You may have noticed recently that using reclaimed wood is all the rage. It’s vintage, it’s trendy, it’s hipster. Not only is reclaimed wood pleasing aesthetically, but it is a green product. By re-purposing old barn rafters and flooring, you are giving new life to the lumber. If the wood was not used again, it would end up in a landfill and eventually turn to dust, or it would be burned sending smoke pollution into the air.
Some people might have concerns that the wood might not be as strong since it has been previously used. What you might not know is that reclaimed wood is actually a stronger product than virgin lumber. It also saves energy. It takes fewer natural resources to use reclaimed wood than it does to use new forested trees for a project.
Also it just looks really cool. With such awesome stories behind where the wood came from, how could you not be intrigued? So here are tips on how to incorporate reclaimed wood into your restaurant.
1.Table tops/Counter tops
One of the easiest ways to bring some reclaimed wood into your space is by using it for your table tops or counter tops. Reclaimed wood table tops bring a softer look to your restaurant, and can offer a rustic charm to your décor. The same can be said of reclaimed wood bars. When put with the right décor and can really make a place stand out. And it is one heck of a conversation starter.
2.Seats
If you want to match your new table tops or just are not quite able to afford an overhaul of your furniture consider purchasing reclaimed wood seat for your chairs or barstools. Reclaimed wood seat tops on a metal café chair can give you an industrial vibe with a twist. You are saving the environment one step at a time.
3.Wall paneling
If you have a passion for reclaimed wood and design, using reclaimed wood wall paneling might be a perfect fit for your space. Using wood paneling is not a new technique, but has recently come back in to style and add interest to a previously blank wall.
4.Shelves
No ready to commit to an entire wall of wood paneling? That’s okay. Consider using the same old barn wood for shelving. You get additional storage, dress up some wall space, and are doing your part to save the environment, clearly a win-win-win situation.
5.Display Cases
If you have any signature items or merchandise that you want to display in a classy way, consider purchasing a reclaimed wood display case. These cases are a great way to show off your items while adding a contemporary rustic aesthetic to your space.
6.Flooring
Probably one of the most common uses of reclaimed wood is to repurpose it for flooring. Doing this is a wonderful Eco-friendly option. The refining process is a little more complicated if you want to use it for flooring. Nobody wants to have uneven flooring. So the wood has to be re-milled and sawn into new smooth planks for use. A lot of times this process takes away a lot of the beloved characteristics of old barn wood that people love. For this reason some establishment owners may choose to also incorporate their reclaimed wood in to other pieces. This allows them to complete the look they are searching for.
So whether you are ready to make the leap towards an entire wall of wood or simply want to add a few accent pieces, reclaimed wood adds character and style to any venue. Not to mention the peace of mind knowing you chose an Eco-friendly option, all while fulfilling your dream of managing a beautiful bar or restaurant.
