Project Overview
About This Project
A former cotton warehouse was converted into eight residential loft units. The developer wanted to expose and supplement the existing timber framing with additional reclaimed beams and use reclaimed flooring throughout all units.
We supplied 12,000 board feet of reclaimed mixed hardwood flooring and 40 supplemental beams in Douglas fir, each 6x8 inches. The beams were selected to match the color and texture of the existing 1920s framing.
Our team coordinated delivery in three phases aligned with the construction schedule, ensuring material was on site when needed without cluttering the active work areas.
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 Douglas Fir in the quantities and dimensions required for this 9,600 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
9,600 sq ft
Est. Board Feet Supplied
14,400 BF
Completion Date
January 2025
Wood Species Used
Material Source
100% Reclaimed
Sustainability Certified
Full chain-of-custody documentation
Environmental Impact
58
Trees Preserved
21,600
lbs CO₂ Offset
36,000
lbs From Landfill
77,760
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 2
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 Douglas Fir
Species 2 of 2
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.
Sustainability
Environmental Impact of This Project
By choosing reclaimed lumber for this 9,600 sq ft project, the following environmental benefits were achieved compared to using newly harvested timber.
58
Trees Preserved
Mature trees that did not need to be harvested thanks to reclaimed material use
21,600 lbs
CO₂ Emissions Offset
Carbon dioxide that remains sequestered in reclaimed wood instead of being released
36,000 lbs
Landfill Waste Diverted
Weight of wood diverted from landfills where it would generate methane as it decomposes
77,760 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
“Our loft conversion needed reclaimed beams that matched existing century-old framing, and Boston Lumber sourced material that was virtually indistinguishable from the originals. Their phased delivery schedule kept our construction timeline on track. Every unit sold within weeks of listing -- the reclaimed wood finishes were a major selling point.”
James Harrington
Real Estate Developer — 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.
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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.
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Boston Lumber · 37 Linden St, Medford, MA 02155