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Know Your Wood
Species Guide
We carry eight core species, each salvaged from different types of historic structures. Availability varies with incoming salvage, but we maintain deep stock in all categories. Every species has unique characteristics in color, hardness, grain pattern, and workability. Understanding these differences helps you select the right wood for your specific application.
Heart Pine
Heart pine is the heartwood of the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), a species that once covered 90 million acres of the American South. These trees grew for 200-400 years before being harvested in the 18th and 19th centuries, producing lumber with extraordinarily tight grain — typically 15-30 growth rings per inch. The high resin content gives heart pine its characteristic amber-to-red color and provides natural resistance to insects and decay. Our reclaimed heart pine is sourced primarily from demolished Southern textile mills, tobacco warehouses, and industrial factory floors where it served as heavy-duty structural and wear-surface material for over a century.
White Oak
White oak (Quercus alba) is one of the most versatile and durable hardwoods in our inventory. Its closed-cell structure makes it naturally resistant to water penetration, which is why it was historically used for barrel-making, ship construction, and bridge timbers. Our reclaimed white oak comes from barns, bridges, and commercial buildings throughout the Northeast and Midwest. It features beautiful medullary ray patterns, especially in quarter-sawn cuts, and its warm tan-to-brown color deepens with age and UV exposure. White oak is the top choice for flooring, cabinetry, and any application where water resistance matters.
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) from the Pacific Northwest was the workhorse timber of American industrial construction. Our reclaimed Douglas fir comes from 100-150-year-old warehouses and factory buildings, but the trees themselves were typically 300-500 years old at harvest. This means the growth rings are incredibly tight, often 20-30 per inch, resulting in density and structural strength that far exceeds modern plantation Douglas fir. The characteristic golden-yellow to reddish-brown color and prominent vertical grain make it a favorite for exposed beams, accent walls, and ceiling treatments. It is also one of the easiest species to work with, milling cleanly and accepting finishes evenly.
American Chestnut
American chestnut (Castanea dentata) is the rarest species in our inventory and one of the most historically significant woods in North America. Before the chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) devastated the population in the early 20th century, the American chestnut made up roughly 25% of all hardwood trees in the eastern United States. By the 1950s, the species was functionally extinct as a timber tree. Today, reclaimed chestnut is the only way to obtain this wood, making it highly sought after by collectors, furniture makers, and preservationists. Its warm honey color, straight grain, and natural rot resistance made it the preferred building material for barns and rural structures across Appalachia.
Cypress
Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is legendary for its natural rot resistance, which comes from a naturally occurring chemical called cypressene in its heartwood. Old-growth cypress from reclaimed structures often shows incredibly tight growth rings and exceptional resistance to moisture, insects, and fungal decay. Our reclaimed cypress is sourced from demolished docks, water towers, cisterns, and agricultural structures in the Southern United States. It is the ideal choice for any application where the wood will be exposed to moisture — exterior siding, garden beds, outdoor furniture, and bathroom installations.
Red Oak
Red oak (Quercus rubra) is the classic American hardwood, prized for its strong grain pattern, excellent hardness, and beautiful pinkish-red coloring. Our reclaimed red oak comes from commercial buildings, residential structures, and gymnasium floors across the Northeast. Unlike white oak, red oak has an open-cell structure that makes it more porous, so it is not recommended for exterior applications or direct moisture contact. However, its superior hardness and strong grain pattern make it the top choice for interior flooring, stair treads, and trim where durability and visual impact are priorities. Reclaimed red oak takes stain exceptionally well, making it versatile for both traditional and contemporary design schemes.
Hemlock
Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) was one of the most widely used building timbers in early New England construction. Our reclaimed hemlock comes from post-and-beam barns, sawmill structures, and agricultural buildings dating from the 1700s through the early 1900s. Hemlock has a soft, even texture with a light tan to reddish-brown color that mellows beautifully with age. While it is not as hard as oak or pine, its light weight and stability make it excellent for decorative applications like accent walls, ceiling treatments, and rustic shelving. Hand-hewn hemlock beams from 18th-century barns are among the most character-rich timbers in our inventory.
Maple (Reclaimed)
Reclaimed hard maple (Acer saccharum) is the hardest common species in our inventory, making it ideal for heavy-use surfaces. Our reclaimed maple comes from factory floors, bowling alleys, and gymnasium floors where it withstood decades of industrial wear and foot traffic. The light cream color and subtle grain pattern create a clean, modern aesthetic, while the century-plus patina adds warmth and depth that new maple cannot match. Reclaimed maple is particularly prized for butcher-block countertops, workbench surfaces, and high-traffic flooring installations.
Standard Sizes
Available Dimensions
We stock reclaimed lumber in 20 standard nominal dimensions, from 1x4 boards through 8x8 timbers, plus random-width stock for rustic projects. Custom sizes are available through our custom milling service. Nominal sizes follow standard lumber conventions; actual dimensions after surfacing are listed below.
| Nominal | Actual (surfaced) | Common Applications | Lengths | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" x 4" | 3/4" x 3-1/2" | Wall paneling, trim, shiplap | 4-12 ft | In stock |
| 1" x 6" | 3/4" x 5-1/2" | Accent walls, ceiling planks, shelving | 4-16 ft | In stock |
| 1" x 8" | 3/4" x 7-1/4" | Wide-plank paneling, tabletops | 4-16 ft | In stock |
| 1" x 10" | 3/4" x 9-1/4" | Feature walls, wainscoting, sign boards | 6-14 ft | Limited |
| 1" x 12" | 3/4" x 11-1/4" | Mantels, counters, wide feature boards | 6-12 ft | By request |
| 5/4" x 6" | 1" x 5-1/2" | Decking, heavy-duty shelving, stair treads | 6-16 ft | In stock |
| 5/4" x 8" | 1" x 7-1/4" | Wide stair treads, tabletops, countertops | 6-14 ft | Limited |
| 2" x 4" | 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" | Framing, structural use, furniture frames | 4-16 ft | In stock |
| 2" x 6" | 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" | Structural framing, heavy furniture, benches | 6-20 ft | In stock |
| 2" x 8" | 1-1/2" x 7-1/4" | Joists, beams, heavy-duty shelving | 6-20 ft | In stock |
| 2" x 10" | 1-1/2" x 9-1/4" | Structural headers, wide benches, counters | 8-18 ft | Limited |
| 2" x 12" | 1-1/2" x 11-1/4" | Large joists, tabletops, countertops | 8-16 ft | By request |
| 3" x 6" | 2-1/2" x 5-1/2" | Heavy framing, timber-frame joinery | 6-16 ft | Limited |
| 3" x 8" | 2-1/2" x 7-1/4" | Post-and-beam connections, thick shelving | 6-14 ft | By request |
| 4" x 4" | 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" | Posts, table legs, furniture frames | 4-12 ft | In stock |
| 4" x 6" | 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" | Posts, small beams, pergola components | 6-16 ft | In stock |
| 6" x 6" | 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" | Posts, mantels, decorative columns | 4-20 ft | In stock |
| 6" x 8" | 5-1/2" x 7-1/2" | Small beams, headers, lintels | 6-16 ft | Limited |
| 8" x 8" | 7-1/2" x 7-1/2" | Beams, posts, timber-frame structures | 6-30 ft | In stock |
| Random widths | Varies | Feature walls, rustic projects, artistic use | 2-12 ft | In stock |
Quality Standards
Our Grading System
Every board is hand-graded by our team. With 40+ combined years of experience, our graders assess species, structural integrity, moisture content, and cosmetic character. Understanding our grading system helps you order the right material for your project and budget, and ensures there are no surprises when your lumber arrives.
Premium Select
Our highest grade. Minimal defects, consistent color, straight grain. Ideal for visible applications where uniformity matters — flooring, cabinetry, feature walls, fine furniture. Each board is individually inspected for grain consistency, color uniformity, and surface quality. Tight knots are permitted but must be sound and stable. No splits, checks, wane, or bark inclusions.
No. 1
High-quality boards with minor character marks. Small tight knots, occasional nail holes (filled or unfilled), and light surface checking add subtle character without compromising the overall clean appearance. This is our best-selling grade for residential projects, offering an excellent balance of character and cleanliness. Suitable for flooring, paneling, cabinetry, and furniture.
No. 2
Sound structural lumber with visible character. Open knots, nail holes, saw marks, and surface weathering add rustic appeal that many designers and homeowners specifically seek out. Structurally sound and suitable for most applications where a clean look is not required. Popular for accent walls, furniture, shelving, and commercial interiors where authenticity matters.
Rustic / Character
Maximum character and patina. Significant weathering, large knots, bolt holes, and heavy surface texture. This grade captures the full story of the wood — every nail hole, every saw mark, every year of weather exposure is on display. Ideal for projects where a raw, authentic aesthetic is the primary goal. Popular with restaurants, breweries, retail spaces, and homeowners who want the most visually impactful reclaimed look possible.
What to Use Where
Application Guide
Different applications call for different species, grades, and dimensions. This guide breaks down the most popular uses for reclaimed lumber and our specific recommendations for each application type.
Wall & Ceiling Treatments
Common Uses
- Accent walls & feature walls
- Ceiling planking & coffered ceilings
- Wainscoting & wall paneling
- Shiplap & V-groove cladding
- Board-and-batten siding
Our Recommendation
1x4 through 1x8, No. 1 or No. 2 grade, Douglas fir or hemlock
Flooring & Stair Systems
Common Uses
- Solid hardwood flooring
- Stair treads & risers
- Landing platforms
- Transition strips
- Floor borders & inlays
Our Recommendation
3/4" T&G milled, Premium Select or No. 1 grade, heart pine or oak
Furniture & Millwork
Common Uses
- Dining tables & conference tables
- Shelving & bookcases
- Cabinetry & vanities
- Mantels & fireplace surrounds
- Custom mouldings & trim
Our Recommendation
5/4 or 2x stock, Premium Select or No. 1 grade, white oak or chestnut
Exterior & Landscape
Common Uses
- Exterior siding & cladding
- Fence boards & gates
- Garden beds & planters
- Pergola & arbor components
- Outdoor furniture
Our Recommendation
5/4 or 2x stock, No. 2 grade or better, cypress or white oak
Commercial & Hospitality
Common Uses
- Restaurant & bar interiors
- Brewery tap room features
- Retail display walls
- Office lobby paneling
- Hotel room accent features
Our Recommendation
Species and grade per design intent, typically No. 1 or Rustic grade
Protect Your Investment
Storage & Handling Guide
Proper storage and handling are essential to preserving the quality and value of reclaimed lumber between delivery and installation. Following these guidelines will prevent warping, checking, and moisture damage.
Store Flat and Level
Stack reclaimed lumber flat on stickers (spacers) every 16-24 inches to allow air circulation on all sides. Use a flat, level surface to prevent warping. Never lean boards vertically against a wall for extended periods, as gravity will introduce bow over time.
Control Moisture Exposure
Store lumber in a covered, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct contact with concrete floors, which wick moisture into end grain. If storing outdoors, cover the top of the stack but leave the sides open for airflow. Tarps should be draped loosely, not wrapped tightly.
Acclimate Before Installation
Bring reclaimed lumber into the installation environment 5-7 days before use. This allows the wood to equalize with ambient humidity and temperature. For flooring, acclimate for at least 7-10 days. Failure to acclimate is the most common cause of post-installation gaps and cupping.
Protect End Grain
The end grain of lumber absorbs and releases moisture 10-12 times faster than face grain. Seal end grain with wax or end-grain sealer immediately upon delivery to prevent end checking and splitting, especially during dry winter months or in heated environments.
Monitor Moisture Content
Use a pin-type moisture meter to check moisture content before, during, and after acclimation. Target 6-8% for interior applications and 12-15% for exterior or semi-outdoor use. Record readings from multiple boards to establish a baseline for your specific environment.
Handle with Care
Reclaimed lumber, especially in higher grades, can be damaged by rough handling. Use padded clamps and supports when moving heavy boards. Avoid dragging boards across each other, which can scratch and mar the aged surface patina that makes reclaimed wood valuable.
Long-Term Care
Care & Maintenance
Reclaimed wood is remarkably durable, but proper care extends its beauty and longevity. Follow these guidelines based on your specific installation type.
Interior Installations
For reclaimed wood used indoors, maintain consistent indoor humidity between 35-55%. Use a humidifier in winter and dehumidifier in summer if needed. Dust regularly with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid wet mopping reclaimed wood floors — use a wood-specific cleaner and a damp (not wet) mop. Reapply penetrating oil finishes every 1-3 years depending on traffic and wear.
Exterior Installations
Reclaimed wood used outdoors should be finished with a UV-resistant penetrating oil or stain formulated for exterior use. Reapply every 1-2 years depending on sun exposure and weather conditions. Inspect annually for signs of checking, splitting, or loosened fasteners. Clear debris from horizontal surfaces to prevent moisture retention.
Furniture & Countertops
Use coasters, trivets, and placemats to protect reclaimed wood surfaces from heat, moisture rings, and scratches. Wipe spills immediately. Apply food-safe mineral oil or butcher-block oil monthly to surfaces used for food preparation. For tabletops and desks, a hardwax oil finish like Rubio Monocoat provides excellent protection while maintaining the natural look and feel of the wood.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions we receive about reclaimed lumber. If your question is not answered here, email us at info@boston-lumber.com and our team will respond within one business day.
Is reclaimed lumber structurally sound?
Yes, when properly graded and selected. Reclaimed lumber from old-growth trees is often denser and stronger than modern plantation timber. For structural applications, we recommend having a structural engineer verify the species, grade, and dimensions for your specific load requirements. We can provide species identification and arrange third-party testing for critical structural use.
Does reclaimed lumber contain pests or insects?
All reclaimed lumber we sell has been carefully inspected for pest activity. Our kiln-drying process heats the wood to 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 24 hours, which kills all insect larvae, eggs, and adult insects. Air-dried stock is visually inspected and any boards showing active pest damage are culled from our inventory.
Can I get reclaimed lumber in custom dimensions?
Absolutely. Our in-house milling facility can resaw, plane, and profile reclaimed lumber to virtually any dimension. We can also produce tongue-and-groove, shiplap, V-groove, and custom moulding profiles. Visit our custom milling page for details on capabilities, tolerances, and pricing.
What is the minimum order for reclaimed lumber?
Our minimum order is 100 board feet for standard species and dimensions. For rare species like American chestnut, the minimum may be lower depending on availability. We do not have a minimum for accessories and hardware. Volume discounts begin at 500 board feet.
How do I calculate board feet?
Board feet (BF) is calculated as: Thickness (inches) x Width (inches) x Length (feet) divided by 12. For example, a 1" x 6" x 8 ft board is (1 x 6 x 8) / 12 = 4 board feet. Our team is happy to help you calculate material needs based on your project dimensions and desired overage percentage.
Do you ship nationally or only deliver locally?
We deliver on our own fleet within a 100-mile radius of our Medford, MA facility. For orders beyond that range, we work with specialty freight carriers experienced in handling lumber. We have shipped reclaimed lumber to all 48 contiguous states. Freight costs are quoted individually based on order weight and destination.
What is the return policy for reclaimed lumber?
Due to the unique nature of reclaimed lumber, we do not accept returns on custom-milled or processed material. Unprocessed stock in its original condition may be returned within 14 days for a restocking fee of 15%. We strongly encourage customers to request samples before placing large orders to ensure species, grade, and character meet expectations.
Can I visit your facility and hand-select boards?
Yes, we welcome customers to visit our facility at 37 Linden St, Medford, MA 02155 to view our inventory and hand-select boards. Please email info@boston-lumber.com in advance to schedule a visit so we can have the right staff available to assist you. Walk-in visits are also welcome during business hours.
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