THE MODERN TIMBER CRAFT RESOURCE LIBRARY
Understanding Authentic Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood carries physical evidence of the structures, tools and craftsmanship that came before it. Axe marks, saw patterns, Mortise Pockets, peg holes, checking, weathering and natural color variation can all help tell the story of where a timber came from and how it was originally used.
This resource center brings together our guides to historic timber, traditional barns, reclaimed wood characteristics and the ways authentic reclaimed material can be used throughout the home.
Hand Hewn Beams
Learn how axe marks, irregular surfaces, historic joinery and other characteristics can help identify authentic hand-hewn timbers.
Explore Hand Hewn Beams → 02Historic Barn Styles
Explore Pennsylvania, English, gable-front, round and other historic barn forms and the features that help distinguish them.
Explore Historic Barns → 03Reclaimed Wood Mantels
Compare hand-hewn, saw-cut, original-surface and planed reclaimed fireplace mantels made from historic timbers.
Explore Mantels → 04Fireplace Mantel Sizing
Learn how width, depth, thickness, height and fireplace proportions affect the size and appearance of a mantel.
View the Sizing Guide → 05Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Compare solid and engineered reclaimed flooring, species, surface character and available flooring styles.
Explore Flooring → 06Reclaimed Wood Shelves
Explore authentic reclaimed floating shelves in multiple depths, thicknesses and lengths for kitchens, living spaces and more.
Explore Shelves → 07Reclaimed Wood Paneling
Compare weathered grey, mixed brown and skip-planed barnwood for walls, ceilings and architectural features.
Explore Paneling → 08Wood Origin Stories
Discover the barns and historic structures behind some of the reclaimed material preserved and repurposed by Modern Timber Craft.
Explore Origin Stories →START WITH THE STORY
From Barn to Bedroom
Want a broader introduction to reclaimed wood? Follow the journey from historic structure to finished material and learn why provenance, original character and responsible reclamation matter.
Explore the Reclaimed Wood Guide