Reclaimed Wood vs New Wood: What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)

Written by: The Covessence Salvage Society Journal
A curated voice from our design team, makers, and sustainability experts.

When you're choosing furniture for your home, the type of wood it’s made from isn’t just a technical detail - it affects everything from durability and design to environmental impact. One of the most important distinctions you can make is between reclaimed wood and new wood.

At Covessence, we work exclusively with reclaimed timber - not just because it’s beautiful, but because it offers unmatched value, character, and sustainability. Here’s what sets it apart.

1. What Is Reclaimed Wood?

Reclaimed wood is timber that has been salvaged from old buildings, industrial structures, schools, barns, and other sources where the original wood has already served a full life. Instead of being discarded, it’s cleaned, treated, and repurposed into new furniture.

Because this wood is decades - sometimes centuries - old, it’s often stronger, more stable, and far more unique than anything you’ll find freshly milled today.

By contrast, new wood is typically harvested from contemporary forests, kiln-dried, and processed for modern use. While it can still be high quality, it lacks the history and ecological value of reclaimed timber.

2. Strength and Stability

Old-growth timber, which makes up most reclaimed wood, was originally sourced from slow-growing trees. As a result, the grain is tighter and the wood is denser - making it incredibly strong and resistant to warping.

New wood is often sourced from fast-growing softwoods or plantation forests. These timbers tend to have looser grain structures and more variability, which can lead to greater movement, splitting, or bowing over time.

If you’re looking for furniture that will last for decades, reclaimed wood is usually the better long-term investment.

3. Environmental Impact

Choosing reclaimed wood is one of the most environmentally responsible decisions you can make in home furnishing. It reduces demand for new logging, prevents usable wood from going to landfill, and lowers the carbon footprint of your furniture.

New wood furniture - even when sustainably harvested - still contributes to deforestation, resource extraction, and emissions from processing.

By reusing what already exists, reclaimed wood helps protect natural habitats and minimises waste. For anyone interested in eco-conscious living, the choice is clear.

4. Appearance and Character

Reclaimed wood tells a story through every knot, grain line, and surface mark. Weathered textures, historical saw marks, old bolt holes, and natural patina are all reminders of the wood’s past life - and they give each piece a unique character that new wood simply can't replicate.

While new wood can be beautiful, it’s often uniform, clean, and lacking in the imperfections that make reclaimed pieces feel soulful and personal.

If you love interiors with warmth, texture, and personality, reclaimed wood adds instant depth.

5. Cost and Value

Reclaimed wood furniture can sometimes cost more upfront than mass-produced pieces - but what you're paying for is craftsmanship, material quality, and longevity.

Fast furniture made from new softwood or MDF may be cheaper, but it often wears out quickly and ends up in landfill. Reclaimed wood furniture, on the other hand, is built to last and often becomes more beautiful over time.

And because reclaimed pieces are unique, they tend to retain value - or even increase in value - much like antiques.

6. Is Reclaimed Wood Safe and Clean?

Yes - when properly sourced and treated, reclaimed wood is completely safe for use in homes. At Covessence, all wood is carefully de-nailed, kiln-dried (where necessary), and finished with non-toxic, hardwearing oils and waxes.

You get all the character of age with none of the risk.

Final Thoughts: Choose With Purpose

The difference between reclaimed and new wood goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s about longevity. Sustainability. And the kind of home you want to create.

At Covessence, we believe the best furniture is made from materials that have already lived a life - and are ready to live another. When you choose reclaimed, you're not just choosing a look - you're making a statement.

Discover our latest reclaimed wood furniture collections, all handcrafted in small batches using salvaged materials with rich histories and honest charm.