Treating Old Wood Beams

Most of the beams in our house are probably around 180 years old.

Treating old wood beams.

There are even a few shops cropping up that take the tree trunks from. We started with a spray pump product called woodworm destroyer. Before using reclaimed wood for your next project there are steps that you should take to ensure the wood you are using has been completely rid of bugs. Wood is an extraordinary building material that can last hundreds of years especially old growth wood when given a little care.

If you smell the odor of animals or other offensive scents use the wood for outside projects only. It s also gives this old growth wood new life rather than just bulldozing these old structures and burning the wood. But you can bring old wood back to life by using boiled linseed oil and prepare it for a few more decades of service life. Old barn wood can retain the smell of a farm for decades.

I ve also made friends with a local shop that specializes in tearing down barns and selling the wood. Open the bag and smell the wood. Place a few pieces of the salvaged wood in a plastic bag for 48 hours. I can find old barn wood wood from urban demolitions like gym flooring and even the scraps from local shops.

Just like any material when exposed to the elements it can slowly degrade. Properly treating old oak beams will add heaps of character giving your home the traditional rustic farmhouse look it deserves. Craigslist is a great place to look for reclaimed material.