Project Overview
About This Project
An upscale boutique hotel in the Arts District redesigned its lobby to feature reclaimed wood prominently. The design called for a reclaimed timber feature wall behind the reception desk, reclaimed beam ceiling accents, and a reclaimed wood reception desk surround.
We supplied 800 board feet of reclaimed mixed hardwood for the feature wall in a herringbone pattern, four decorative ceiling beams in reclaimed white oak at 6x6 inches by 12 feet, and custom-milled cypress panels for the desk surround. The herringbone wall required precisely dimensioned strips milled to 2.5 inches wide, which our facility cut from reclaimed barn siding sourced from three different regional demolition projects..
Project Gallery
Overall view of the finished space
Detail of reclaimed wood grain and texture
Installation in progress
Close-up of material character marks
Behind the Build
Challenges & Solutions
1Species Matching & Consistency
Sourcing Mixed Hardwood and White Oak and Cypress in the quantities and dimensions required for this 1,800 sq ft project demanded meticulous batch selection. Our grading team hand-inspected every piece to ensure consistent color, grain density, and structural integrity across the full delivery.
2Meeting Modern Building Codes
All structural reclaimed lumber was graded in accordance with applicable building code requirements. Each piece was inspected for load-bearing capacity, moisture content, and dimensional accuracy. We provided full documentation and grading certificates for the project architect and local building inspector.
3Coordinating with Construction Timeline
Material was staged and delivered in phases aligned with the construction schedule. Our logistics team coordinated directly with the general contractor to ensure reclaimed lumber arrived exactly when needed -- not too early (cluttering the site) and not too late (delaying progress).
Project Specs
Location
New Orleans, LA
Square Footage
1,800 sq ft
Est. Board Feet Supplied
2,700 BF
Completion Date
September 2025
Wood Species Used
Material Source
100% Reclaimed
Sustainability Certified
Full chain-of-custody documentation
Environmental Impact
11
Trees Preserved
4,050
lbs CO₂ Offset
6,750
lbs From Landfill
14,580
Gal Water Saved
Materials
Reclaimed Materials Used
Every species was carefully selected, inspected, and processed at our facility before delivery. Here is a detailed breakdown of the materials that went into this project.
Reclaimed Mixed Hardwood
Species 1 of 3
Origin
Curated blends sourced from multiple deconstruction projects, combining oak, maple, cherry, ash, and other native hardwood species
Characteristics
Each batch features a unique mix of species, colors, and grain patterns. The variation creates a rich visual tapestry with tonal depth that single-species installations cannot achieve.
Applications
Feature walls, herringbone and patterned floors, artistic installations, and accent surfaces where visual variety is the goal.
Reclaimed White Oak
Species 2 of 3
Origin
Sourced from deconstructed barns, mill buildings, and timber-frame structures across New England and the Mid-Atlantic
Characteristics
Closed-grain structure makes it naturally water-resistant. Dense and heavy with a Janka hardness of 1,360 lbf. Distinctive ray fleck pattern when quartersawn. Ages to a rich golden-brown.
Applications
Flooring, structural beams, furniture, barrel-aging surfaces, countertops, and exterior applications where water resistance matters.
Reclaimed Cypress
Species 3 of 3
Origin
Reclaimed from historic structures, docks, and water infrastructure throughout the Gulf Coast region
Characteristics
Naturally rot-resistant due to high cypressene oil content. Lightweight yet durable, with distinctive grain patterns and a warm honey-gold color that deepens with age.
Applications
Exterior and interior cladding, bar tops, ceiling planks, wainscoting, and furniture -- especially in high-moisture environments.
Sustainability
Environmental Impact of This Project
By choosing reclaimed lumber for this 1,800 sq ft project, the following environmental benefits were achieved compared to using newly harvested timber.
11
Trees Preserved
Mature trees that did not need to be harvested thanks to reclaimed material use
4,050 lbs
CO₂ Emissions Offset
Carbon dioxide that remains sequestered in reclaimed wood instead of being released
6,750 lbs
Landfill Waste Diverted
Weight of wood diverted from landfills where it would generate methane as it decomposes
14,580 gal
Water Saved
Gallons of water not consumed by bypassing the logging, milling, and kiln-drying process
Estimates based on industry-standard calculations: 250 BF per tree, 1.5 lbs CO₂ per BF, 2.5 lbs landfill weight per BF, 5.4 gal water per BF of new lumber production avoided.
Client Feedback
“The herringbone feature wall and reclaimed beam accents set the tone for our entire lobby redesign. Boston Lumber's ability to mill precisely dimensioned strips from reclaimed barn siding was impressive. The result is a lobby that feels both luxurious and authentic -- exactly the brand identity we wanted to convey.”
Nicole Fontaine
Hotel General Manager — New Orleans, LA
Our Process
How We Delivered This Project
Every project follows our proven four-step process, ensuring quality, consistency, and on-time delivery from first conversation to final board.
Consultation & Specification
We met with the project team to understand the design vision, review architectural drawings, and define species, dimensions, finishes, and quantity requirements. A detailed material specification was produced and approved before sourcing began.
Sourcing & Selection
Our sourcing team identified reclaimed inventory matching the project specs. Each candidate batch was inspected for species accuracy, structural soundness, moisture content, and visual consistency. Only material meeting all criteria was approved for processing.
Processing & Quality Control
Approved material was de-nailed, cleaned, and milled to specification at our facility. Every board was graded, moisture-tested, and visually inspected. Pieces that did not meet quality standards were rejected and replaced from reserve inventory.
Phased Delivery & Support
Material was delivered in phases aligned with the construction schedule. Our team coordinated directly with the general contractor and remained available throughout installation to address questions, provide additional material, and ensure a successful outcome.
More Work
Similar Projects
Explore other projects where we supplied reclaimed lumber for outstanding results.
Get Started
Start a Similar Project
Inspired by this project? Tell us about your vision and we will provide a free consultation and quote. Whether you need mixed hardwood flooring, reclaimed beams, or custom millwork, our team is ready to help you bring your project to life with authentic reclaimed lumber.
Prefer email? Reach us directly at info@boston-lumber.com
Boston Lumber · 37 Linden St, Medford, MA 02155