At The
Lumber Baron, we take pride in our assortment of reclaimed lumber, including
hand-picked redwood, cedar, and Douglas fir. For beams and ceilings, our
selection is perfect, providing you with a green building project with natural
beauty and historic appeal as part of the bargain. If you prefer managed
lumber, we also offer a variety of green and kiln-fired lumber to choose from.
Custom Cuts and Milling
Unlike those big box
stores, The Lumber Baron has a sawmill on
location. This means that we can make custom cuts, provide you with longer
lengths, and surface your lumber to your individual needs. Whether you want
rough cut lumber for exterior work, the perfect redwood beam for your interior
ceiling, or a rustic ceiling made entirely from reclaimed lumber, we can provide
you with the lumber options and resurfacing for a perfect outcome.
Lumber Grade and Ceiling Material
When it comes to a
hardwood ceiling, keeping the number of knots to a minimum is crucial. The
Lumber Baron carries reclaimed lumber in 6 different grades, from many knots and edge sapwood to clear
lumber with few to no blemishes. Come in and talk to us about your plans, and
we will help you select the ideal reclaimed lumber for the job.
Where Reclaimed Lumber Comes From
The Lumber Baron’s
selection of reclaimed lumber was originally cut from virgin old-growth forests
on the western side of the country. We
hand-pick the best cuts of lumber from decommissioned buildings,
bridges, and other historic locations. In many cases, the original mill marks
can be found on whole timbers, and there are occasional bolt holes or unique
coloration caused by the the original application, such as bridges or wine
vats. We can mill the lumber onsite to meet your specifications or modern
lumber measurements.
Since 1981, The
Lumber Baron has provided exceptional lumber to customers in the Bay Area. We
have built our reputation on quality lumber and unique material that is not
available in chain lumber stores. To find out more about using reclaimed lumber in your interior ceiling, please stop by and visit us today.
Even though
it is classed as a softwood, Douglas fir is harder than many hardwoods,
including chestnut. It is more robust than other types of fir, and using
reclaimed Douglas fir offers appeal as well as incentive. At the Lumber Baron,
we believe that understanding the qualities of the lumber you use will allow
you to make the best choice of materials.
Know Your Lumber
Not all types of fir
are the same. In many instances the material being sold by large chain stores
may not be a true fir at all, but a closely related species known as Western
hemlock. Because this material resembles white fir, the two are often treated
as a mix and match brand of fir. Do not confuse this material with Douglas fir,
which is more
rigid and offers greater tensile strength.
Green Building with Douglas Fir
There are incentives
for using reclaimed lumber such as Douglas fir. For example, using reclaimed
Douglas fir may make your project eligible for LEED credits, an international
marker of sustainability and environmentally sound building practices. If you
are building for a sustainable future, or want to make an environmental
statement, Douglas
fir and other reclaimed lumber are a great investment.
Benefits of Reclaimed Douglas Fir
Reclaimed Douglas fir
has other benefits as well. Old growth Douglas fir has been used in a variety of
ways, and many of those applications left telltale
signs in the lumber itself. Unusual patinas, natural stains, and such
notable indicators as old nail holes are only a few of the visible traces found
in reclaimed lumber. If you are trying to achieve a rustic look, but still want
the best lumber available, foregoing modern mill cuts in favor of reclaimed fir
is a practical and appealing solution.
Building on American History
Another interesting
aspect of reclaimed Douglas fir is the historical value attached to it. The
Lumber Baron searches for old bridges and buildings which were built using old
growth lumber and are about to be demolished. Our lumber may be from any number
of sites around the nation, and includes Douglas fir taken from the Georgia
Pacific Mill
in Fort Bragg, the defunct International Harvester plant in Richmond, and
siding with a silverish tint recovered
from barns throughout the country. Using reclaimed lumber is more than
environmentally sound - it is also nostalgically historic.
The Lumber Baron is
your one-stop location for newly milled and reclaimed lumber in the San
Francisco Bay area. We specialize in reclaimed Douglas fir, redwood and other
materials originally milled from old growth forests in the 19th and 20th
centuries. We even offer on site milling and surfacing, and delivery services
are available.
