Reclaimed Barn Wood (Likely White Oak or Chestnut)
Quercus alba (Oak) or Castanea dentata (Chestnut) · Reclaimed / Hardwood
- Type
- Reclaimed / Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,360 lbf (Hard - based on White Oak average)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; heavily weathered surface suggests significant resistance to decay over decades of outdoor exposure.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with deep weather-checked texture; features prominent open pores and deep longitudinal fissures from heavy exposure.
Color & Appearance
Deep weathered charcoal and dark brown patina; oxidation has turned the surface nearly black in crevices with silver-grey highlights on raised fibers.
Hardness (Janka)
1,360 lbf (Hard - based on White Oak average)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; heavily weathered surface suggests significant resistance to decay over decades of outdoor exposure.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot (depending on processing and width)
- Wood Age Estimate
- 50 to 100+ years based on the depth of oxidation, checking, and the presence of old fastener holes.
- Sustainability Status
- Highly Sustainable (Recycled material); FSC Recycled status often applicable.
Common Uses
Rustic furniture, decorative wall cladding, flooring, timber-frame accents, and architectural restoration.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Difficult due to extreme dryness and brittleness. High risk of splintering and tearout; potential for hidden metal fasteners to damage saw blades.
Finish Recommendations
Low-sheen matte polyurethane or natural oils (tung/linseed) to preserve the 'dead' look of the patina without making it look plastic.
Notable Features
Features distinct nail holes and circular saw marks; high tannin content likely reacted with iron fasteners to create dark staining.
