Waste Not, Want Not: From Scraps to Reclaimed Wood Furniture

When you think of the origins of reclaimed wood, what comes to mind? Custom barnwood, of course, evokes images of fading but dignified barns.  Wine wood once held and flavored the fruit of the vine.  A favorite tree in your backyard struck by lightning can find new life in a custom furniture project.

Although less glamorous and perhaps not as storied as other reclaimed wood “species,” scrap wood rescued from trash bins and demolition sites is every bit as useful, eco-friendly, and beautiful.  Scrap wood is certainly plentiful.  Resourceful and conscientious makers even find it in their workshops.  Take a look at what some CustomMade makers have created from this valuable material others might have thrown away.

Someone did try to throw away the wood Stephen Muscarella used to build “A King’s Queen Size Bed.”

"A King's Queen Size Bed" by Left to Right Furniture at CustomMade.com

“Found the 2.5” thick wood in a trash pile.  That cleaned up nicely,” writes Stephen of Left to Right Furniture.  The cast iron posts are from an old brownstone.  Interested in beautiful and useful furniture made from rescued materials? Interested in a custom project in which the maker encourages a little DIY from the customer? Contact Stephen and discuss your ideas.

This scrap wood table and bench set by Iota Woodworks was designed for a customer’s ultra-modern condominium and made from scrap materials from artisan Matt Flynn’s other works, salvaged palette wood oak, and fir beams reclaimed from a demolition site.  Contact Matt and have him create custom furniture for your home from reclaimed and other sustainably sourced materials.

Scrap Wood Table and Bench Set by Iota Woodworks at CustomMade.com

We’ve previously blogged about the “Leftovers” furniture collection by Eternal Furniture & Design.  Artisan Brian McAlpine creates these works from the wood scraps left over from other completed furniture projects.  The tiny pieces are put together “like a big puzzle” to create wonderful works like this “Leftovers” mirror.  Contact Brian and ask for some visually delicious custom leftovers.

"Leftovers" Mirror by Eternal Furniture & Design at CustomMade.com

The works in the Incidental series by Dilettante Studios, like this Incidental wall shelf, are also made from scraps salvaged from dumpsters and the artisan’s workshop.  John Preus writes:

Each piece in this series is treated like an individual sculptural composition, with function being an equal consideration in the overall concept.  They are constructed very simply, with screws nails and glue stressing immediacy rather than pre-meditated design.

Using second-hand, second-chance materials whenever possible is a matter of principle for Dilettante Studios.  Get in touch with John and explore creativity and environmentally friendly construction.

Incidental Wall Shelf by Dilettante Studios at CustomMade.com

When you request through our CustomMade “Get it Made” project board that reclaimed wood be used for your custom creation, that valuable resource might be closer at hand than you think.  That’s a plus both economically and ecologically.