Project Overview
About This Project
A custom beach house on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was designed with sustainability at its core. The architect specified reclaimed lumber for all exterior decking, interior ceiling planks, and staircase treads.
We supplied 1,600 board feet of reclaimed Douglas fir decking, pressure-treated with a plant-based preservative, along with 900 board feet of reclaimed pine ceiling boards and 14 stair treads cut from reclaimed oak. The decking was milled with a slip-resistant groove pattern for safety.
The ceiling planks were whitewashed on site to complement the coastal aesthetic while allowing the reclaimed grain character to show through.
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 Douglas Fir and Pine and Oak in the quantities and dimensions required for this 2,200 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
Bay St. Louis, MS
Square Footage
2,200 sq ft
Est. Board Feet Supplied
3,300 BF
Completion Date
June 2025
Wood Species Used
Material Source
100% Reclaimed
Sustainability Certified
Full chain-of-custody documentation
Environmental Impact
13
Trees Preserved
4,950
lbs CO₂ Offset
8,250
lbs From Landfill
17,820
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 Douglas Fir
Species 1 of 3
Origin
Reclaimed from old-growth Pacific Northwest timber used in warehouses, factories, and rail infrastructure built between 1880 and 1940
Characteristics
Strong and stiff with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Straight, pronounced grain with a warm reddish-tan hue. Old-growth specimens far exceed the density and structural ratings of modern Douglas fir.
Applications
Structural beams and posts, decking, timber framing, stair components, and exposed ceiling beams.
Reclaimed Pine
Species 2 of 3
Origin
Sourced from deconstructed barns, farmsteads, and residential structures throughout New England, dating from the 1700s through the early 1900s
Characteristics
Soft, workable, and lightweight with a warm, pale color that weathers to a distinctive silver-gray when exposed to the elements. Old-growth specimens show tighter grain than any modern pine.
Applications
Ceiling planks, wall cladding, accent walls, shelving, picture frames, and decorative paneling.
Reclaimed Oak
Species 3 of 3
Origin
Reclaimed from flooring joists, barn frames, and industrial structures across the Northeast and Midwest
Characteristics
Exceptional hardness and durability with a Janka rating exceeding 1,200 lbf. Prominent grain pattern and natural tannin content that reacts beautifully with iron-based stains.
Applications
Tabletops, stair treads, flooring, furniture, and any high-wear surface where impact resistance is critical.
Sustainability
Environmental Impact of This Project
By choosing reclaimed lumber for this 2,200 sq ft project, the following environmental benefits were achieved compared to using newly harvested timber.
13
Trees Preserved
Mature trees that did not need to be harvested thanks to reclaimed material use
4,950 lbs
CO₂ Emissions Offset
Carbon dioxide that remains sequestered in reclaimed wood instead of being released
8,250 lbs
Landfill Waste Diverted
Weight of wood diverted from landfills where it would generate methane as it decomposes
17,820 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
“We wanted a coastal home that was both beautiful and sustainable. Boston Lumber provided reclaimed decking and ceiling planks that perfectly complement our design. The whitewashed pine ceilings are absolutely stunning -- every visitor asks about them. Even the stair treads have become a conversation piece.”
Patricia & Tom Williams
Homeowners — Bay St. Louis, MS
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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Boston Lumber · 37 Linden St, Medford, MA 02155