Recycled Timber

Recycled timber is wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, bridges, wharves, and other structures that are no longer in use.

It undergoes a process of cleaning, sorting, and sometimes milling to create reusable material.

Recycled wood is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for building and construction projects as it reduces the demand for new timber and minimises waste.

It is also often prized for its unique character and historical value.

Recycled timber offers versatility in its use for various applications. The list is endless, but some popular ones include flooring, cladding, decking, beams and posts, benchtops, countertops, furniture, and stair treads.

Recycled timber offers several advantages over new wood, such as:

1. Sustainability: Using it reduces waste, preserves natural resources, and minimises the environmental impact of logging and manufacturing new wood products.
2. Unique character: It often has a distinctive appearance with knots, saw marks, and other features that tell a story and add character and depth to a project.
3. Historical value: Recycled wood may have come from old buildings or structures, giving it historical value and a sense of heritage that new wood can't provide.
4. Durability: It is often denser and stronger than new wood, making it a durable and long-lasting choice for construction projects.
5. Cost-effective: While recycled timber may cost more per board foot than new wood, it is often more cost-effective in the long run due to its durability.
6. Resistance to pests: Recycled timbers that have been salvaged from old buildings has already withstood pest damage and is less likely to be affected by pests and termites.
7. Low carbon footprint: Recycled wood has a lower carbon footprint compared to new wood products because it requires less energy to produce and reduces the need for logging and harvesting of new trees.

One potential disadvantage of recycled timber is that it may be difficult to verify its origin and quality. Because recycled timbers are essentially waste wood sourced from old structures, it may be hard to determine whether it was legally obtained and whether it is free from contamination or other defects.

However, this is not a common concern with reputable suppliers who follow ethical and sustainable practices when salvaging and processing the wood. By choosing a trusted supplier with a track record of sustainability and transparency, you can ensure that your recycled timber is legitimate and of good quality.

At Sawmill Trading Company, we have been one of the leading timber suppliers in New South Wales for more than 40 years, offering a wide product range that includes recycled timber products for landscaping, fencing, and other applications, to Australian hardwood options for flooring decking and indoor floors.

Cost is another potential disadvantage of recycled timbers. But if you think about it carefully, it's not really a disadvantage but rather a reality of the supply, demand and process for this type of wood.

It often costs more than new timber due to the labour-intensive process involved in salvaging, processing, and cleaning the wood.

The extra cost is a reflection of the effort and expertise required to source and prepare the timber for reuse, as well as the value that it brings to your project in terms of sustainability and aesthetics.

While recycled timbers may cost a bit more than new timber, it is a worthwhile investment in quality and sustainability that will add value to your project for years to come.

Recycled timber and reclaimed timber are terms often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between them.

Recycled timber refers to wood that has been salvaged from old structures and has been processed, cleaned, and sorted for reuse. Reclaimed timber, on the other hand, refers to wood that has been salvaged from old structures and is repurposed without any processing. This means that the wood may still have nails or other hardware attached to it, and it may have a more rustic appearance compared to recycled timber.

The main difference between the two is the level of processing that the wood undergoes. Recycled timbers have been processed and cleaned, while reclaimed timber is mostly used in its original state. Additionally, reclaimed wood may have a more rustic appearance, whereas recycled wood has a more refined appearance.