Project Overview
About This Project
A full interior renovation for a landmark French Quarter restaurant using reclaimed heart pine flooring and cypress ceiling beams. The design team wanted materials that honored the building's 1890s origins while meeting modern building codes.
We supplied over 3,200 board feet of kiln-dried heart pine tongue-and-groove flooring and eight hand-hewn cypress beams averaging 8x10 inches by 16 feet. Each beam was cleaned, de-nailed, and lightly wire-brushed to preserve the original patina.
The flooring was milled to a custom 5-inch face width to match period proportions. The result is a dining room that feels authentically historic, built entirely from reclaimed materials.
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 Heart Pine and Cypress in the quantities and dimensions required for this 2,800 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
2,800 sq ft
Est. Board Feet Supplied
4,200 BF
Completion Date
March 2025
Wood Species Used
Material Source
100% Reclaimed
Sustainability Certified
Full chain-of-custody documentation
Environmental Impact
17
Trees Preserved
6,300
lbs CO₂ Offset
10,500
lbs From Landfill
22,680
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 Heart Pine
Species 1 of 2
Origin
Salvaged from pre-1900 industrial buildings and warehouses across the southeastern United States
Characteristics
Exceptionally dense old-growth longleaf pine with tight growth rings (20+ per inch), rich amber-to-red coloring, and natural resin content that provides superior durability. Janka hardness rating of 1,225 lbf.
Applications
Flooring, stair treads, tabletops, mantels, and any application where hardness and warmth of tone are desired.
Reclaimed Cypress
Species 2 of 2
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 2,800 sq ft project, the following environmental benefits were achieved compared to using newly harvested timber.
17
Trees Preserved
Mature trees that did not need to be harvested thanks to reclaimed material use
6,300 lbs
CO₂ Emissions Offset
Carbon dioxide that remains sequestered in reclaimed wood instead of being released
10,500 lbs
Landfill Waste Diverted
Weight of wood diverted from landfills where it would generate methane as it decomposes
22,680 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 reclaimed wood completely transformed our dining room. Guests constantly comment on the warmth and authenticity of the space. Boston Lumber's team understood our vision from day one and delivered materials that exceeded every expectation. The attention to detail in matching the wood to our building's original character was remarkable.”
Michael Tran
Restaurant Owner — 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 heart pine 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