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Old Canadian Wood
Planning a demo to make way for a new development? Let us know.
Out With the Old
Sometimes we do it this way. Deconstruction/partial deconstruction is a labour intensive process.
Douglas Fir
Dried to <8% MC
Feel good about doing your part for the environment and supporting local enterprise as we give new energy to Old Canadian Wood.
find out how we work and why
There's gotta be a way we can do better!
How often have you watched truckload after truckload of old houses departing the city, headed for the landfill?
Hi, my name is Jay Sanderson and with Backroads Reclamation, we are saving the lumber that built Canada in collaboration with the people that are rebuilding it.
My calling to this profession was in September of 2020 when I was presented with a mid century grain building that was about to be pushed over and burned. After a quick inspection, I decided to dismantle and salvage it by hand rather than allow it to go to waste.
I spent the following two months pulling nails, sorting lumber and hauling old wood back to my acreage near Ardrossan. The following two years were spent designing the process, acquiring and/or building the right equipment for cleaning, drying and milling reclaimed lumber and finding the best possible solutions for reuse for each type of material recovered.
I was in love with the idea and the business of saving wood and in a world with so much uncertainty during a global pandemic, it gave me purpose and passion. That purpose and passion led me to a group of Edmontonians passionate for their purpose. IDEA (Infill Development Edmonton Association).
After developing Backroads Reclamation mostly in isolation under Covid Lockdown – working TOGETHER to drive change towards people centred communities sounds GREAT!!
Our reclaiming roots are in the country but we have shifted our efforts to work in the city because we love the people, the connection, the community and the wood.
Working here allows us to make a far greater impact on the environment than imagined.
What we are harvesting from these older homes is not just lumber. We are salvaging Canadian history and using yesterday’s carbon footprint to reduce tomorrow’s.
We are conscious and respectful of the current industry balance. Our business model allows us to be involved in a way that works within that balance. It also allows us to evolve and improve our methods to better serve the building and design community with our end use products while reducing the impact of redevelopment on mature neighbourhoods.
Our involvement reduces the quantity of bins heading for the landfill meaning less heavy traffic and reduced disposal fees.
We have a common sense approach to environmental stewardship and know that by working together, we can affect change for a greener tomorrow.
photo above:
Thin sliced Old Growth Fir.
Moisture content at recovery is typically 10-12% Even for wood that has been inside a heated house for 100 years. Reclaimed residential Lumber can be as high as 18-20% moisture content if certain conditions exist.
Drying is an essential part of the process for maintaining high standards.
OLD GROWTH DOUGLAS FIR
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Reclaimed old growth Douglas fir is highly sought after for several compelling reasons:
- Unmatched Quality: Old growth Douglas fir is known for its exceptional strength, durability, and stability. It often outperforms newer growth wood in terms of density and hardness.
- Intriguing Aesthetic: The wood's tight grain patterns, rich reddish-brown color, and occasional knots create a unique, rustic charm. It carries the marks of time, adding character and depth to finished products.
- Historical Significance: Reclaimed old growth Douglas fir comes with a story. Salvaged mainly inner city residential teardown homes as well as barns, warehouses, and factories, it carries the legacy of a bygone era, lending a sense of heritage to new creations.
- Sustainability and Conservation: By repurposing wood from existing structures, reclaimed old growth Douglas fir helps reduce the demand for new timber and preserves natural forests. This practice aligns with sustainable and eco-conscious building methods.
- Rare and Limited Supply: The availability of old growth Douglas fir is increasingly scarce due to past logging practices. This rarity contributes to its desirability and makes it a sought-after material for high-end woodworking projects.
- Stability and Durability: Old growth wood is typically denser and less prone to warping or splitting compared to newer growth wood. This stability ensures that projects made from reclaimed old growth Douglas fir stand the test of time.
- Exquisite Workability: Craftsmen and woodworkers appreciate the ease with which old growth Douglas fir can be worked. It responds well to cutting, shaping, and finishing, allowing for precise detailing and customization.
- Versatile Applications: Reclaimed old growth Douglas fir can be used for a wide range of projects, including flooring, paneling, furniture, cabinetry, and architectural details. Its versatility and enduring appeal make it a prized choice in both residential and commercial settings.
- Environmental Consciousness: Choosing reclaimed wood promotes sustainable and eco-friendly building practices. It helps divert materials from landfills and reduces the need for new timber extraction.
- Cultural and Historical Value: Using reclaimed old growth Douglas fir connects a project to the history and heritage of the region. It provides a tangible link to the architectural and industrial past, adding cultural significance to finished products.
In essence, the appeal of reclaimed old growth Douglas fir lies in its exceptional quality, rich visual appeal, historical significance, and contribution to sustainable building practices. This prized wood embodies a unique blend of craftsmanship, heritage, and environmental consciousness.
