A reclaimed wood desk can fit with rustic, country, shabby chic or even modern décor. Really, the only distinguishing feature of a reclaimed wood desk is the origin of the materials. The appearance of the desk itself depends upon the skill of the person who makes the desk.
It can be fun, however, to emphasize the wood. Barnwood, for example, has a distinctive patina like no other. If the wood is reclaimed from a real barn, the surface can be smoothed, and the weathered color can be preserved with a clear finish. Other sources for reclaimed wood can include wooden pallets, any sort of old building, musical instruments such as upright pianos, mill discards, and construction site rejects or errors.
Reclaimed wood is often distressed. It might have nail holes, knots, or finishing from previous projects. This lends character to the wooden surface. A light sanding brings out the grain without removing the deeper dings and nicks. A bit of stain, followed by a clear finish makes a good work surface that has far more character than a standard wood surface.
The desk itself can range from a simple, rectangular table or an L shaped table, to a well-crafted desk that includes drawers for supplies or files. It could even include an attractive hutch over the desk. With the right sort of reclamation, such as an old piano or organ, the hutch could have a covered shelf or even a roll top for storage pigeonholes. A clever carpenter can turn all sorts of things into a desk with a little time and ingenuity.
With just a little thought, reclaimed wood can be made into something beautiful. It is the environmentally sound choice. Reclaiming wood keeps it out of the landfill. It shows respect for the trees that were sacrificed to create the original lumber. Best of all, it is an opportunity to create a unique desk that is a one-of-a-kind product. Whether the wood is reclaimed from a construction site, a demolished structure, wooden pallets or from an old piano, dresser or other repurposed furniture piece, it gives the original materials a second life.
