The Beauty in Reclaimed Wood
Whether it comes from an old barn, an antique piece of furniture, or somewhere else, reclaimed wood can lend your projects a character and feel vastly different from that of new lumber. Using reclaimed wood also allows you to work with species that are no longer readily available, like American chestnut or old-growth pine. As a budding woodworker interested in art and in building things, the allure of these unusual finds is hard to describe.
My father’s salvaged barn boards from historic buildings in western Massachusetts were damaged by weather, pockmarked by insects, and scarred with leftover joinery cuts – and I was hooked. These defects lent each board a character and feel that new lumber simply couldn’t match. Designing furniture from reclaimed wood has forced me to flex my artistic muscles, as I have to work with what I have in front of me and let the wood guide the size and look of the piece. Deciding where and how to highlight knots, tool marks, and other unique aspects of the wood’s character is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
As one woodworker put it, “Reclaimed wood is by far the best way I’ve found to guarantee each piece is one-of-a-kind.” And as a frugal Yankee, I take a lot of pleasure in reusing materials to make furniture that will hopefully last several lifetimes.
Pricing Your Artistry
Of course, with the extra labor involved, reclaimed wood projects can be a bit more complex to price. The classic “2x or 3x the material cost” approach just doesn’t cut it when you’re dealing with such variable prices. So how do you go about pricing your custom woodworking in a way that’s fair to both you and your clients?
Well, my pricing strategy, like many things in my life, is based on the KISS theory – Keep It Simple Stupid. As a one-man shop, a straightforward and flexible system is just what I need. But the core principles can be applied whether you’re a hobbyist or a full-scale cabinet shop.
It all starts with materials. I have two methods for estimating how much wood I’ll need. The quick and dirty approach is to get an approximate board foot count and add 20% as a buffer. The more precise method is to sketch out the project and generate a rough cut list ahead of time. This not only gives me an exact materials count, but also allows me to pick out specific boards for specific parts when I’m at the lumber yard.
Once I have the materials cost, I add 10% to cover any miscellaneous expenses like extra boards, gas, or my time at the lumber yard. Now comes the tricky part – estimating my time. I like to break the project down into separate tasks and estimate how long each one will take. Spoiler alert: I almost always underestimate.
So the final formula looks something like this: Materials cost + 10% + (Hourly rate x Project hours). And what’s that hourly rate, you ask? Well, I used to have a stated shop rate of $50/hr, but I found that was just wishful thinking on my part. These days, a more realistic number for me is $35-$40/hr. This covers my overhead costs like electricity, sharpening services, and all those rags I go through.
As The Wood Whisperer explains, the key is to find a simple and flexible system that works for your particular business model. Personally, I’m not looking to become a full-scale cabinet shop anytime soon. My KISS approach has served me well, even if it means occasionally making the “common sense adjustment” to land a job.
Tapping into the Custom Furniture Market
Of course, pricing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building a successful custom furniture business. You also need to consider your target market and how to best showcase your work.
One strategy that’s worked well for me is to focus on the unique character and one-of-a-kind nature of my reclaimed wood pieces. I love playing up the imperfections and letting the wood guide the design. This appeals to a certain type of customer who values artistry and craftsmanship over mass-produced perfection.
And speaking of customers, I’ve found that building relationships is key. Many of my clients come to me through word of mouth or because they’ve seen my work in someone else’s home. Taking the time to understand their needs and preferences, and then delivering a piece that exceeds their expectations, has led to repeat business and referrals.
Of course, in today’s digital age, an online presence is also crucial. I make sure to showcase my work on the Unfinished Furniture website and across social media. This not only helps me reach a wider audience, but also allows potential clients to get a feel for my style and capabilities.
Embracing the Unpredictable
One of the best things about working with reclaimed wood is that you never know what you’re going to get. Each board is a unique canvas, with its own story to tell. And that element of surprise and discovery is part of what keeps me coming back to this medium.
Sure, it can be a bit more challenging to plan and execute a project when you’re dealing with variable materials. But that’s also where the fun and artistry come in. I relish the opportunity to problem-solve, to think outside the box, and to let the wood guide the design.
And you know what? Those challenges often lead to the most rewarding and satisfying pieces. A simple cabinet or side table can become a true work of art when you embrace the imperfections and let them shine.
So if you’re a woodworker looking to add a little more character and personality to your creations, I highly recommend exploring the world of reclaimed wood. It may take a bit more effort, but the results are truly one-of-a-kind. And who knows – you might just find that it reignites your passion for the craft.
