How to Choose the Right Reclaimed Wood for Your Home or Project

Reclaimed wood isn’t just a design trend — it’s a way to bring authentic character, sustainability, and timeless beauty into your home or commercial space. But with so many choices available, how do you know which reclaimed wood is right for your project?

At Atlanta Specialty Woods, we help clients across the Southeast find the perfect reclaimed wood for flooring, wall cladding, beams, custom furniture, and more. Whether you're restoring a historic home or designing a modern farmhouse, our Buying Guide simplifies the process. Here’s what to consider before you buy reclaimed wood.

Know the Source: Where Your Wood Comes From Matters

One of the most important aspects of reclaimed wood is its provenance. At Atlanta Specialty Woods, our lumber is carefully salvaged from:

• Old barns and factories

• Textile mills

• Historic homes and structures across the U.S.

• Select deconstructed commercial buildings

Each board tells a story. We hand-inspect and mill all of our wood in-house to ensure you're getting the highest quality material — with authentic history and craftsmanship behind every piece.

Understand Your Application

The type of reclaimed wood you choose depends on where and how it will be used. Consider the following:

• Flooring: Look for kiln-dried, milled boards that are straight, stable, and properly tongue-and-grooved for installation.

• Wall Cladding: Texture and visual variation matter. Rustic surfaces, nail holes, and saw marks can add character.

• Beams: Consider whether you want structural or decorative use — and choose hand-hewn or rough-sawn based on style.

• Furniture & Custom Projects: Thickness, grain, and species can all impact the look and durability of the final product.

Not sure what fits your space? Our team can guide you through the best options for aesthetic appeal, functionality, and longevity.

Select the Right Species and Finish

Different wood species offer unique tones, textures, and durability. Some of our most popular reclaimed woods include:

• Oak (White & Red): Durable, classic, and full of grain character

• Heart Pine: Warm, amber tones and rich historical significance

• Wormy Chestnut: Rare and full of rustic texture

• Douglas Fir: Lighter in tone, ideal for modern and rustic designs alike

You’ll also want to decide whether to keep the original patina, go with a light cleaning, or choose a wire-brushed or planed finish. Each treatment affects the final color and texture — and how well the wood fits into your design vision.

Choose Between Milled or Raw Wood

• Milled wood is ready for installation — cleaned, kiln-dried, cut to size, and milled to your specifications.

• Raw reclaimed wood maintains more of its original texture and weathering but may require additional processing.

For projects where precision and stability are key (like flooring or cabinetry), milled is typically the best choice. For decorative wall applications or accent pieces, raw wood might give you the unique, aged look you want.

Work With Reclaimed Wood Experts

Reclaimed wood isn't something you want to order sight unseen. Every board is different, and experience matters when it comes to selection, milling, and installation advice.

At Atlanta Specialty Woods, we:

• Hand-inspect and mill each piece in our shop

• Offer custom milling and finishing services

• Provide guidance based on years of architectural and design experience

• Supply samples so you can see and feel the material before making a decision

Ready to Bring Reclaimed Wood Into Your Space?

Whether you're looking for a few accent boards or enough material to cover your entire home, Atlanta Specialty Woods is here to help. We take pride in delivering reclaimed wood that’s not only beautiful and sustainable — but built to last for generations.

Contact us today to speak with a reclaimed wood expert, request samples, or schedule a visit to our shop in Georgia.