Sustainability Blog
Expert insights on reclaimed lumber, green building, and the environmental impact of wood in construction. Written by our team of lumber professionals.
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22 articles — covering sustainability, design, safety, education, and business topics
The Carbon Footprint of Reclaimed Wood
How choosing reclaimed lumber over new wood can reduce your project's carbon footprint by up to 80%. A deep dive into lifecycle analysis.
Read Article →The Urban Lumber Movement: Rescuing Wood in Cities
How cities across the West Coast are building a circular economy for wood, turning demolition waste into premium building materials.
Read Article →Reclaimed vs. New Lumber: A Full Comparison
Strength, cost, aesthetics, environmental impact, and availability compared head-to-head. A comprehensive guide for builders.
Read Article →How to Identify Wood Species in Reclaimed Lumber
A field guide to identifying Douglas Fir, Heart Pine, Oak, Cedar, and other species in reclaimed boards by grain, color, weight, and smell.
Read Article →LEED Credits and Reclaimed Building Materials
A detailed guide to earning LEED v4.1 credits using reclaimed lumber, including documentation requirements and credit calculations.
Read Article →The Complete Guide to Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Everything you need to know about installing reclaimed hardwood floors: species selection, preparation, installation methods, and finishing.
Read Article →Why Old-Growth Timber Is Superior to Modern Lumber
The science behind old-growth wood density, strength, and durability — and why reclaimed is often the only way to get it.
Read Article →Reclaimed Wood in Restaurant Design: Trends and Applications
How LA's top restaurants use reclaimed lumber to create authentic, sustainable dining environments that tell a story.
Read Article →How to Safely Work with Old Wood: Lead Paint, Chemicals, and Contaminants
Essential safety protocols for handling reclaimed lumber that may contain lead paint, chemical treatments, or other hazardous substances.
Read Article →The Economics of Building with Reclaimed Lumber
A cost-benefit analysis of using reclaimed wood in construction: pricing, hidden savings, ROI, and when it makes financial sense.
Read Article →Understanding Moisture Content in Reclaimed Lumber
Why moisture content matters, how to measure it, and what levels are appropriate for different applications.
Read Article →Barn Wood: History, Sourcing, and Creative Applications
The story of American barn construction, why barn wood is prized for design projects, and how to source and use it responsibly.
Read Article →Using Reclaimed Lumber for Outdoor Projects
Which reclaimed species work outdoors, how to treat and protect them, and project ideas from decks to pergolas.
Read Article →Fire Safety and Reclaimed Wood Interiors
Building code requirements, fire-retardant treatments, and best practices for using reclaimed wood in commercial and residential interiors.
Read Article →How Reclaimed Wood Supports the Circular Economy
Understanding the circular economy model and how lumber reclamation keeps valuable materials in productive use.
Read Article →How to Seal and Finish Reclaimed Wood: A Step-by-Step Guide
Detailed finishing instructions for reclaimed lumber: cleaning, sanding, choosing the right finish, and application techniques.
Read Article →Sustainable Building Codes and Reclaimed Materials
How California Title 24, CALGreen, and local green building ordinances support and regulate the use of reclaimed construction materials.
Read Article →Wood Preservation Through the Centuries
From Viking tar to modern sealers: how humans have protected wood for 3,000 years and what it means for reclaimed lumber.
Read Article →Top 10 Reclaimed Wood Projects in Los Angeles
A showcase of the most impressive reclaimed wood installations across LA — from DTLA lofts to Malibu beach houses.
Read Article →How to Calculate Board Feet: A Practical Guide
Master the board foot calculation with examples, common mistakes to avoid, and quick-reference tables for standard lumber sizes.
Read Article →Reclaimed Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood Products
How reclaimed lumber compares to plywood, LVL, glulam, and other engineered alternatives in strength, cost, and sustainability.
Read Article →The Art of Wood Patina: Why Aged Wood Looks Better
The science and beauty of wood aging: how UV light, oxidation, and weathering create the irreplaceable character of reclaimed lumber.
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