How to Use Reclaimed Wood

Prepping

• 1

  Remove all nails, staples and other hardware from the wood with a claw hammer and locking pliers. Run a magnet down the face of each board to find nails that may be hidden under paint. Remove them all to prevent damage to your tools, or injuries from broken pieces of metal.

• 2

  Lay your wood out on a patio or driveway and wash it down well with a hose. Use a stiff nylon brush to remove all surface dirt from the wood. Allow the wood to dry until it is dry to the touch.

• 3

  Inspect your lumber and set aside any boards that have bad splits, damaged sections or rot of any kind. Stack boards without damage or rot on skids, set perpendicular to the length of the boards, every 24 inches.

Processing

• 4

  Cut the damaged sections from the boards with a miter saw to create smooth, square ends. Leave as much usable material as possible, but remove all rot, which can spread, promote mold and mildew and attract insects.

• 5

  Sand all of the boards lightly with 150-grit sandpaper on a random orbit sander to remove all splinters and loose paint or finish. Brush the surface with a nylon brush again after sanding to remove any loose particles.

• 6

  Sort and stack the wood according to size, finish color or any other characteristics that will matter in your projects to make it simple to access. Store the wood under shelter, where it will get adequate ventilation. Cover your lumber with a cloth tarp, rather than plastic, to keep it dry and prevent condensation.