While there are many types of wood beams to choose from, reclaimed wood is the best choice both aesthetically and environmentally. Above all, beams are a top-down approach to your home decor, imbuing your space with structural style. So you can put away the furniture catalog and invest in something more lasting and timeless. Here are just some of the reasons we love hand-hewn beams as a design asset.

The Illusion of Space
Whether you live in a spacious home in the country or a loft apartment in the heart of the city, exposed beams lend the illusion of greater space without having to build an addition. How? Beamed ceilings draw the eyes upward, creating the illusion of higher ceilings. For example, a vaulted entryway sets an open and inviting stage for your home.

Convertible Country Style
Have you ever come across a home that had a fairy tale quality to it? It may be the vaulted ceilings. Hand-hewed beams hail back to historic architecture styles that are reminiscent of old world English cottage or French farmhouse style. Aside from providing decorative appeal, the presence of beams instantly communicates high-quality construction.

Nostalgic Elements
As new apartments and suburban housing developments pop up, today many homes look remarkably similar. Yet many people appreciate the charming details of older homes. Even if the rest of your home is modern, beams offer a subtle nod to a time where home construction was of a higher caliber.

Too often, we’re focused on what to add to our homes but a more unique way to elevate your design is to frame your room from the outside in. If you’d like to learn more about AltruWood beams, feel free to contact us.

 Here are some of our favorite barn siding decorating ideas to give your home the authentic rustic update that will make it stand out from the crowd.

Rustic Accent Wall

Accent walls are an imaginative way to add interest to any room. We love this trend because it’s a space-efficient way to add character to your home. The timeless nature of reclaimed barn siding walls also makes it a worthy investment that is both aesthetically pleasing as well as a desirable asset that will entice future prospective buyers. You can browse our selection of uniquely weathered boards and choose a grain and color that suits the décor in your home. We offer a range of dimensions and finishes to suit any home. Reclaimed barn siding has the added bonus of being uniquely weathered which means no two boards are the same.

Dining Room Set

Barn siding furniture is a fantastic way to add farmhouse charm to your home. For example, a table made of reclaimed barn doors would be a perfect addition to a cozy breakfast nook.  In the dining room, a farm-inspired table makes a great focal point. You can also incorporate burlap table runners, or cushions to heighten the farmhouse effect.

While farmhouse-inspired décor is especially en vogue at the moment, if modern is more your style, reclaimed barn siding is versatile. Weathered, silvery barn siding provides a sleek, stylish effect.

Sliding Interior Doors

Take barn doors inside by incorporating reclaimed sliding doors. This is one of our favorite ideas for things to make out of old barn wood. Reclaimed barn doors create a dramatic entrance to any room. It’s especially perfect for the entryway to your den, walk-in closet, or even your back patio. We love this example of a pantry entryway.

Farm houses have long been a source of inspiration for interior decorators, and for good reason. The rustic textures, unique weathering, grain, and earthy imperfections lend a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that instantly makes your home stand out. Contact us to find out more about AltruWood products. You can also visit us to read more about our mission of delivering responsible lumber products with style.

Shim Artwork

Courtesy of Pinterest user ViewFromTheFridge

If you’re looking for easy, homemade St. Patrick’s Day gift ideas, the above shim pallet might be the choice for you. Shims are thin pieces of wood that are normally used as spacers. Purchase a bundle of these affordable shims (a few pieces of plywood will work, too) and cut them to about 2×12 pieces. Next, paint the shims with your desired base color. When the paint has dried, connect the pieces by laying two shims perpendicularly across the back of the boards. Glue them to secure your design. Once the base structure has dried, the possibilities are endless. Paint a St. Patrick’s Day message on the front, adorn it with a large shamrock, or create a pot of gold with some glitter glue.

Reclaimed Wood Shamrock

Courtesy of Pinterest user Kristina Oakley

Spruce up your St. Patrick’s Day décor with custom wood gifts. We love the idea of creating wooden shamrocks of various sizes and colors as a celebratory but understated addition to your mantle or dining room table. It could also be a fun family craft; each family member will have their own unique clover for years to come. We like the above example for inspiration. This blogger used bead board, but it would be easy to craft your own clovers out of reclaimed wood for a more rustic aesthetic.

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with unique wood gifts that make use of reclaimed wood. It’s a great way to spend time with your family and create decorations that you’ll actually want to keep around. Make sure to follow us on Pinterest to get more sustainable wood decorating ideas.

If you’re silently asking yourself, “What is reclaimed wood?” here’s your answer: Reclaimed wood is lumber that has been salvaged from existing buildings and projects. It bears one-of-a-kind characteristics, like seasoning checks, bolt holes, and mortises. Get inspired by three unique frames that you can make from this sustainable and beautiful resource.

Image Source: Upcycling Design Blog

Transform your mirror from a functional item to a decorative asset. To start, purchase a plain mirror of your chosen size at any home improvement store. Next, you’ll need reclaimed wood boards that match the dimensions of the mirror. Create a simple frame (helpful instructions can be found here), then slip the glass into the space where the photo would be. Staple sturdy backing over the underside of the mirror to keep it snugly in place, and presto! Your new reclaimed wood furniture awaits.

Image Source: homedit

Turn traditional chalk or cork board into a beautiful centerpiece with the help of this reclaimed wood project. The same principle as the mirror project applies, with cork or chalkboard material replacing glass.

Image Source: Liz Marie Blog

Display your artwork in an entirely new way.

• Take a reclaimed board, cut it to the desired length, and insert three nails into the top face, with two nails two inches in from each end and one in the center.
•  Next, simply wind high-yield wire around the nails until it’s taut across the wood surface.
• Use clothespins or wire clips to display postcards, prints, and photos. We love the look of polaroids on this reclaimed wood picture frame.

Clear out a few hours next weekend and dive into one of these projects. Whether you use AltruWood’s FSC certified wood or reclaimed material, you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind asset for your home.

Step One: Choose Your Legs
Antique shops, online marketplaces, and even stores like Ikea offer good resources for table legs. The design, material, and size of the legs depend upon your individual tastes, but make sure to get legs that are at least 24 inches long so you can fit a chair or bench underneath it.

Step Two: Choose Your Wood
Reclaimed wood products are resilient, but also exudes character that you just can’t find in a furniture store. The width of the boards depends entirely upon your preference, but we recommend that each plank have a 2-inch thickness to get durability without too much heft.

Step Three: Give the Boards Some TLC
First off, bring your boards inside and let them sit to ensure they’re completely dry. Clean each plank off, and sand each one if desired.

Step Four: Join the Boards
Line up boards on a flat surface exactly as you want it look like when it’s complete. Create mortise and tenon joints every 8 inches along the length of the boards. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, get a quick refresher before diving in.

Step Five: Attach the Legs
Once you’ve created the secure tabletop, flip it over. Attach the legs with care, using both a drill and wood glue for added security. Test for stability, then your desk is officially complete.

Creating a recycled wood table top is simple, yet challenging enough to be rewarding for experienced DIYers. With our steps to guide you, you’ll have an affordable and attractive addition to your home decor in an afternoon.

Did you create a reclaimed wood desk top using our tips? Connect with us on Houzz to send us pictures of your finished project!

Statement Shelving
Give your loved one a space to showcase their favorite photographs or keepsakes. Reclaimed lumber is a great fit for shelving thanks to its distinctive texture and one-of-a-kind coloring. It’s also a deceptively easy gift to construct; simply pick out your favorite hardware, screw it securely into the wall, and cut the reclaimed lumber to fit your desired dimensions. Presto!

Image Source: Lonny

Rustic Cabinets
Give your loved one their dream kitchen this holiday season. Reclaimed barn siding makes a big impact, yet manages to meld seamlessly with virtually every decorative style. The weathered, antique characteristics of the wood make it an instant statement piece. Dress the final product up with bold hardware to complete your kitchen’s transformation.

Image Source: Daily Milk

A Bewitching Headboard

Bedrooms are often the most-neglected spaces in our home. We carefully decorated every other room, but lose steam when we reach this largely private area. Change your philosophy this winter and give the gift of a reclaimed headboard. A quick search will show you that there are dozens of avenues that you can take for this project, ranging from a basic afternoon endeavor to a complex project. You choose, but make sure to sand the outer face of the boards so avoid a rude awakening.

Image Source: Songbird

An Illuminating Light Installation
Reclaimed hand hewn beams are the perfect material for this project. Select one or two brimming with character and carefully secure it on the ceiling. Drill holes through the beam where you would like the lighting to go so you can seamlessly wire it through the wood.

Image Source: Brooke Wagner Design

Got a project in mind? We have the materials. AltruWood is proud to provide reclaimed lumber that will make your gift idea picture-perfect. Explore what one-of-a-kind materials we can offer you today!

Brimming with character, reclaimed Douglas Fir beams has unique attributes such as mortises, bolt holes, and knots. The color also stands out: reclaimed lumber has a unique grey or brown patina that exudes historic charm.  A reclaimed wood table top becomes an instant statement piece in any dining room.

To get started on your reclaimed wood table, simply get in touch with the team at AltruWood to explore what material best suits your needs. We are proud to offer a variety of widths, lengths, thicknesses, and finishes so that you have the tools you need to create your dream table.

We’ve pulled together a list of six easy changes that you can make to help our environment. By adopting these eco-friendly living choices, you aren’t just being kind to our plant – you’re making an investment in the future.

Pause before You Get Behind the Wheel
Before you turn your car on, pause a moment. Can you take public transportation instead? Is your journey walk-able or bike-able? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce carbon emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. If possible, try to start a Bike-to-Work Day routine once a week. It’s both healthy for your and the environment.

Change Your Bulbs
Opt for Energy Star lighting, which uses 75% less energy and lasts up to 50 times longer than traditional bulbs.

Buy Sustainably
Use your purchasing power to buy items that were made with the integrity of our planet in mind. Look for paper and wood products that are FSC-Certified that they bear the mark of sustainable forestry.

Break the Disposable Habit
Avoid plastics and swap out disposables containers for reusable items. Using reusable items will save you money in the long run and reduce consumption of plastic products.

Be Water-Wise
Did you know that the average home’s leaky appliances can waste 10,000 gallons of water per year? Conserve money and water by fixing leaky appliances to minimize unneeded water consumption.

Think before You Throw
Today, most items can be composted or recycled. Americans create 251 million tons of trash each year. Over half of that trash enters the waste stream. The EPA offers a handy infographic that shows which items should be recycled and how.  Use it as a reference when disposing your trash

Do you have any other everyday suggestions that can help our planet? The Altruwood team would love to hear your eco-friendly lifestyle tips. Comment below or email us with your ideas!

Create an Art Installation
If your walls need a little more life, try an easy and beautiful art installation. Measure the space that your piece will cover, then select reclaimed wood boards to serve as your canvas. Line the wood up symmetrically or off-kilter, then place two boards perpendicularly across the back and secure them to hold the unit in place.

Next, grab a can of paint color and let your creative spirit run free! Whether you opt to create a quote board or a whimsical painting, this easy project that will yield a beautiful result.

Craft a Hook Rack
Does it feel like your hallway is a black hole of coats, bags, and keys? Solve the problem and add beauty to your space with a recycled wood key rack. Start by selecting a reclaimed board, then measure and cut it to your desired length. Decide whether you want to leave it in its natural state or apply a stain, then add some beautiful hardware to it. Choose small hooks for a key rack, and opt for larger ones for jackets and bags. The outcome? Better organization and a beautiful home.

Create a Shelving Unit
Enjoy stunning shelving that won’t take the entire weekend to create. Measure and cut reclaimed wood boards to your desired length, then attach right angle shelf brackets under the boards. You can have your distinctive shelf up in less than an hour. Store books, display photos, or even give your dishes a home. Go to your local hardware store to get basic brackets or scour antique shops for one-of-a-kind treasures.

This Memorial Day, do these quick DIY projects, then spend the weekend enjoying the result. Trust your Portland, Oregon experts at Altruwood to get you stocked up on reclaimed wood and advice, then dive into the DIY experience!

Give Memories a Home with a Treasure Box

Create a space to store mementos, fill with her favorite candies, or safekeep her jewelry. Use reclaimed wood to create a distinctive look that is bursting with character. If you’re a novice woodworker, then a simple open-top box is both easy to make and beautiful. If you want to go one step further, you can add other fun details to your wooden box, like a lid, carved embellishments, or even a painted design.

Make a Frame to Document a Special Moment

Choose your favorite photo of you and your mother together, then build it a home! A picture frame is a timeless gift. Plus when you use reclaimed wood in the frame, you’re not just giving your mom a moment in time: You’re offering a decorative accent that you took time to create. If you need help getting started, this step-by-step video tutorial will help you turn your wood gift vision into a reality.

Beautify Her Garden with Reclaimed Wood Gifts

This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to a relaxing day in the garden, where the only task on her list is enjoying her surroundings. Add function and aesthetic appeal to her outdoor oasis by building raised beds or creating a compost bin that is visually pleasing. From a garden path to fencing, reclaimed wood is the ideal material to add natural beauty to her garden.

Moms all over the world would agree: Homemade Mother’s Day gifts make the best gifts. Get started on yours today with the help of Altruwood!