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Do you have a remodeling project you’re budgeting for? Perhaps you simply want to create a one-of-a-kind wood fixture for the patio; either way, working with reclaimed lumber can be a great way to get the most out of your budget. To ensure your project is a success, Huber Lumber in Cincinnati, OH, advises keeping a few factors in mind.

Here are their top three tips for using reclaimed lumber for a remodeling project:

  • Don’t Assume Sizes Will Match Up: One of the most important things to be aware of when working with reclaimed lumber is the sizes don’t always match up. Wood that is being reused may have suffered water damage, warped for one reason or another, or been shaved down to suit its prior owner’s purposes, so always measure it carefully, and don’t be surprised to find imperfections. 
  • lumberWatch Out for Rogue Nails: Although most reclaimed lumber will have been inspected for nails and other imperfections before being sold, it may still contain some their staff overlooked. Nothing brings a circular saw to a halt faster than a rogue nail buried in a piece of reclaimed wood, which is why it’s always important to give your used lumber a thorough inspection before starting. If you do find some screws or nails that don’t want to come out, cut around them to salvage what’s left. 
  • Always Strip the Paint: If you don’t know where your reclaimed wood came from, there could be a chance the paint left on it is lead based, which is unsafe. As such, it’s recommended you remove any paint found on reclaimed lumber just to be safe. If this isn’t an option, it should be coated with a highly durable polyurethane to prevent it from harming anyone. 

If you’ve got a project in mind that will be great for reclaimed lumber, contact the professionals from Huber Lumber today at (513) 731-4035 for more helpful woodworking tips. They also specialize in decking material and other building supplies, so visit them online for a closer look at their inventory and services. 

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