Specialty Wood

July 12 2022

Barn Wood Wall Ideas For Your Dream Home

Published on July 12, 2022

Barn wood is an excellent material. Although it may initially seem old and useless, it’s actually capable of accentuating both the interiors and exteriors of homes. How so? By introducing the natural rustic vibe of the outdoors to your home.

Another thing to know is that barn wood is very affordable. Moreover, it’s incredibly easy to work with. In fact, it is rather common for us to finish barn wood projects within less than a week.

The Top Barn Wood Wall Ideas

The first thing you’d want to do is lay out your barn wood wall panels so that you can plan them out accordingly. Barn wood tends to have a lot of patina, and each panel is different.

Because of that, you’ve got to ensure that everything matches when building your wall.

Your next move should be to locate your barn wood’s studs. Anyone who does not have a stud finder can do this by measuring their panels from their corners. Usually, studs are 16’ apart while some are 24’ or even further apart. It all depends on the panel you’re working on.

Following that, you should tap a nail into the said stud that you’ve found for confirmation. Do the process once more for every panel. To make things easier, make several vertical marks along

the stud with chalk to differentiate panels to simplify installation and eliminate any confusion.

When installing the panels, you can start from top to bottom or vice versa.

Our team recommends working from the bottom upwards. How come? Because gravity shall be on your side and make getting the job done so much faster and easier.

With that said, those with uneven ceiling floors have to work from the top down. Doing so will let you overcome any discrepancies that your baseboard has.

However, working from the top down requires a helper as you will need someone to hold the boards until they’re appropriately secured.

Accent walls that aren’t extremely wide don’t necessitate the cutting of your barn wood. Despite that, you may still want to cut your boards since cut boards introduce better aesthetics. In any case, any barn wood wall project will still require you to cut wood. You may do this with your old-school saw. However, those who want to finish quicker can resort to using power tools.

Last but not least, you shouldn’t forget about safety. Any construction project has its set of dangers, and placing barn wood walls is no different. When working, you should always wear safety goggles. Alternatively, you could also wear a mask to avoid breathing in dust and debris.

Three distinct examples of barn wood wall ideas.

The Bottom Line

If you wish to see more of our finished barn wood projects, you can click here and here. Now, if you’re still skeptical, you can learn more about the services we offer.

Once you have decided what you want, it’s best that you get in touch with our team so that we can make your dream project come true. Remember that we’re here for you 24/7 and ready to take on anything you throw at us.

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project

Vintage & Specialty Wood should be your source of the highest quality timbers from around the world. When it comes to fabricating and installing reclaimed wood or specialty wood products in your home, we don’t cut corners. We offer many reclaimed wood and specialty wood products such as Douglas Fir, white oak, and much more. We also offer timber framing and wood flooring services as well. Contact our team today to speak to a timber expert about what Vintage & Specialty Wood can do for you.

Barn Wood Wall Ideas For Your Dream Home

About The Author

Christian Cruz is an experienced blogger with a deep passion for content creation. He descends from a long line of lawyers, writers, and educators. Over the years, Chris has tackled all sorts of niches for a myriad of clients. As a result, millions of people worldwide have read and benefited from his content.

July 5 2022

What Are Hand-Hewn Beams?

Editor Specialty Wood

Published on July 5, 2022

Hand-hewn beams are hand-cut beams of reclaimed wood. Craftsmen use a special tool called an “Adze” to shape round logs into square beams one at a time. Because of that, every beam has a unique cut mark’s look all depends on the hewing technique of the person making the beam. With that being said, hewing is not an easy thing to do and it takes years to master.

Oak is always the wood that’s used for hand-hewn beams. The difference in the color of certain beams can be due to surface treatments such as sanding and finishes applied on the wood.

It’s common to find hand-hewn beams sold in the following dimensions:

6 x 6
8 x 8
10 x 10
12 x 12

Meanwhile, hand-hewn beams can range from 4 to 36 feet in length. Therefore, it’s safe to say that they’re quite versatile and have many applications. To know more, read the section below.

Hand-Hewn Beam Applications

Hand-hewn beams have a very rustic look that can make any home look inviting. You may make use of them for everything from porch columns to wall panels.

Furthermore, they are also a great material for interior beams. With that said, because every hand-hewn beam is different, each of the pieces that you’ll use will be hand-picked so they’ll match.

Putting It All Together

There’s nothing quite like the rustic vibe that hand-hewn beams provide. With them as a building material, it’s certain that whatever structure you’re creating will look wonderful.

Unfortunately, hewing reclaimed oak wood is a process that requires a lot of manual labor along with years of experience. For that reason, hand-hewn beams are more expensive than other types of reclaimed woods. Nevertheless, we believe that every beam is worth every penny.

Now with all that being said, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have got any hand-hewn or any other wood projects you have in mind. Our team has got your back and is there to realize them.

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project

About The Author

September 11 2020

8 Reclaimed Wood Table Ideas For Your Next DIY Project

Seo Team Specialty Wood

Published January 21, 2022

Reclaimed wood tables are getting a lot of buzz lately. And why not? Repurposing woods will not only give mother nature a break. It will also save you a lot of money. Plus, reclaimed woods have that sort of charm in them that just gives personality to a room.

Like most woodworking projects, there are no hard and fast rules for designing reclaimed wood tables. Your imagination is the limit. If you’re wanting of inspiration, here are some reclaimed wood table ideas you should check out:

1. Blue River Dining Table

by: WoodworksbyJared

Who isn’t dreaming of dining by the riverside while the water gushes forth and you hear the birds’ song in the air? It would be wonderful, wouldn’t it? Well with this innovative reclaimed wood dining table idea, you can always dine while looking at the river – or at least a replica of it.

Made of reclaimed walnut and resin, the gorgeous Maui blue pigment poured at the center creates a watery illusion. The whole look is wrapped up with U-shaped steel legs painted with modern vintage gold.

2. Cogwheels Coffee Table Nest

by: Eloise Odetta

This pair of reclaimed wood coffee table might be small in size but it can draw all eyes in the room with its rustic charm.

As the name suggests, these coffee tables take inspiration from (you guessed it) cogwheels! Talk about vintage, right? Assembled from different pieces of reclaimed wood, the table’s rugged appearance further cemented its retro vibe. This is perfect for repurposing wood scraps of varying sizes.

3. Bohemian Coffee Table

by: WoodcraftedbyAnton

One of the great things about reclaimed woods is that it can be full of surprises. Some of them are sourced from exquisite buildings of bygone eras. And sometimes, the carvings and paintings still remain.

If you happen to chance upon these types of ancient woods, why not turn it into something like this bohemian coffee table? You’ll not only preserve a piece of history, but you’ll also have a coffee table that will surely be the envy of every guest.

4. English Windsor Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

by: Hudson Furniture

If you want a conference table that can also double as an art display, this piece won’t disappoint. The haphazard and eclectic use of different pieces for sitting adds to the vintage rustic charm of the split log that serves as the long table. Pair it with a vintage-style chandelier and you can have your very own medieval banquet every single day.

5. “The Highland” Rustic Solid Wood Table

by: Sugar Mountain Wood Works

There’s just no other word to describe this piece but “innovative”. It takes reclaimed wood furniture making to a whole new level.

Made from an extinct American chestnut wood sourced from a mid-1800s schoolhouse, this piece screams vintage. Yet when taken as a whole, it can also come off as futuristic. The natural shape and indentations of the wood are preserved. Yet it looks nothing like how it would have probably looked in the 19th century. This makes it the epitome of contradictions and an intriguing piece that’s definitely worth a second look.

6. Small Square Modern Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

by: What We Make

If you’re looking to add a modern minimalist touch to your city loft or apartment, this wood coffee table is perfect. Made from centuries-old reclaimed oak wood, this is one of those modern coffee tables that are perfect for small urban spaces. The rustic vibe of the solid thick oak wood is perfectly complimented by 1″ thick brush solid steel legs placed in perpendicular angles. Together, they create an overall look that’s sure to make several heads turn.

7. Live Edge Reclaimed Wood Console Table

by: Odun’s Home Decor

What to do with live edge reclaimed wood slabs? Turn them into a wooden table, of course! And if you’re looking for design inspirations, this reclaimed wood console table fits the bill to a tee. With its luxurious wood-meets-steel design, it’s a perfect addition to your entryway, foyer, kitchen or even your bathroom. It can even double as a tv stand!

8. Modi Reclaimed Wood Extendable Dining Table

by: Barker and Stonehouse

Combining aesthetics with functionality, this farmhouse rustic extendable dining table can also double as a conference table. With a single pull, you can easily accommodate any unexpected visitors that may crash your family dinners. The natural scratches and textures that are still visible on the wooden tabletop only add to its rustic charm. Its base is also tapered and splayed making it more elegant.

(Related: 12 Best Wood for Desktops)

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Judy Ponio is a professional writer for Vintage & Specialty Wood, Inc

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a professional writer and SEO specialist. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources. She is the lead author for several prominent websites covering a variety of topics including law, health, nutrition, and more.

July 30 2020

Benefits of a Permanent Wood Foundation

Seo Team Specialty Wood

Published July 30th, 2020

The foundation of any building could literally make or break it. After all, this is the primary building block of any structure. The foundation is the lowest part of a building that comes into direct contact with the soil surrounding it. This contact is essential, as this is where the structure transfers its load to the ground around it.

Permanent wood foundations (PWF) refer to wood treated to bear heavy loads and high pressures. When engineered correctly, these foundations have proven to be extremely durable and long-lasting. But why do many people still doubt its benefits?

Several people remain reluctant to wood foundations, believing that they do not fair as well as masonry ones. That isn’t quite the case, though. Permanent wood foundations have undergone extensive research and testing by many reputable organizations within the field. Let’s discuss the findings of those studies and the accounts of experts.

Wood foundations are long-lasting.

One reason most people are reluctant toward wood foundation is rotting and degradation. “Foundation-grade” wood undergoes a deep chemical treatment that fortifies it against different things. It’s treated to protect against moisture-related problems and wood-eating pests. With the right drainage system in suitable environments, wood foundations can last for years without rotting.

Wood foundations are durable.

When constructed with the right engineering, PWF can be just as structurally sound as concrete. If you simply follow guidelines and manuals laid out by the experts, you won’t have any durability issues.

Wood foundations provide better insulation.

Wood is known for its ability to store and keep warmth. PWF is ideal for crawl spaces and basements. In this way, it is energy-efficient, as you’d be able to save a lot of money on utility bills and heating. Finishing a basement is also much easier to do with wood; you can add insulation between wall studs, where you would attach the drywall.

Wood foundations can give you a nice, dry basement.

A common problem people have with concrete foundations is moisture. Concrete foundations are prone to mildew, dampness, and leakage. You can be assured that with wood, your basement will be dry and mildew-free. Additionally, basements from wood foundations usually have more living space.

Wood foundations are cheaper.

PWF can also be a cost-efficient alternative to traditional masonry foundations. Constructing wood foundations is considerably simpler, quicker, and cheaper. You’d generally see yourself spending half of what you would with masonry foundations.

Wood foundations are easy to alter.

Concrete foundations are almost entirely permanent. What you see is what you get with them. But wood foundation gives you a unique sense of flexibility. Because they’re simple wood construction, you can easily alter them even when the basement’s complete. On one handyman’s account on PWF, he was able to add windows and a door to his walkout basement three years after completion.

It should go without saying that wood foundations are not outright inferior to masonry ones. Each of these foundations has its pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one is most suited for your home. With the right engineering and construction, you will surely be satisfied with either option.

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About The Author

July 17 2020

The Pros and Cons of Using Rubberwood for Furniture

Seo Team Specialty Wood, Most Popular

Published July 17th, 2020

Is rubberwood good for furniture? With thousands of Google searches for that question every single month, you’re not the only one that wonders about the viability of using rubberwood for furniture. The short answer is, it depends.

While most people think that rubberwood is some type of elastic wood hybrid, it isn’t quite that. Rubberwood is actually a medium-density hardwood that is produced by harvesting the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Most of these trees grow in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. Pará rubber trees are cultivated for their latex, and at the end of their useful life are harvested to become rubberwood lumber. Because of that, rubberwood is referred to as an “environmentally friendly” wood.

But how does it fare against other types of wood as the material for furniture? Is it worth spending good money on rubberwood items? Let’s look at the pros and cons of using rubberwood for furniture.

Pros:

Sustainability

According to WWF, approximately 10% of the world’s forests get cut down yearly to become fast-wood forests. Cutting down more trees than the rate they’re growing can have a severely negative impact on the environment. It can lead to soil erosions, landslides, and floods. Additionally, it can also hasten the effects of global warming. Harvesting rubberwood can reduce those effects since you’re using trees that would have otherwise been burned.

Durable

Contrary to most Western beliefs, rubberwood is not as flexible as you think. It’s quite a durable hardwood, belonging to the maple family. It has a strength of about 9500 psi, stiffness of 1.3 million psi, and hardness of 500 pounds.

Cost-effective

Since rubberwood is often thought of as a byproduct, it sells for lower prices than most wood. There’s this notion that rubberwood is not a durable product, so most people opt for other timber like oak, maple, or cherry.

Ideal for furniture

Processed rubberwood is very stable, with shrinkage and cracking kept to a minimum, making them great for furniture. Moreover, rubberwood has an awesome blonde to medium tan color.

Takes stains well

Rubberwood takes stains and finishes very well. This is especially great if you want to change its appearance to suit your tastes and its setting.

Cons:

Perishable

Rubberwood is perishable and has a strong tendency to decay. Moreover, it is susceptible to fungal staining and insect attacks. To curb these effects, it has to undergo a lot of harsh chemical treatments, which can be a turnoff to some.

May trigger latex allergies

If you have allergies to latex, rubberwood may not be for you. There have been accounts of people having some sort of allergic reaction while working with rubberwood.

Warping and twisting

While drying, rubberwood tends to warp and twist, causing it to distort before thoroughly drying. Though after it’s seasoned, it can turn out to be quite durable and sturdy.

Isn’t great for outdoor use

Rubberwood is very moisture absorbent. This causes it to deteriorate more quickly when you place it outdoors. For this reason, you’ll want to keep your rubberwood furniture indoors or in a less humid environment.

The Verdict

With the above pros and cons, it’s safe to say that unless you are allergic to latex, rubberwood will make a durable and sustainable furniture material. But if you are going to use it for outdoor furniture, make sure the wood is properly treated and sealed to keep it from warping and twisting.

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May 10 2020

The Most Expensive Woods in the World

Publisher Specialty Wood, Most Popular

Expensive wood in a mansion living room.

Published May 11th, 2020

Most people often admire things made of wood. Whether it’s furniture, decoration for your living room, or even the floors and ceilings for your beautiful home, you can never go wrong when you choose to use wood. It gives a unique and classy outcome; hence, it never goes out of style.

But you might have wondered why some things that are made of wood are quite costly while some are not. Well, it’s because there are different types of wood, and the value of wood depends on several factors.

The price of a wood depends on its durability, resistance, how complicated it is to work with, and, most importantly, how rare the wood is. The more unusual the tree, the higher the price will be.

If you’re fond of luxurious things, here are the most expensive woods in the world and why it fetches such hefty prices.

African Blackwood

African Blackwood is one of the hardest and densest wood in the world and is mostly used for musical instruments. It is considered as the most expensive wood in the world because not only it is challenging to work with hand or machine tools, its trees are already near-threatened.

But as expensive as it may seem, African Blackwood is worth the price. It is more stable and resistant to warping and is rated as very durable when it comes to decay resistance.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is the second-most expensive wood in the world and is widely used in the cosmetic industry, especially in perfumes. Sandalwood oil is sought after because of its soft, creamy, and long-lasting scent that it produces.

Unfortunately, the production of Sandalwood has decreased while the demand continues to increase. It is on its way to becoming extinct, and that’s what makes Sandalwood so expensive.

Pink Ivory

Pink Ivory, also known as Red Ivory, is an African wood that grows in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, South Africa. Most pink ivory woods are used to make billiard cues, knife handles, and sometimes for medicinal purposes. Because of its incredibly high wood density, it is very durable and highly resistant to decay.

While Pink Ivory is relatively common in some parts of South Africa, some people claim that it is “rarer than diamonds,” which is one of the reasons why it is expensive.

A dining table and chairs made of expensive wood.

Purple Heart

Purple Heart wood, otherwise known as Amaranth, extensively grows in some parts of Central America. It is somehow rare, very durable, and resists both decay and most insect attacks, which is partly the reason why it is expensive. It is also water-resistant which is why it is often used on boat deckings and flooring.

But the main reason why it is costly is because of its uniqueness. Purple Heart is actually brown. But when the tree is cut down and exposed to UV light, the wood then changes its color to purple. Not just that, Purple Heart is exceptionally challenging to work with because it exudes resin when heated with dull tools which can clog the machine.

Lignum Vitae

Lignum Vitae, the national tree of the Bahamas, is the most cumbersome and most laborious wood in the world. Even the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine had its bearings made out of this wood. It also contains natural oils that make the bearings self-lubricating, which makes it an excellent wear-resistance.

Unfortunately, Lignum Vitae has been exploited to the brink of extinction. It is now on the list of endangered species.

Bubinga

While Bubinga is a wood that is easy to work with, it is famous for producing high-quality furniture and high-quality tools, which makes it costly. It is also very durable that it is known to be resistant to termites and marine borer attacks. (Related: Buckled Wood Floors: Causes and Fixes)

Agar Wood

Agarwood is famous for the tea, oil, and perfume that it produces. It’s hefty price tag is thanks to its incredibly high demand and extreme rarity – it’s one of the rarest trees in the world.

Dalbergia

Dalbergia is a durable, sturdy, highly dense, and rare wood. It is typically used to make sports goods and high-quality furniture. What makes it so expensive is because it is complicated to work with. Its sawdust can be poisonous to people; that’s why some are refusing to work with a Dalbergia wood.

Bocote

Bocote is widely known for producing exquisite pieces of furniture and beautiful floorings. With its amazing zebra-like contrasts and bold figuring, this wood surely gives an eye-catching look to your decors at home. (Related: The Amazing Benefits of Olive Oil on Wood)

Specialty Wood

Barn Wood Wall Ideas For Your Dream Home

The Top Barn Wood Wall Ideas

The Bottom Line

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project

About The Author

What Are Hand-Hewn Beams?

Hand-Hewn Beam Applications

Putting It All Together

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project

About The Author

8 Reclaimed Wood Table Ideas For Your Next DIY Project

1. Blue River Dining Table

2. Cogwheels Coffee Table Nest

3. Bohemian Coffee Table

4. English Windsor Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

5. “The Highland” Rustic Solid Wood Table

6. Small Square Modern Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

7. Live Edge Reclaimed Wood Console Table

8. Modi Reclaimed Wood Extendable Dining Table

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project

About The Author

Benefits of a Permanent Wood Foundation

Wood foundations are long-lasting.

Wood foundations are durable.

Wood foundations provide better insulation.

Wood foundations can give you a nice, dry basement.

Wood foundations are cheaper.

Wood foundations are easy to alter.

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project

About The Author

The Pros and Cons of Using Rubberwood for Furniture

Pros:

Sustainability

Durable

Cost-effective

Ideal for furniture

Takes stains well

Cons:

Perishable

May trigger latex allergies

Warping and twisting

Isn’t great for outdoor use

The Verdict

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project

About The Author

The Most Expensive Woods in the World

African Blackwood

Sandalwood

Pink Ivory

Purple Heart

Lignum Vitae

Bubinga

Agar Wood

Dalbergia

Bocote

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project

About The Author

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