That’s the thing with reclaimed stuff—it’s got soul, but it’ll test your patience. I’ve done a few projects with old barn wood and beams, and you’re right, the prep is a slog. Nails, screws, even the odd bit of barbed wire... you never know what you’ll find buried in there. I’ve had to invest in a good metal detector just to save my planer blades from getting wrecked.
On the eco-lumber front, I’ve looked into it a lot and honestly, part of the price issue seems to be scale—there just isn’t as much sustainably harvested wood out there compared to regular stock, so it stays expensive. Plus, all those certifications (FSC, etc.) add cost. Sometimes I wonder if some of the “eco” branding is more about marketing than actual sustainability, but that’s a whole other can of worms.
One thing I’ve learned: if you’re using reclaimed beams or boards, moisture content is a big deal. I got burned once by not checking—ended up with some serious warping after install. Now I always let stuff acclimate for weeks and check with a moisture meter before putting anything in place. Bugs are another story... borate treatment is my go-to, but you have to be careful with finishes after.
I still think reclaimed beats most new “green” lumber for character and durability, but it’s definitely not for everyone. You need time, tools, and sometimes a willingness to lose a weekend to pulling nails or sanding off decades of grime. But when it works out, nothing else looks quite the same.
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about reclaimed wood having “soul.” I’m just getting into my first big reno and tried using some old floorboards from a neighbor’s teardown. The prep took forever—felt like I spent more time pulling out rusty nails than actually building anything. Didn’t even think about using a metal detector, that’s a good tip.
The moisture thing caught me off guard too. I thought old wood would be dry by default, but nope… had a couple boards twist up on me after install. Now I’m paranoid and keep checking with the meter, just in case.
I’ve looked at eco-lumber too, but the price is wild. I guess it makes sense with all the certification hoops, but sometimes it feels like you’re paying more for the label than the actual impact. Still, I love the idea of using stuff that’s already out there instead of cutting down more trees, even if it means a little extra work (or a lot). There’s definitely something satisfying about seeing those old boards get a second life, even if my arms are sore for days after.