Why not? Old wood has a patina and character that new wood cannot provide. Only age, use, weather, climate, and temperature can condition wood to a unique look.
Any woodworker loves new wood but old wood has a special character all its own.
In truth, it’s much more difficult to work. Usually, it is an odd dimension, has splits and cracks, twists, nails, holes, and is crooked… all of which need to be dealt with. Lots of splinters too.
All timbers are scanned for metal first. Hardware is removed, then the surfaces are planed smooth to expose the clean wood. At this point, the holes are plugged with dowels or filled with resin. Cracks are filled. Splits are stabilized with resin and dowels. Now the timber is ready for milling into boards or beams.
As one can see, it is much easier to go to the wood mill and collect finished lumber. Using old timber is much more difficult and time-consuming BUT it is very satisfying insomuch that old timber is given new life and the end result is unique in all cases. We never know what the finish will look like until the end. Each piece is a total surprise.
I think it is wonderful that you use reclaimed barn wood in your artistry. I don’t doubt that it is a pain to deal with given all the work involved. It’s not as if you just run a belt sander over the wood and call it a day much like I have seen on other sites.
Thanks Josh. It is a pain to deal with. Lots of splinters and lots of cracks and splits but in the end, it is worth it. It is true what you stated, lots of supposedly reclaimed barn wood furniture available is nothing more than pallet wood slapped together. It’s ok for a cabin, for the backyard, or for the kids to abuse but not for inside a home. We seal every crack and split with resin and then mill the timber to produce a perfectly sealed surface that is sanitary. Open cracks collect food and germs which is ok for that rustic look but not ok for eating from.