Frequently Asked Questions


You have questions, we have the answers. Each project is unique and requires special attention to details as well as in depth knowledge of everything from product specification to how it gets delivered. Let us help you navigate the choices and understand what to expect when it comes to realizing your vision.

About Elmwood


Do you have a showroom?

We do, and we would love to give you a tour. We are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST Monday through Friday. We also do presentations and plant tours for architects, designers, professional builders and interested companies as well as many government and non-profit organizations.

Does Elmwood Reclaimed Timber sell directly to consumers?

Yes, all of our reclaimed and sustainable wood products are available direct to consumers. We strive to have fair and transparent pricing, whether you purchase the material directly or have your contractor/agent place the order for you, it will always be transparent and fair.

Do you manufacture your own products?

Yes, Elmwood Reclaimed timber has been producing all of our reclaimed wood products in house here in the USA for the last 25 years. We have a state of the art facility and have developed proprietary techniques related to the production of reclaimed wood products. 

What is Reclaimed Wood and where does it come from?

We reclaim wood and materials from old buildings, barns and rural structures that pre-date the 1930’s. Out of respect for our heritage and architectural history, we only deconstruct buildings and barns that are condemned, abandoned or beyond repair. All of our antique reclaimed timber is old growth wood harvested from the original, unaltered forests that were standing before settlers arrived. Only time and the elements have allowed for the unique and irreplaceable look of antique reclaimed timber. Whether you appreciate the beauty and quality of old growth wood through our select grade, or the old saw marks and dark patina of our Rustic Grade, you know that your purchase of any antique reclaimed timber product is an investment full of character.

Can Elmwood handle large volume orders?

Yes, we have spend the last 20 plus years developing a large network of suppliers that allows us to source the best quality reclaimed woods available at scale. We also have invested in technology and machinery to give us plenty of capacity to run large volumes of material in a timely fashion.

Can I order more material later or will it look different?

We strive to provide a high level of consistency in each of our wood products over time. The reason for this is to ensure that our wood products have the same look and feel every time they are produced and gives end users confidence in knowing that they can specify our products at any time. 

Why is precision millwork so important?

Accurate and precise millwork is the key to success in every installation. At Elmwood Reclaimed Timber we use state-of-the-art milling equipment to ensure that every piece of re-milled lumber and every floor are precision milled for a perfect fit and finish every time. Every floor from Elmwood Reclaimed Timber comes ready to be laid. Pre-squared ends allow for direct installation, saving valuable time and installation costs.

Ordering & Shipping


What are Lead Times Like?

Lead times vary by product to some degree. Most custom orders are ready to ship 4-5 weeks after the order is placed.

We do keep some Ready To Ship products available that can be found here: Ready To Ship

Can I rush or expedite my order?

It is possible to expedite an order, however there is an additional cost in doing so. To be able to expedite an order we will have to work overtime and incur additional costs this allows the rest of the orders to stay on track while rushing your order through our production process.  

Can you ship to my location?

Yes, we ship our products worldwide. Whether you need a local delivery or a dedicated container for overseas transport we are experts in shipping and logistics.

Can I order my wood and have you store it?

Yes, Elmwood Reclaimed Timber can complete and package your order, then store it in one of our warehouses for a monthly storage fee. If you require long term storage (over 2 months) we will ship your order to our off site warehouse and then bring it back to our main plant before we ship it to you.

Does your pre-finished wood flooring have a warranty?

While there certainly are companies that offer warranties of various lengths, most will exclude many conditions like day to day wear hidden within the fine print. Most factory applied finishes are often so hard that it is nearly impossible to maintain or touch up the floor as wear occurs. Our approach is a little different. While we are not able to control wear, our finish systems are designed around the principle of repairability, ensuring that you have a clear simple way to keep your wood products beautiful for life.

Is there an order minimum?

Other than a 100 square foot minimum on custom wood flooring and paneling orders we do not have an order minimum. Whether you are building a birdhouse or a whole house, we are here to help!

How do I receive my wood order?

We custom package or palletize each order and ship the order to the job site via common carrier with a scheduled appointment. 

What payment methods do you accept?

Our preferred methods of payment are by check or ACH, this helps us maintain competitive pricing. For your convenience, we will also accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. When you place your order a 50% deposit is required to initiate and place your order into production. Upon completion, we require 100% payment to release the order for shipping or pickup. 

If I pay by check who should I make the check out to and where should I send it?

Checks should be made out to:

Elmwood Reclaimed Timber
22701 S. Peculiar Dr
Peculiar, MO 64078

What if my order is damaged in shipping?

Shipping damage is rare, but, can happen. If your shipment is received damaged, you must note the damage on the delivery receipt, it is also highly recommended to take pictures of the damage. If properly notated we are much more successful in filing a claim for the damage. Elmwood Reclaimed Timber is only able to help you with the claim if it is properly notated on the shipping receipt.

Wood Flooring


I want to do radiant heat. How will this work?

Wood floors installed over radiant heat will provide trouble free service for the life of the floor.  Since wood is an excellent conductor of heat, radiant heating is an ideal heat source to use with wide plank flooring, the even distribution of heat is far more beneficial to the wood than a comparable forced air system. Be sure to tell the company installing your heating system that you plan to use wood as your flooring material so they can adapt the system accordingly if necessary.

Are wood floors a good choice for a high traffic or commercial area?

Absolutely, if properly maintained a wood floor in a high use location such as a kitchen, restaurant or any high traffic area is a wonderful choice. In fact, you aren’t the first person to think of this. Wood floors have been used for centuries.

How much extra material should I plan on ordering?

This can be a tricky question depending on your space and how you plan on installing the material. For a normal installation where the material is running parallel to the walls, we would typically advise you to order at least 7 to 10 percent extra overage for cutting and fitting. If you plan on installing in an angled layout you will want to add more material as the cuts will add up and you will have more waste. We also do recommend having some extra material as “attic stock” in case planks get damaged for any reason.

What are actual vs nominal face widths?

Similar to going to a lumberyard a 2 x 4 is not actually a 2 inch by 4-inch dimension, our wood flooring is specified in full inch increments. The actual face width will be 1/2″ less after milling, so for example, a 7″ plank will have a face width of 6 1/2″. We will always do the calculations for you, so, you will end up receiving the correct square footage.

What’s the difference between square and pillowed edges?

Square edge is when the surface edges of each plank are milled square. Pillowed edges are milled onto the edges of each plank creating a slightly beveled edge. This is typically only done to pre finished wood flooring and will help hide any over/under wood that may occur from milling or irregular sub-floors. Pillowed edges can also create the look of separation from plank to plank. 

Random widths vs single plank widths, what should I know?

Single plank widths can be challenging to produce in certain products and depend on available wood stocks. Imagine making a 5″ product and our stock is 5″, 6″, 7″ and 8″ planks, we will have to create substantial waste and rip the wider planks down to achieve enough of the 5″ width to complete the order, this adds cost and does not make the most of the value available for these resources, not to mention not being as environmentally friendly. While we are happy to accommodate your order there is added cost in doing so. Random widths help us to maximize the wood and are typically more cost effective, while, at the same time creating a very natural look and feel. Most of our orders are placed in a random width pattern for these reasons. When ordering random width material you will want to install in a truly random pattern, as you will not receive exact lineal footage of each width. We do however ensure that you will receive enough of each width to achieve a natural looking product.

Can Elmwood provide a Class A, non-combustible finish (ASTM E-84)?

Yes, we provide material to commercial projects regularly, and, in many cases, this is a requirement. The main product we use penetrates deep into the wood and gives a class A rating. While it can slightly darken the color of the wood in most cases there in no visual difference.

What types of finish can be ordered on a pre finished product?

Depending on the product ordered we have several different options for finish. For a more complete resource on finishing our wood products please visit our finishing page.

Should I glue and nail my wide plank flooring?

Yes, we recommend both glue and nail on all plank flooring over 5″. This will ensure that the planks stay flat from season to season. 

What is acclimation and why/how do I need to do it?

Acclimation is the process of allowing the wood to equalize humidity levels and conform to its new environment. This is an important step in the installation process and ensures the wood planks stay tight. We recommend separating all of the bundles and acclimating our wood products for 7 to 14 days depending on your space and based on the type of wood you are acclimating. It is important that all “wet work” such as drywalling and mudding be fully complete and that there will be no additional moisture added to the space before acclimation and installation. It is also advisable to have the HVAC system up and running to ensure that the space is at normal humidity levels.

Are wide plank floors more expensive?

Wide plank floors are often more expensive than narrower strip flooring products. This is due to many factors such as the quality of the wood itself and the cost associated with the grades of raw lumber needed to produce a stable wide plank floor. Elmwood Reclaimed Timbers wide plank flooring has a wide range of price points and comes in a range of wide widths and long lengths. 

How do I maintain and clean my floors?

Whether you chose a pre-finished floor or do a site finish on your Elmwood Floor, we always recommend weekly cleaning with the proper cleaning product.

What is Bespoke flooring and how does it work?

We have a wide range of textures and colors that make up our flooring collections, but we know that some projects have specific needs that fall outside of this box. This is where our Bespoke program comes into custom tailors a product that is specific to your project needs and design vision.

Stair Treads, Risers and Parts


Can you pre finish and match my stair parts to my floor?

Absolutely, from the treads and risers to nosing for landings we will make sure everything goes together seamlessly.

What about thick and floating stair treads?

Actually it’s one of our favorite looks! We always have plenty of stock on hand to create large stair tread packages in a variety of woods. We can produce widths up to 12″ out of single planks or if the specs require wider widths we will glue up multiple planks to create the widths you need.

Can you make angled or irregular shaped treads?

If you can send us a template, we can make almost any share your project requires. Your sales consultant can help you with any details and specifications you may have.

Wood Paneling


What is acclimation and why/how do I need to do it?

Acclimation is the process of allowing the wood to equalize humidity levels and conform to its new environment. This is an important step in the installation process and ensures the wood planks stay tight. We recommend separating all of the bundles and acclimating our wood products for 7 to 14 days depending on your space and based on the type of wood you are acclimating to. It is important that all “wet work” such as dry walling and mudding be fully complete and that there will be no additional moisture added to the space before acclimation and installation. It is also advisable to have the HVAC system up and running to ensure that the space is at normal humidity levels.

How much extra material should I plan on ordering?

This can be a tricky question depending on your space and how you plan on installing the material. For a normal installation where the material is running parallel to the walls we would typically advise you to order at least 7 to 10 percent extra overage for cutting and fitting. If you plan on installing in an angled layout you will want to add more material as the cuts will add up and you will have more waste. We also do recommend having some extra material as “attic stock” in case planks get damaged for any reason.

What are actual vs nominal face widths?

Similar to going to a lumberyard a 2 x 4 is not actually a 2 inch by 4 inch dimension, our wood paneling is specified in full inch increments. The actual face width will be 1/2″ less after milling, so for example, a 7″ plank will have a face width of 6 1/2″. We will always do the calculations for you, so, you will end up receiving the correct square footage.

How to clean wood paneling?

Wood paneling that is left unfinished can be dusted and cleaned with a vacuum hose attachment. Prefinished wood paneling can be dusted the same way or also with a microfiber towel that will collect the dust on the wall. 

Random widths vs single plank widths, what should I know?

Single plank widths can be challenging to produce in certain products and depend on available wood stocks. Imagine making a 5″ product and our stock is 5″, 6″, 7″ and 8″ planks, we will have to create substantial waste and rip the wider planks down to achieve enough of the 5″ width to complete the order, this adds cost and does not make the most of the value available for these resources, not to mention not being as environmentally friendly. While we are happy to accommodate your order there is added cost in doing so. Random widths help us to maximize the wood and are typically more cost effective, while, at the same time creating a very natural look and feel. Most of our orders are placed in a random width pattern for these reasons. When ordering random width material you will want to install in a truly random pattern, as you will not receive exact lineal footage of each width. We do however ensure that you will receive enough of each width to achieve a natural looking product.

Can Elmwood provide a Class A, non-combustible finish (ASTM E-84)?

Yes, we provide material to commercial projects regularly, and, in many cases, this is a requirement. The main product we use penetrates deep into the wood and gives a class A rating. While it can slightly darken the color of the wood in most cases there in no visual difference.

What colors go with wood paneling?

Wood paneling is a versatile product that can fit in with just about any design style and color pallet. The wood walls tend to be an accent for many spaces and play well with soft and bold color tones.

Can you stain wood paneling?

Yes, we offer our wood paneling in a wide range of stain colors and also have the ability to custom craft an exact color for your project with our bespoke program.

What types of finish can be ordered on a pre finished product?

Depending on the product ordered we have several different options for finish. For a more complete resource on finishing our wood products please visit our finishing page.

What is Bespoke paneling and how does it work?

We have a wide range of textures and colors that make up our flooring collections, but we know that some projects have specific needs that fall outside of this box. This is where our Bespoke program comes into custom tailors a product that is specific to your project needs and design vision.

How much does wood paneling cost?

Wood paneling has a wide price spread that depends on the width, length, thickness, species, and finishes that are applied. The range on paneling here at Elmwood is from $7-$15 per square foot.

Wood Tops


I would like countertops, an island bar or table top made out of wood. How can you help me?

Elmwood Reclaimed Timber creates custom counter tops, table tops and bar tops out of any of our reclaimed woods offered and cut them to any dimension desired. We will glue, sand and cut to size any countertop, bar top or table top to your design specifications as well as shape your counter or tabletop with a variety of edges.  Whether you are looking for a rustic oak top for a harvest table or a very refined, ultra-modern cherry or walnut top, we have the ability to create almost any look desired. 

Can you accommodate sink cutouts in kitchen countertops?

The short answer is, yes. If you or your contractor can send us a template, we are happy to make sink cutouts. It may, however, be advisable to do sink and faucet cutouts on site if your team is capable and comfortable with this to ensure that you are fitting the top with the exact hardware you have on site.

How do you seal a wood countertop?

We have several options available for sealing and finishing wood countertops. We have natural oils that can provide a food safe wood surface that can be used for food preparation as well as more durable commercial grade finish products that will seal the wood and prevent water from penetrating the wood’s surface. 

Are wood countertops easy to maintain?

Wood countertops are typically just as easy to maintain as other top options. When natural oil finish is used, the surface can be reoiled overtime to keep the surface looking as good as it did the day it was installed.

Can I cut on wood countertops?

In order to keep your wood countertops looking good, we recommend using a cutting board for all of your knife work. This will prevent damaging the woods surface as well as the finish that’s protecting it.

How to clean wood countertops?

Wood countertops do not require much when it comes to cleaning. A soft towel soaked in warm water and dawn dish soap will work well for daily cleaning and will also prevent the finish from breaking down over time. Chemical cleaners and wax based cleaners will shorten the life of the finish and build up on the surface over time.

How to refinish wood countertops?

If a wood countertop finish is no longer repelling water, it may be time to refinish. Depending on the finish that has been originally applied, the surface may be able to accept a fresh coat of hand applied finish to keep your wood tops protected.

I know wood tops are beautiful, but, are they durable?

This is a question that has several answers. As far as overall durability, much of this will depend on the type of wood, the harder the wood the more dent resistant it will be. When you start talking about scratches the most important factor will be the finish. Basically there are two schools of thought when it comes to finish, use a finish that will give the best protection against scratches or use a finish that is easily repairable. We’re experts when it comes to wood and would love to help you create the perfect wood tops for your situation.

What are Bespoke Wood Tops and how does it work?

We have a wide range of textures and colors that make up our wood tops collections, but we know that some projects have specific needs that fall outside of this box. This is where our Bespoke program comes in to custom tailors a product that is specific to your project needs and design vision.

Wood Beams


What is kiln drying and why is it important for reclaimed wood beams?

Kiln drying is an important step in our process that stabilizes the woods moisture content and eliminates any type of bug or mold that could otherwise be present in the reclaimed lumber. The end result is a clean, dry quality reclaimed timber that is ready for your project.

Are reclaimed wood beams structural? How much weight can wood beams hold?

While many of our reclaimed wood beams have held heavy structural loads for many years, we do not grade our beams for structural purposes. This is not to say that they will not hold a structural load, we simply are not qualified to certify them for structural purposes. Most of our customers use the beams we provide for decorative use and those that do need them for structural uses may need a third party grader to certify them.

How to clean wood beams?

At Elmwood, we take extra steps to provide our customers with clean reclaimed beams that are suitable for interior use. First, the beams have all the metals removed and then get washed by hand with a pressure washer to remove any dirt and debris. The last step is a cycle in our kiln that will heat and dry the wood and eliminate any chance of mold and insects being present in the wood.

How to stain wood beams?

We recommend using a tinted wax to achieve darker color tones on our reclaimed wood beams. We hand sand each side to allow for a smooth application of tinted wax that is buffed in and results in a matte finish with a soft even luster.

Where to buy reclaimed wood beams?

We have a vast inventory of high quality reclaimed wood beams and we can custom cut, pack and ship them directly to your job site. This allows our clients to get exactly what they need to achieve the vision of their projects, no matter where they are located 

I need beams that are flat on one side to install on the ceiling…

Our answer to this common need is simple, we can saw the beam on one side with our 50′ long beam saw. Sawing on one side will give the beam a square and flat side to mount to the ceiling while retaining the other 3 sides of the beam’s natural rustic character.

Will my solid reclaimed wood beams contain mortise pockets?

While there are a few reclaimed wood beams that are mortise free, it’s rare. Due to the construction methods used in early buildings mortise pockets were a structural part of the beams, connecting one beam to another to create a frame. To sum it up, the majority of our reclaimed wood beams will contain mortise pockets that add to the rustic look and authenticity.

What is a Faux Wood Beam?

We offer a hollow beam made from sections of reclaimed lumber. Elmwood offers this unique solution with a locking miter joint when projects require lightweight beams or need to wrap an existing structural beam. The faux beams are flat packed and assembled on site using our custom locking profile.

How far can wood beams span?

Our reclaimed faux box beams make the perfect choice when spanning long gaps. The beams are hollow inside and can be used to wrap glulam support beams or metal beams while creating the illusion of a reclaimed sold wood beam. 

Is there a range of texture on reclaimed wood beams?

The texture on our rough sawn reclaimed beams ranges from original rustic to original planed smooth and can often be a mixture. Majority of the edges will have visible nail holes from the original use. Hand hewn beam texture can range from heavy to light hewing as this process was done by hand and dependent of the craftsman who originally made the beam over a century ago.

Lumber


What is the difference between cabinet lumber and dimensional lumber?

Our lumber comes in two varieties, cabinet lumber and original dimensional lumber. When we talk about cabinet lumber we are referring to lumber that has been fully kiln dried, graded, surface planed and ripped on the inch. Cabinet lumber is ready to be used in mill work or to create finished products such as cabinets or any other project requiring processed material. Dimensional lumber is original board stock that will retain all of the original characteristics of the original boards. Dimensional lumber can also be kiln dried and surface cleaned.

Is there variation is sizing of original dimensional lumber?

Yes, the original lumber can range slightly in true dimension. This can be due to shrinkage over time or how the material was originally milled years ago.

What color is dimensional lumber?

All of our original dimensional lumber is reclaimed from inside vintage barns and buildings and has developed an antique brown patina on all four sides. 

Is there a range of texture on dimensional lumber?

The texture on our reclaimed dimensional lumber ranges from original rustic to original planed smooth and can often be a mixture. Majority of the edges will have visible nail holes from the original use.

Can Elmwood custom cut my lumber before shipping?

Yes, we have the ability to size the lumber by length and straight line rip the edges.

Can I buy small amounts of lumber for small projects?

We love what we do and are happy to produce orders of any size for our customers.

Barnwood Siding


What is grey barn siding?

Reclaimed Grey Barn Siding is the weathered exterior of the structures we are salvaging, these planks have been exposed to the elements for decades. The color tones range from silver/grey to deep brown patina that can only be achieved from years of rain, snow, and sun exposure. 

What is natural barn siding?

Reclaimed Natural Barn Siding is the non exterior side of painted barn siding that was not exposed to the elements. The color tones found on this material is a rich antique brown that developed over many decades.

Is barn siding clean?

We suggest allowing Elmwood Reclaimed Timber to process the barn siding in order to give your project the best quality barn wood siding available. We will remove all of the metals from each plank, lightly wash the surface to remove dirt and debris, and then kiln dry the siding to stabilize the wood and remove any insects or mold that can be present in the wood.

Can barn wood siding be used for exterior projects?

Yes, reclaimed barn siding has been on the exterior of a barn for many years. When properly installed the material can continue to be a great exterior product for a new structure.

Is barn siding cut on the edges? 

A standard order of Reclaimed Barn Wood Siding retains the original edges intact, we can straight line rip 1 or 2 edges upon request.

Fireplace Mantles


After I order my mantle how long does it take to ship? 

We are typically able to ship all mantle and shelf orders within 3 business days, however, there are occasions such as holidays when it may take a few extra days.

Will my mantel be the exact dimension ordered?

While we do our best to source and achieve the true dimension all of our mantels are reclaimed from old structures and can have up to a 1″ variance in thickness and depth, this can be due to shrinkage over time or how the material was crafted years ago.

How wide should a fireplace mantel be?

There is not an exact standard for this measurement and we will custom cut each mantel to the exact size requested. It’s common for the beam to either run the full width of the stone or brick face or leave 4″-6″ on both sides. 

How are Fireplace Mantels attached?

We recommend hiring an experienced contractor to properly install the fireplace mantle. There are several methods and most include lag bolts designed to be used with masonry for stone installations or lag bolts that will go directly into wall studs.

What color will my mantle be?

We offer the mantle in its natural unfinished aged brown tone or we can finish the mantle in one of our shades of tinted wax that range from light to dark.  

Is there a range of texture on reclaimed wood mantles?

The texture on our rough sawn reclaimed mantles ranges from original rustic to original planed smooth and can often be a mixture. Majority of the edges will have visible nail holes from the original use. Hand hewn mantles texture can range from heavy to light hewing as this process was done by hand and dependent of the craftsman who originally made the beam over a century ago.

How will my mantle be shipped?

We ship all of our mantle and shelf orders either via ground freight or common carriers (all lengths over 9′ or weghts over 145 lbs).

Reclaimed Shelves


Where to buy reclaimed wood for shelves?

You have come to the right place if you are looking for reclaimed wood shelves. All of our shelf options are made using authentic reclaimed woods that have been salvaged from vintage barns and industrial buildings. All of our shelf options can be purchased online and ship within 3 business days.

After I order my shelves how long does it take to ship? 

We are typically able to ship all shelf orders within 3 business days, however, there are occasions such as holidays when it may take a few extra days.

Will my shelf be the exact dimension ordered?

While we do our best to source and achieve the true dimension, all of our shelves are reclaimed from old structures and can have up to a 1″ variance in thickness and depth, this can be due to shrinkage over time or how the material was crafted years ago.

How to Paint Wood Shelves?

All of our shelf options have a beautiful aged patina that can show off in it its natural state or enhanced with a tinted wax. We recommend these options over paint that would cover the beauty of the wood.

What color will my shelf be?

All of our shelf lumber is reclaimed from inside vintage barns and buildings and has developed an antique brown patina on all four sides. If the fresh cut ends will be exposed we can distress these areas to match the original surface. We can also finish the mantle in one of our shades of tinted wax that range from light to dark. 

Is there a range of texture on reclaimed wood shelves?

The texture on our reclaimed shelves ranges from original rustic to original planed smooth and can often be a mixture. The majority of the edges will have visible nail holes from the original use.

How will my shelf be shipped?

We ship all of our mantle and shelf orders either via ground freight or common carriers(all lengths over 9′ or weghts over 145 lbs).

Reclaimed Tin


Is your tin really reclaimed?

Yes, we recover our reclaimed antique tin from the same old barns and outbuildings that we get our wood from. While the tin could be younger than the wood in a structure due to it having been replaced over the years, we are very particular about the tin we do reclaim. Only tin that is corrugated and has at least 35% rusted surface is reclaimed for its aesthetics.