13 Feb Custom Cabinet Design: Reclaimed Wood
Recent trends in Denver kitchen remodels fuse the gap between old and new elements in custom cabinet design. Reclaimed wood, or lumber which has been salvaged and reused, can add unique and thoughtful character to your home. If the kitchen truly is the heart of the home, why not add a touch of intrigue and beauty to the space with salvaged lumber?
Photo | BKC Kitchen and Bath
One way to bring reclaimed wood into your kitchen design is to incorporate planks recycled from old barns. This wood is often rich in character, with patinas and imperfections that add to its visual complexity. Additionally, you’ll feel good knowing that the environmental impact of the architectural salvage was minimal.
In 2012, BKC introduced reclaimed barn wood in a Parade of Homes kitchen in San Antonio, TX. The design included a custom door style created by Crystal Cabinet Works. The stiles and rails of the doors were knotty alder, while the center panel was comprised of strips of salvaged barn wood. This gave the cabinets an earthy, rustic aesthetic that matched other areas of the home.
Culling Wood Remnants
Another unique source of reclaimed wood specific to Colorado is timber culled from remnants of the Waldo Canyon Fire of 2012. The Waldo Canyon Fire was the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history. It burned for over two weeks in Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, and portions of Pike National Forest. Though this was one of the darkest times in Colorado history, new life arose from the ashes of the charred landscape. Innovative contractors are harvesting burn-scarred trees and finding creative uses for the unique wood.
“Reusing lumber is one of the best choices for the environment… This is a step above Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber. With reclaimed lumber we make use of a product already manufactured and, in many cases, keep that product from going to a landfill.” – Ryan Flegal, Broker, PropertyMix, Inc. via Green Home Guide.
Benefits of Using Reclaimed Wood
- Versatile Use: Reclaimed wood can be used to make anything you would normally use timber for, such as cabinetry, countertops, furniture and flooring.
- Environmentally Friendly: When reclaiming timber, you have a variety of exotic and common wood types to choose from. Since these woods are re-purposed, the choices you make are completely guiltless.
- Quality and Durability: Reclaimed wood can be up to 40 points harder than virgin wood, because it normally comes from older trees, not first generation forests.
- Lasting, Unique Beauty: The story the wood has to tell is in its weathered, aged look. Reclaimed wood is an amazing conversational piece due to its timeless beauty and engaging story of its past life.
For more information on using reclaimed wood for your Denver kitchen remodel, contact us. We take pride in serving the residents of Colorado and look forward to helping you with your next renovation project.