Angelo Dellomo Explores Building with Reclaimed Wood: Challenges and Rewards

The construction and interior design industries are experiencing a renaissance of sorts—one that reaches into the past for inspiration, materials, and meaning. Building with reclaimed wood has become a prominent symbol of sustainability, craftsmanship, and rustic elegance. Whether used in flooring, furniture, accent walls, or full structural applications, salvaged lumber offers a tactile sense of history and an unmatched aesthetic. Angelo Dellomo of Mays Landing understands that working with reclaimed wood isn't as simple as pulling boards from a demolition site and hammering them into place. From sourcing and preparation to structural concerns and creative possibilities, reclaimed wood carries both profound rewards and notable challenges.

Why Reclaimed Wood Matters

In an age of rapid consumption and environmental stress, reclaimed wood stands as a sustainable alternative to virgin lumber. Angelo Dellomo explains that the environmental benefits of using salvaged wood are substantial:

• Preservation of Forests: Repurposing old wood reduces the demand for new timber, directly contributing to the conservation of mature forests and biodiversity.
• Reduction of Waste: Tons of construction and demolition debris end up in landfills each year. Reclaimed wood diverts this waste stream, extending the lifecycle of existing materials.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: The energy required to harvest, process, and transport new wood products is significant. Reclaimed materials, already processed and often locally sourced, drastically reduce the embodied carbon associated with new builds.

Angelo Dellomo of Mays Landing explains that reclaimed wood tells a story. Whether it’s oak from a 19th-century barn or maple floorboards from a century-old schoolhouse, each piece carries a unique character shaped by time, weather, and human history. These details—nail holes, saw marks, and grain patterns—cannot be replicated by machines or modern finishes.

Sourcing Salvaged Materials

Finding high-quality reclaimed wood is a journey in itself. Angelo Dellomo explains that builders and designers often rely on one of the following sources:

• Architectural Salvage Yards: These specialty stores collect and resell reclaimed materials, offering an assortment of wood species and dimensions from various eras and building types.
• Demolition Sites: Establishing relationships with demolition contractors can open doors to large quantities of salvaged lumber. However, removing and transporting these materials is labor-intensive and sometimes risky.
• Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and even Etsy have become viable outlets for smaller batches of reclaimed wood.
• Rural Barns and Industrial Sites: Old barns, mills, and warehouses are often goldmines of aged wood—especially species like chestnut, longleaf pine, and old-growth fir that are now rare or extinct in new lumber markets.

One major consideration during sourcing is legality and provenance. Builders must ensure the wood was acquired responsibly and legally, without violating conservation laws or endangering protected buildings.

Preparing Reclaimed Wood for Use

Reclaimed wood rarely comes ready to use. The preparation phase is one of the most critical—and laborious—steps in the process. Angelo Dellomo explains that it includes:

1. Cleaning

Reclaimed boards are often coated in dust, grease, or old paint. They need thorough scrubbing and sometimes pressure washing. If lead-based paint is present (common in older structures), professionals must handle it under strict safety regulations.

2. De-Nailing and Metal Detection

Hidden nails, screws, or bolts are frequent obstacles. Not only can they damage tools, but they also pose safety risks. Metal detectors are essential for ensuring the wood is clear before sawing or planing.

3. Kiln Drying

Even aged wood can harbor moisture or pests. Kiln drying stabilizes the lumber, killing insects and fungi while reducing the risk of future warping or cracking.

4. Planing and Milling

Reclaimed wood often comes in irregular sizes and shapes. Milling it to uniform dimensions is necessary for precise construction and smooth finishes, especially in cabinetry or flooring applications.

5. Grading

Finally, each board must be evaluated for structural integrity. Some may be perfect for beams or furniture, while others are best suited for decorative or non-load-bearing use.

Challenges of Building with Reclaimed Wood

Despite its beauty and eco-friendliness, Angelo Dellomo understands that reclaimed wood presents a few notable difficulties:

• Inconsistency: Even within a single batch, boards may vary in density, size, and grain, complicating the construction process.
• Higher Labor Costs: The manual labor involved in preparation can outweigh the cost savings from using recycled materials.
• Limited Supply: Sourcing large, uniform batches can be tough—especially if you’re trying to match historical aesthetics in restoration projects.
• Building Codes and Regulations: Local building codes may require documentation proving that reclaimed wood meets safety and fire-resistance standards.

Design Inspiration: Bringing the Past into the Present

Designing with reclaimed wood is an opportunity to blend the old with the new, adding warmth and texture to modern spaces. Angelo Dellomo of Mays Landing explains that popular applications include:

• Feature Walls: Reclaimed wood planks, with their weathered patina, make stunning backdrops in living rooms or lobbies.
• Flooring: Refinished salvaged flooring offers both durability and character, with options ranging from farmhouse-style wide planks to intricate parquet.
• Ceilings and Beams: Exposed beams and ceiling panels add a sense of architectural drama and depth to open-concept spaces.
• Furniture and Built-ins: Reclaimed wood is ideal for custom dining tables, shelving, vanities, and cabinetry, offering a rustic touch to otherwise contemporary interiors.
• Commercial Spaces: Many restaurants, cafes, and boutiques use reclaimed wood to create inviting, memorable environments that reflect their brand's authenticity.

The Bottom Line

Building with reclaimed wood is not a shortcut—it’s a commitment to quality, sustainability, and storytelling. From barn doors that whisper of agrarian pasts to beams that once bore the weight of industry, salvaged wood connects us to the material history of our built environment. While it requires extra effort to source and prepare, the rewards—in beauty, ethics, and durability—are well worth it.

Angelo Dellomo emphasizes that whether you’re a seasoned builder or a homeowner embarking on a DIY project, reclaimed wood offers a chance to build not just a structure, but a narrative. It’s an invitation to rethink waste, rediscover value, and reimagine what our homes and buildings can be.