Reclaimed lumber can add rustic flair to any home—both inside or out. However, when left unfinished, lumber is susceptible to stains and weather-related deterioration. Finishing the wood by painting, staining, or sealing it is an excellent way to ensure your new furniture lasts for a long time to come.

3 Steps for Finishing Reclaimed Lumber

1. Prep the Surface

Before you can add a finish to your reclaimed wood, it needs to be cleaned of dirt and grime. To do this, you’ll need a brush sander or an angle grinder with a wire wheel. Just be careful not to remove the saw and natural marks that give the wood its character. Also, if you are cleaning boards for a DIY project, don’t forget to remove old nails.

2. Sand the Surface

After you clean off the dust left behind from step one, you’ll need to change out your sander for a standard orbit model. Use this in combination with a heavier-grit sandpaper to create a fine, smooth finish, free from splinters and old paint. However, don’t press too hard—you could accidentally grind into the wood or remove the patina.

Also, always wear safety glasses and a mouth mask, especially if the lumber was previously painted and might contain lead. When you’re finished, use a vacuum to remove all the particles from the surface of the wood before finishing.

3. Finish the Surface

Now you’re ready to add the finish of your choosing. Wax finishes offer mild protection and allow the lumber to appear untreated, which creates a more natural, rustic appearance. Polyurethane is excellent for furniture that will be used frequently, but it does create a shiny, less natural-looking patina. Staining is best reserved for pallet boards, as it subtracts from the wood’s natural qualities.

No matter what type of lumber you need for your home construction project, Huber Lumber Co can supply it. This family-owned and operated lumber yard and building supply company has been providing materials to the Cincinnati, Ohio, area since 1903. Visit their store today to see the numerous varieties of wood they carry. For more information about their services, call (513) 731-4035 or visit their website.