flooring installation, use a pneumatic flooring nailer or blind-nail through the tongue on tongue-and-groove material. Avoid drywall screws for structural connections; use structural wood screws (like GRK or Spax) for pull-through strength. Old-growth reclaimed lumber can be very dense — factor this into nail gun pressure settings.

Yes, with careful species and moisture management. Floating or glue-down installations work best over radiant heat; nail-down over concrete radiant is not recommended. Choose a stable species: quarter-sawn or rift-sawn cuts are far more dimensionally stable than flat-sawn. Douglas Fir, Ash, and White Oak are good choices; wide flat-sawn boards of any species are risky. Keep the floor surface temperature at or below 80°F (27°C) — higher temperatures can cause excessive drying and cracking. Maintain indoor humidity between 35–55% year-round. Bring the wood to equilibrium MC (typically 6–8% for heated interiors) before installation.

Almost always yes for flooring applications. Even surface-planed reclaimed flooring should be sanded after installation to level the floor plane (individual boards may have slight height variations) and to open the wood surface for proper finish adhesion. Start with 36–60 grit for heavy leveling, progress through 80, 100, and finish with 120 grit for most species. Hardwoods can go to 150 grit for a smoother result. For wall paneling or accent applications where you want to preserve the original patina and surface texture, sanding is optional — a light cleaning and direct finish application may be preferable. Always test your finish on a scrap piece of the same material first.

The right approach depends on whether you want to preserve or minimize the nail hole character. To preserve character: leave holes unfilled or fill lightly with clear wax. The holes are part of the wood's story and most customers in rustic/industrial projects prefer this look. To minimize holes: use a color-matched wood filler (DAP Plastic Wood or Timbermate work well), apply slightly proud of the surface, let dry fully, and sand flush before finishing. Mix custom colors by combining filler shades — no pre-made filler perfectly matches reclaimed wood's varied tones. For structural work where holes are a fastener concern, fill with epoxy filler for maximum strength. Large bolt holes can be filled with wood plugs (cut from matching species scrap) and wood glue.

The best finish depends on the application and the look you want. Interior floors: oil-based polyurethane (3 coats) for maximum durability; hardwax oil (Rubio Monocoat, Bona Craft Oil) for a natural matte look that is easier to spot-repair. Interior paneling and furniture: penetrating oils (tung oil, Danish oil, Waterlox) that highlight the grain without building a film layer; or wax-based products for low-sheen character. Exterior: penetrating deck oils or marine-grade sealers that can flex with wood movement; avoid film-forming finishes outdoors as they will peel. We stock eco-friendly finishes from Rubio Monocoat and Vermont Natural Coatings and can advise on the best option for your specific application and species.

Daily: sweep or dry-mop to remove grit (the main cause of scratches). Weekly: damp-mop with a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner; never use excessive water. Immediately: wipe up spills — standing water is the enemy of any wood floor. Annually: assess finish wear. Hardwax oil floors can be spot-refreshed with a coat of maintenance oil; polyurethane floors may need a light screen-and-recoat every 5–7 years before the finish wears through to bare wood. Every 15–25 years: full sand and refinish when finish is worn through in high-traffic areas. Because old-growth reclaimed flooring is often 1" thick or more (vs. 3/4" for modern strip flooring), it can be sanded 4–6+ times over its lifetime — far more refinishing potential than new stock.

Partially. Gray weathered wood has oxidized surface lignin — the silver-gray color is UV damage 1/16" or less deep. Sanding through this layer reveals fresh wood beneath. For Cedar and Douglas Fir, wood brighteners (oxalic acid solution) can partially restore color to weathered wood without sanding. Iron stains (gray-blue around old nails) respond well to oxalic acid. True color restoration requires sanding to fresh wood, which removes some of the patina character. Many customers prefer the weathered look and choose clear finishes that stabilize rather than reverse the gray. If consistent color across a large area is important, plan to sand the entire surface uniformly — spot-sanding creates mismatched patches.

Safety is our top priority and we have a multi-stage inspection protocol. Every board entering our facility is visually inspected for contamination. We screen for lead paint (XRF testing is available on request; painted boards are tested or diverted), CCA pressure treatment (identifiable by the green tinge and copper chromium arsenic smell), creosote treatment (railway ties, dock pilings — strong tar smell, oily surface), and PCB-contaminated industrial coatings. Boards with confirmed hazardous contamination are never sold as building material and are diverted to appropriate disposal streams. We can provide safety documentation, including XRF test results for lead paint and chain-of-custody forms, for projects requiring documentation. Never sand or burn wood of unknown origin indoors without testing first.

Yes. Using reclaimed materials can contribute to LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 credits in several categories. Most directly relevant is MR Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, where certified reclaimed content contributes to the 20% threshold. Reclaimed materials also contribute to Construction Waste Management diversion tracking (they displace landfill-bound material). We provide documentation packages for LEED projects including: material sourcing description, approximate age and origin of material, board footage quantities, and waste diversion calculations. Our team has supported LEED certification documentation for commercial, institutional, and residential projects. Contact us early in your project — documentation is much easier to assemble before material ships than after.

Beyond LEED, reclaimed lumber can contribute to: WELL Building Standard (material purity and transparency credits); Living Building Challenge (Red List compliance — reclaimed wood is typically acceptable as it predates Red List chemicals); BREEAM (equivalent to LEED for international projects); CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools — California schools program); and CalGreen (California mandatory green building standard, Title 24). For FSC certification: reclaimed lumber is separately classified under FSC's Reclaimed Wood program and can carry the FSC Recycled label if properly certified. We are working toward FSC Chain of Custody certification. For projects requiring specific certifications, contact us to discuss what documentation we can currently provide.

Fire treatment requirements depend on your local building code and the specific application. In California, most commercial and multi-family residential projects require fire-retardant treatment (FRT) for concealed framing, attic blocking, and other applications per CBC Section 2303.2. FRT lumber is pressure-impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals that reduce flame spread and smoke development. We can supply reclaimed lumber that has been kiln-dried and then pressure-impregnated with FRT chemicals — the same process used for new lumber. The wood must be re-dried after treatment to the specified moisture content. FRT-treated material carries a label showing the fire performance ratings (flame spread index, smoke developed index). Note: surface-applied intumescent coatings are a different product and may or may not meet code requirements for concealed locations — check with your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

Yes, with proper grading and engineering. We supply structural-grade reclaimed beams and dimensional lumber for load-bearing applications in residential and commercial construction. Structural reclaimed lumber is graded according to the same general methodology as new lumber (visual grading per ASTM D245), with additional evaluation specific to reclaimed material — checking for hidden decay, old fastener damage that may affect cross-section, and verifying species identity. We can provide grading documentation and have relationships with structural engineers who specialize in reclaimed timber. For critical structural members, machine stress rating (MSR) or laboratory testing is available. Always have structural reclaimed lumber reviewed by a licensed structural engineer before use in load-bearing applications.

Species identification is a critical step for structural reclaimed lumber because different species have very different structural properties. We use a combination of: visual grain characteristics (growth ring spacing, ray pattern, pore structure), wood color and odor, and physical properties (density, hardness). For high-stakes structural applications, we can commission laboratory wood identification testing — microscopic cellular analysis provides definitive species identification. Douglas Fir, Hemlock, and Southern Yellow Pine look similar to untrained eyes but have different structural values; misidentification can result in under-designed members. Never assume species from appearance alone for structural applications. We label all structural material with verified species identification.

Reclaimed lumber structural design values are established by the visual grading rules in NDS (National Design Specification) Supplement Table 4A–4F, using the same species-and-grade combinations as new lumber. The key difference: reclaimed lumber does not come from mills with continuous quality control programs, so conservative evaluation is appropriate. For most reclaimed Douglas Fir, the design values for #2 grade apply regardless of the material's actual quality unless a higher grade is certified. Reclaimed lumber subjected to long-term load in its previous life may have some creep deformation. Engineered lumber (LVL, PSL, LSL) is made from new wood and does not qualify as reclaimed. For span tables, load calculations, and connection design with reclaimed lumber, engage a licensed structural engineer familiar with reclaimed materials.

Target moisture content (MC) depends on the application and climate. Interior flooring in a conditioned space: 6–9% MC in most US climates; 4–6% in very dry climates (Las Vegas, Phoenix). Interior framing: 19% or below (green lumber threshold), ideally 12–15% for dimensional stability. Exterior applications: 12–18% is typical; wood in exterior applications will naturally fluctuate with seasons. Southern California climate: most indoor applications target 6–9% MC due to the dry Mediterranean climate. We provide moisture content readings at the time of sale for all kiln-dried and surface-dried material. Use a calibrated moisture meter at the installation site to verify acclimation progress.

Improper storage is the fastest way to ruin good lumber. Key rules: Keep it off the ground — use at least 4" of clearance to prevent ground moisture absorption. Sticker it — place 3/4" spacers (stickers) every 24" between layers to allow air circulation on all faces. Keep it covered but ventilated — protect from rain and direct sun (UV degrades surface quality) but allow air movement. Avoid plastic wrapping — traps moisture and promotes mold growth. Store flat — do not lean boards against a wall; they will bow. For long-term storage (more than 2 weeks), ideally store in the building where it will be installed, allowing simultaneous acclimation. For outdoor temporary storage in wet climates, a vented shed or covered pallet rack works well. Never stack reclaimed lumber directly on concrete — moisture wicks up regardless of apparent dryness.

Post-delivery movement is almost always a moisture response. If lumber arrives at a different MC than your storage environment, it will gain or lose moisture and move accordingly. Most common scenario: lumber stored at our facility in Southern California at 8–10% MC delivered to a humid coastal location or stored outdoors in rain — moisture uptake causes swelling, cup, and bow. Solution: acclimate before installing (see acclimation FAQ above). Less common: boards that were under internal stress from their original use or from old knots may release stress when the structure they were part of is removed — this manifests as gradual movement over days to weeks after delivery. Pre-installation stacking with stickers helps these boards relax before you cut them. If a board is crooked but otherwise sound, it can often be straightened with proper fastening during installation.

Yes. Our facility is located in Commerce, CA, approximately 8 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. We deliver throughout the Los Angeles metro area, including Orange County, Ventura County, Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside counties), and San Diego. Delivery is via our own flatbed and box trucks with forklift offloading capability. We also ship nationwide via freight carriers for customers outside our standard delivery zones. For very large orders (full truckloads), we work with specialized flatbed freight carriers. Delivery scheduling is typically 3–7 business days from order confirmation for standard stock orders; longer for custom milling orders.

Yes, we have exported reclaimed lumber to Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, the UK, and several EU countries. International shipping requires additional planning: export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate if required by the destination country), heat treatment or kiln drying certification for solid wood (ISPM 15 compliance — most countries require this), containerization logistics, and customs coordination at the destination. Lead times for international orders are typically 4–8 weeks including documentation. For countries with timber import restrictions (Australia, New Zealand, and others have strict biosecurity requirements for solid wood), we can work with your freight forwarder or customs broker to ensure compliance. Contact us for an international shipping quote — include destination country, species/grade/quantity, and timeline.

Yes, we actively purchase used lumber from demolition contractors, renovation companies, property owners, and estate liquidations. We evaluate material based on species, condition, dimensions, quantity, and accessibility for pickup. The most valuable materials to us are: old-growth Douglas Fir structural lumber (2x and larger), Heart Pine flooring and framing, White Oak barn framing, old-growth Redwood, and Black Walnut in any form. Less valuable to us: pressure-treated lumber (we cannot reuse it), plywood and engineered wood products, lumber with heavy paint or chemical treatment, and very short pieces under 4 feet. Contact us with photos and dimensions — we will respond within 48 hours with an offer or questions. We provide pickup for loads of 500+ board feet within our service area.

For orders over 5,000 board feet, we offer volume pricing that typically runs 10–25% below standard list pricing. Very large orders (50,000+ BF) or ongoing contractor accounts receive additional terms. Commercial accounts can arrange net-30 payment terms after credit approval. For design-build and general contractors, we offer project-specific pricing that locks in cost for the duration of a multi-phase project. We also offer blanket orders — pay for a quantity upfront at a locked price, draw down inventory over several months as your project progresses. For architects and interior designers specifying our material, we maintain a trade program with sample boards, documentation support, and direct contact with our grading team. Contact our commercial sales team to set up an account.