What's the Best Source for Reclaimed Wood?

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Does anyone know the best source for reclaimed wood ...internet or mail order...or, close to NYC? Thanks!

 

[dicktill]

Can't say it is the best source, but I've been happy with what I've received from Elmwood Reclaimed Timber: http://www.elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com/index.aspx

 

[justinh]

I'd recommend Elmwood also. These are some pictures of a recently completed ceiling using their products. The beams are ours, the planking is theirs. 

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Thank you!! Dick and Justin.  Being in NYC, without a vehicle, makes it difficult to acquire anything out of the very ordinary. I have a new customer that asked me about reclaimed wood.  I'll give both of these sources a ring tomorrow. Thanks, again. Jim

 

[dicktill]

I'd recommend Elmwood also. These are some pictures of a recently completed ceiling using their products. The beams are ours, the planking is theirs. 

[eek]  [tongue]  [not worthy]  ... wow, Justin's project is way beyond mine!

 

[justinh]

Thanks man. It was a fun project to build.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Yes, Justin. That is impressive! How many men did the job take? ...and, what did you use to lift those enormous beams?

 

[justinh]

We had three guys for most of the job. The beams are site made and hollow so they are not that heavy.  They are made from 4/4 with a lock miter edge and distressed after glue up.  To hold the bottom chords securely in place while they were scribed to fit mating beams we used my homemade cabinet lift and a couple of t-jacks.  I made a table for the lift specifically for the beam sizes we were using.

 

[CarolinaNomad]

Very nice!

I like the home-made lift.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

The lift is terrific!! I recognize my favorite steelex casters! ...have more coming today. Overall, that was a great job...I like the way you distressed the beams.

 

[justinh]

The lift is very handy.  I used a Gil-Lift on a multi unit kitchen project a few years back.  With the right install strategy  they make things very quick and simple.  I couldn't justify the cost of buying a new one to my internal bean counter and I couldn't find one used so using a photo essay on Woodweb as inspiration I built my own.  The winch, casters, and other misc parts and hardware set me back less than $100 and the ply and hardwoods are drops.  The build took less than a day and was fun.

When pricing the potential job that your customer mentioned it would probably be wise to allow for extra time for the build.  Some of the materials can be all over the place and difficult to tame. It would also be a good idea to request samples so that you can see what you are up against and so that the customer can see what they will actually be getting.  Some of the wood can be pretty bold as far as grain, imperfections (character), and colors.

justin

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

These are invaluable tips. Thanks, Justin!