Project Overview
About This Project
A 130-year-old church in rural Louisiana required structural timber replacement and interior restoration after storm damage. The congregation wanted to maintain historical accuracy while reinforcing the structure.
We sourced and supplied 5,800 board feet of reclaimed longleaf pine dimensional lumber for joist and rafter replacements, matched to the original species and dimensions. Additionally, we provided 1,200 board feet of reclaimed cypress for pew restoration and wainscoting repair.
Every piece was hand-selected for structural soundness, species accuracy, and visual compatibility with the surviving original timber. Our grading team worked with the restoration architect to verify each delivery met the specifications.
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 Longleaf Pine and Cypress in the quantities and dimensions required for this 5,400 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
St. Francisville, LA
Square Footage
5,400 sq ft
Est. Board Feet Supplied
8,100 BF
Completion Date
May 2024
Wood Species Used
Material Source
100% Reclaimed
Sustainability Certified
Full chain-of-custody documentation
Environmental Impact
32
Trees Preserved
12,150
lbs CO₂ Offset
20,250
lbs From Landfill
43,740
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 Longleaf Pine
Species 1 of 2
Origin
Salvaged from century-old churches, government buildings, and industrial facilities in the Southeast
Characteristics
The densest of all southern pines with growth rings packed at 20-30 per inch. Extremely high resin content gives it natural pest and rot resistance. Deep amber color with dramatic grain.
Applications
Structural joists and rafters, flooring, dimensional lumber replacements in historic restorations, and heavy-duty millwork.
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 5,400 sq ft project, the following environmental benefits were achieved compared to using newly harvested timber.
32
Trees Preserved
Mature trees that did not need to be harvested thanks to reclaimed material use
12,150 lbs
CO₂ Emissions Offset
Carbon dioxide that remains sequestered in reclaimed wood instead of being released
20,250 lbs
Landfill Waste Diverted
Weight of wood diverted from landfills where it would generate methane as it decomposes
43,740 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
“Restoring our 130-year-old church required materials that honored the original craftsmanship. Boston Lumber delivered reclaimed longleaf pine and cypress that matched the surviving timber so precisely that you cannot tell old from new. Their respect for the historical significance of our building was evident in every interaction.”
Rev. Catherine Brooks
Senior Pastor — St. Francisville, 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.
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Prefer email? Reach us directly at info@boston-lumber.com
Boston Lumber · 37 Linden St, Medford, MA 02155