My shop specializes in making one-off custom hardwood furniture and restoration parts for antiques and historic structures.
Especially in the latter categories I'm inclined to use vintage wood of the same species and age as the original. Even for new furniture, the availability of vintage reclaimed wood is enticing - tighter grain, larger dimensions, etc.
My question is: does vintage/reclaimed wood in general exhibit any adverse characteristics that affect durability, gluing or finishing? Assume the wood appears solid, is reclaimed from a sound old structure, is planed clean, and is at 6-8% MC at the time of use. I've noticed some cell degradation under a scope that is not visible to the eye but do not know if this is of any practical importance. Has anyone compared vintage/new wood specifically for use in furniture? Thanks in advance for any advice.
From contributor Ri
I have some old vintage wood that I received from an 80 year old woodworker more than 20 years ago. He probably had it for many years as well. I also build furniture and use this wood on occasion. I love using it because it has the best grain and color of any current wood supply. The workability is good as well. If it is stored properly it will be well acclimated to your environment. I do find some checking on a few pieces as well as cracking on the end. Most of the wood is Walnut, Mahogany, Maple and other mystery woods I have not been able to indentify. After resawing some pieces I do not notice any adverse affects. I have found the wood to be more stable than "new" wood. The one thing I would caution you on is bug infestation. I bought some Swamp Ash at a lumber yard that had some Powder Post Beatles in it. It infested my Quilted Maple collection which cost a lot to fumigate.
From contributor Ke
Prolonged high heat, which might be reached in an attic, can cause a wood to become brash. That is, it will break abruptly more easily than otherwise would be expected.
From contributor ma
Will be well acclimated to your environment. I do find some checking on a few pieces as well as cracking at the end. Most of the wood is Walnut, Mahogany, Maple and other mystery woods, I have not been able to identify.
From contributor Ry
I'd watch out for water damage or anything of the like. Otherwise it should be just as good. Wood is wood after all.
