What to expect when ordering a piece of barnwood furniture from Unique Custom Furniture

What to expect when ordering a piece of barnwood furniture from Unique Custom Furniture

In today’s fast paced “Amazon” culture, consumers have come to expect to receive their orders the next day, or even the same day! This model works for mass produced items that can be held in inventory by suppliers and fulfilled upon demand. However, when you are ordering a unique piece of reclaimed barnwood furniture from Unique Custom Furniture – the process can take longer. To make furniture the right way, and to deliver it the right way, takes time.

As a small, boutique furniture producer, Unique Custom Furniture doesn’t have large warehouses positioned across the USA with millions of dollars of inventory ready to ship. While we strive to keep some popular items in inventory, the reality is there is a lot that goes into producing a handcrafted, unique piece of reclaimed barnwood furniture. Our process includes sourcing the reclaimed barnwood, kiln drying, and then preparing the wood to be used to build a piece of furniture. Then, the wood is cut for the furniture, sanded, assembled, and finished. Once the final product passes our quality inspection it is ready for shipping and delivery. (Be sure to read our article “The Craftsmanship Behind Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture: A Peek into Our Process”)

At Unique Custom Furniture we strive to offer free blanket wrapped, white glove delivery to our customers. To be able to offer free shipping we work with the delivery companies to get as many orders in one shipment, heading to the same area of the country as possible. We are shipping from our main location in Ohio to all parts of the USA. This process can sometimes add time to a customer’s delivery. But keep in mind, you are receiving a handcrafted, heirloom quality piece of furniture that will last for generations – the furniture is worth waiting a little longer to ensure the highest quality delivery and experience.

Occasionally, blanket wrapped white glove delivery is not available if a customer is in a remote location. Additionally, customers may not always want to wait for the blanket-wrapped delivery. In these cases, we will use standard freight delivery. We work hard to package and protect the furniture when using freight delivery to ensure the furniture arrives to the customer as expected. When an order is ready to ship, we review all delivery options with the customer.

At Unique Custom Furniture, our goal with every order is to receive a 5-star review from the customer who is thrilled with the quality and experience of owning a piece of American history in their home. However, to have that piece of history in your home takes time and understanding from the customer.

unique custom furniture, reclaimed barnwood
unique custom furniture, reclaimed barnwood

The Sustainable Choice of Reclaimed Barnwood

unique custom furniture, reclaimed barnwood

The Sustainable Choice of Reclaimed Barnwood


Highlighting the Environmental Benefits Over Traditional Furniture Production

In an age where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, reclaimed barnwood has emerged as a meaningful solution for eco-conscious furniture buyers. With its rustic charm, rich history, and environmentally responsible story, reclaimed barnwood offers a compelling alternative to traditional furniture materials. More than a design trend, it represents a shift in how we value our resources and the legacy of our landscapes.

What Is Reclaimed Barnwood?

Reclaimed barnwood refers to wood salvaged from old barns, typically built in the 1800s or early 1900s, as well as other historic agricultural buildings. These structures were often constructed using old-growth lumber—strong, durable wood that today is no longer available due to forest conservation efforts and changes in logging practices.

Rather than letting this valuable material go to waste when barns fall into disrepair or are dismantled, the artisans at Unique Custom Furniture repurpose the wood into high-quality furniture.

Environmental Benefits of Reclaimed Barnwood

  1. Reduces Deforestation

Traditional furniture production depends heavily on harvesting new timber. This demand contributes to deforestation, habitat destruction, and carbon emissions. Reclaimed barnwood, however, is already harvested—sometimes over a century ago—meaning no new trees need to be cut down. By choosing reclaimed wood, consumers help reduce the pressure on forests and encourage more responsible land management.

  1. Minimizes Waste in Landfills

Every year, millions of tons of wood waste end up in landfills. Much of this wood comes from demolished buildings and barns. By reclaiming and repurposing that wood, we divert it from landfills and extend its useful life. What might otherwise be considered debris becomes a cherished heirloom piece with both character and conscience.

  1. Lower Carbon Footprint

The process of harvesting, milling, drying, and transporting new lumber consumes significant energy and emits greenhouse gases. Reclaimed barnwood has already undergone this lifecycle once. Using it again eliminates the need for energy-intensive processing, thereby significantly lowering the carbon footprint associated with furniture production.

  1. Preserves the Integrity of Old-Growth Timber

Much of the wood from old barns comes from slow-growing trees such as oak, hickory, and American chestnut, harvested before modern forestry practices took hold. This wood is denser, more stable, and often more beautiful than what’s commercially available today. By reclaiming and preserving this material, we honor a quality of resource that may never be seen again—while sparing younger forests from being cut too soon.

  1. Natural, Non-Toxic Aging

Unlike some modern furniture made with composite wood and treated with chemicals, reclaimed barnwood has typically weathered naturally over time. Its patina comes from exposure to the elements, not synthetic finishes. This makes it a healthier choice for homes, particularly for those sensitive to VOCs (volatile organic compounds) often found in new furniture materials.

Beyond Sustainability: A Story in Every Grain

While the environmental advantages are compelling, reclaimed barnwood also brings something deeply personal to the table—character and history. Each board carries the marks of time: nail holes, saw marks, and weathered knots that tell a story. No two pieces are the same, and the uniqueness adds a soulfulness that mass-produced furniture simply can’t replicate.

Conclusion

Choosing reclaimed barnwood furniture isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making a conscious decision that benefits the environment. From reducing deforestation to lowering emissions and giving new life to historic materials, reclaimed barnwood offers a sustainable and soulful alternative to traditional furniture production. It’s a choice that reflects care—for the planet, for history, and for the generations to come.

Caring for and Maintaining Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture in Your Home

Caring for and Maintaining Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture in Your Home

Reclaimed barnwood furniture from Unique Custom Furniture adds a rustic charm and a sense of history to any home. Whether it’s a tv console, coffee table, or kitchen island, these pieces bring warmth and character with their rich textures and weathered beauty. However, maintaining reclaimed barnwood requires special care to ensure its longevity. Here are some essential tips to keep your barnwood furniture looking its best for years to come.

Regular Cleaning

To preserve the natural beauty of reclaimed barnwood, regular cleaning is essential. Dust the surface frequently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent buildup. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth with a mild wood-safe cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can strip the wood’s natural patina and damage the finish.

Protecting the Surface

Reclaimed wood is naturally porous and can be prone to stains and scratches. Use coasters, placemats, and trivets to protect the surface from moisture, heat, and spills. If a spill does occur, blot it immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth—never rub, as this can push the liquid deeper into the wood.

Conditioning the Wood

Over time, reclaimed barnwood may dry out, leading to cracks or splitting. Applying a natural wood conditioner or beeswax polish periodically can help keep the wood hydrated and maintain its luster. Be sure to use products specifically designed for raw or unfinished wood.

Managing Humidity Levels

Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, and reclaimed barnwood is no exception. To prevent warping or cracking, try to maintain a stable indoor humidity level, ideally between 40-60%. Using a humidifier in dry seasons and a dehumidifier in humid conditions can help regulate moisture levels.

Avoiding Direct Sunlight and Heat Sources

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade and dry out reclaimed wood, causing it to lose its rich tones. Position furniture away from windows or use curtains and UV-protective films to minimize sun exposure. Similarly, avoid placing furniture too close to heat sources like radiators or fireplaces to prevent drying and cracking.

Handling Scratches and Marks

Minor scratches and dents are part of the charm of reclaimed wood, but if you want to minimize them, you can use a blend of walnut oil or a wood stain marker that closely matches the wood’s color.

Final Thoughts

Reclaimed barnwood furniture is a timeless investment that brings warmth and history into your home. With proper care and maintenance, your furniture will continue to age gracefully, becoming even more beautiful with time. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the charm and durability of reclaimed wood for generations to come.

There are plenty of places selling reclaimed barnwood furniture these days, but at Unique Custom Furniture, we’ve been at it for a long time. Our pieces have a distinct character, shaped by years of craftsmanship and a refined process that ensures each one is both beautiful and built to last.

What we do here isn’t like the mass-produced, over-marketed furniture you’ll find elsewhere. Many so-called “reclaimed” pieces aren’t even made from real hardwood, let alone authentic barnwood. Our furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans using genuine American barnwood, aged 100 to 200 years. When you bring one of our pieces into your home, you’re not just getting furniture—you’re getting a piece of American history.

Visit our online furniture store and browse our unique reclaimed barnwood furniture products.

 

 

unique custom furniture, reclaimed barnwood

Unique Custom Barnwood Furniture

Crafting Unique Custom Barnwood Furniture

At Unique Custom Furniture we specialize in designing and building unique furniture pieces from 100–200-year-old reclaimed barnwood. While we maintain several popular pieces, we also receive many customer requests for a unique, custom piece of furniture. For these types of requests, we ask customers for the overall dimensions (width, depth, and height) as well as the layout. We also ask customers for a photo of the piece of furniture to which they are referring. If a photo is not available, we can even work from a rough sketch of the customers’ ideas!

With this information in hand, we can generate a quote based on the customer’s idea. Once the customer decides to order, we will create a detailed drawing of the furniture piece with all dimensions and can send this back to the customer. Upon approval from the customer, we process to the next phase which is prep and production.

We like to keep the process simple to make it as easy as possible for customers to submit custom furniture requests. Many times, customers will see a piece of furniture on our website and would like to customize that particular piece with different dimensions or features.

While some people associate the word “custom” with “this is going to take a long time” as long as we are working from a piece of furniture that we routinely make such as a barnwood TV console or barnwood kitchen island, it really doesn’t take much more time to craft.

There are not a lot of custom furniture options available in the USA anymore, especially options that are hand crafted, heirloom quality pieces of furniture. At Unique Custom Furniture, we are delighted to design and craft unique custom pieces for our customers.

Reach out to us today to discuss your custom barnwood furniture piece.

Most Popular Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture Pieces

Most Popular Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture Pieces

At Unique Custom Furniture we make a lot of reclaimed barnwood furniture pieces for our customers. We receive a lot of custom furniture requests, and we also observe what the latest trends are that customers are inquiring about.

An interesting trend recently that we have observed is that a lot of customers are requesting reclaimed barnwood kitchen islands with seating instead of using their dining room tables. Families are so busy these days that the traditional sit-down family dinner has become less and less viable – so a barnwood kitchen island with seating is a great option for busy families on the go. We have built many different types of barnwood kitchen islands in different sizes and styles, with multiple seating options, pull out trash cans, and more. Visit our online store for kitchen island ideas!

Another popular item that is often requested is reclaimed barnwood TV consoles and media/entertainment centers. These furniture pieces are highly customizable as many people have different needs when it comes to their entertainment. A big market for us is customizing barnwood TV consoles to the exact specifications that a customer needs, for example specific TV sizes, accommodation for stereo equipment and other storage needs. If you would like ideas for barnwood TV consoles, look at what we offer in our online store. Many customers start there and then contact us to inquire about customizing a particular console to their specific needs and sizes.

For all our barnwood furniture pieces we offer 100-200 years old reclaimed chestnut barnwood or reclaimed oak barnwood. These woods are harvested from trusted sources we have partnerships with who provide us with barnwood from Ohio, the Appalachia area, as well as North Carolina and Tennessee. We also offer a standard white oak which is a new piece of wood but with a rustic appearance with saw marks and other elements. If a customer has a specific wood species they are interested in, we can accommodate their request. We have a wide network of resources available for different woods.

Why Unique Custom Furniture?

These days, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to reclaimed barnwood furniture. But here at Unique Custom Furniture, we’ve been crafting it for years, honing our skills and perfecting a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Our process turns aged wood into stunning, heirloom-quality pieces you’ll treasure for generations.

What sets us apart? While many furniture brands rely on flashy marketing, mass production, or overseas manufacturing—often skimping on authentic materials—we do things differently. Our furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans using genuine 100-200-year-old reclaimed American barnwood. Every piece tells a story, making it more than just furniture—it’s a slice of American history.

Take a look around our online store and explore the unique character of our reclaimed barnwood creations.

The Craftsmanship Behind Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture: A Peek into our Process

The Craftsmanship Behind Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture: A Peek into our Process

Based in Fredericktown, in Knox County Ohio – Unique Custom Furniture has been designing and building unique custom furniture products from reclaimed barnwood since the mid 1990’s. As a family-owned business we began collecting barnwood from the many old barns located in Knox County and surrounding areas in Ohio. We started to refine and finish the wood, and we were amazed at how beautiful and unique the old barnwood could look when finished. This was long before there was a barnwood furniture industry. Our initial efforts in selling reclaimed barnwood furniture revolved around attending furniture shows and building up an interest in the products. With every furniture show we would attend we almost always would end up selling all of the furniture in our booth. We used the capital from these furniture shows to continually reinvest in the business and grow our capabilities to where we are today.

Finding Barnwood to Make Unique Custom Furniture

In the early days of Unique Custom Furniture, we would travel around Knox County and surrounding areas of Ohio and look for old barns from which we would be able to salvage the wood. As our retail business grew we realized we had to expand beyond harvesting the wood ourselves. We now use several trusted sources who provide us with barnwood. We still have a resource locally for Ohio barnwood, but we now also have resources in the Appalachia area as well as North Carolina and Tennessee where we source chestnut barnwood.

At Unique Custom Furniture we specialize in building furniture with 100 – 200 year old reclaimed chestnut and oak barnwood. We can also source other wood species if a customer has a special request.

The Process of Building Furniture from Reclaimed Barnwood

There is an involved process in the building of unique custom furniture from barnwood. After we source the wood, it is sent to a kiln for drying for between 2 and 4 weeks. After kiln drying the wood needs to be processed. We have a trusted partnership with an Ohio Amish wood specialist who processes the kiln dried wood. They will plane the wood, straight line it, clean the wood by removing the dust and nails and gets the wood ready for our craftsmen to build furniture. Once the processed wood is in our shop we clean the wood a little more and then cut the pieces for the furniture. When the pieces are ready, we take them into the sanding room to sand everything down. From here, we’ll take the pieces into our finishing room where we finish all of the pieces and assemble them into the final product. Once the final product passes our quality inspection it is ready for blanket wrap, white glove delivery to the customer.

Custom Designed or Stock Furniture

At Unique Custom Furniture we have been building furniture for many years. We have produced many custom designed pieces for customers, and this continues to be a big part of what we do. However, we also have learned what our “best sellers” are, and we strive to keep those top 10 to 15 furniture products in inventory for quick turnaround to customers.

Why You Should Buy from Unique Custom Furniture

There are many choices now from which you can purchase reclaimed barnwood furniture. At Unique Custom Furniture we have been doing it for a long time. We have a unique aesthetic look to our furniture, and we have refined our furniture making process to produce beautiful, heirloom furniture pieces.

There are not a lot of businesses who are doing what we are doing here at Unique Custom Furniture. A lot of furniture products are over marketed, over sold, made overseas and often don’t even use real reclaimed hardwood. Our furniture is hand crafted by skilled artisans from genuine 100 – 200 year old reclaimed American barnwood. In many ways, you are buying a piece of American history.

Visit our online furniture store and browse our unique reclaimed barnwood furniture products.