About Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is generally harder, denser and more stable, creating a higher quality material than new wood. This is due to the slow growth, tighter growth rings, and the size of the tree. These qualities just cannot be reproduced with today's fast growing, quickly harvested trees no matter how it is described at the local lumber yard!

Craftmark's Echo Series is a categorized system of distinguishing the varying degrees of natural character, level of usage and rustic appearance of the lumber. For example, the nail and bolt holes, and natural knot holes are precisely the unique characteristics that describe our Rustic Series. As with anything natural there are variations in color and grain patterns within the series due to weatherization and depending on the source of the wood.

Reclaimed wood is generally a bit more expensive to purchase due to the exhaustive measures used to bring the lumber to market. First, it must be dismantled piece by piece, de-nailed, loaded and transported to a mill, continually graded and then milled into finished usable lumber. Due to nail holes, worm holes, warping, splintering and other factors, there is a high waste factor to be considered in the overall price of the material. Please note: We only ship usable wood. In the end, it's worth the investment when you see what warmth and character the material adds to your home!

Sources
Craftmark recovers premium quality timbers from turn of the century factories, warehouses, mills and other antique structures that are no longer in use and scheduled for deconstruction. The history of the wood itself can bring it alive in your home as each dismantled project has a rich and exciting story to tell. These facilities are carefully dismantled timber by timber and given another life through our salvage efforts.
This beautiful antique wood is then milled into new tongue and groove flooring, wainscoting, stair packages and architectural moulding.

Environmental Integrity
Craftmark is proud to be a part of the recycling process. The beauty of using reclaimed wood is that you get all the warmth, character and stability of old growth lumber by simply extending the life of antique wood rescued from already existing facilities! This precious wood is being diverted from landfills reducing the ecological footprint on our resources.

First, a project is identified. Most reclaimed buildings have an interesting and varied history, which we record and pass on to those who purchase the restored lumber.
Reclamation Project
Demolition Process
The wood is rescued by craftsmen skilled at the art of dismantling large structures. This task is time consuming and requires special skills to minimize potential dangers.
Recovered antique wood is transported to our local mill via rail (that's our building in the background!)
wood with nails, etc
Nails & hardware are painstakingly removed from reclaimed wood
Rescued wood milled into custom sizes
Milling Process
Grading Process
Before and after milling, the wood is carefully graded and imperfections removed based on the grade of lumber needed.
Every reclaimed wood floor has a story to tell.