5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture (and How to Spot Flaws)

When it comes to bringing warmth, character, and sustainability into your home, few things compare to reclaimed barnwood furniture. Each piece carries the story of history within its weathered grain—wood salvaged from century-old barns, fences, or outbuildings that once stood strong against the elements. Today, this material is given new life as heirloom-quality barnwood beds, reclaimed wood tables, and handcrafted dressers that can last for generations.

But while reclaimed barnwood is beautiful and eco-friendly, not all pieces on the market are created equal. In fact, first-time buyers often make costly mistakes when shopping for reclaimed wood furniture. To help you avoid buyer’s remorse, here are the top five mistakes to avoid—plus how to spot flaws, and why Raised In a Barn Furniture (based in Colorado) has become one of the best places to buy reclaimed furniture in the U.S.

Mistake #1: Not Checking for Proper Wood Treatment

Reclaimed wood has lived a long life—often exposed to decades of weather, nails, pests, and sometimes even chemical treatments. Unscrupulous sellers may offer unfinished or poorly prepared barnwood just to meet demand.

If the wood has not been kiln-dried or treated properly, it may contain pests, mold, or chemical residues that can make it unsafe or unstable. Untreated wood can also warp, crack, or deteriorate prematurely once it’s inside your home.

What to look for:

• Ask if the wood has been kiln-dried and inspected.

• Make sure all chemical finishes are stripped before the furniture is built.

• Work with makers who specialize in reclaimed barnwood furniture and take wood preparation seriously.

At Raised In a Barn Furniture, every board of reclaimed lumber is carefully inspected, cleaned, and stabilized before becoming part of a barnwood bed, dresser, or reclaimed wood swing. This ensures your furniture is not only safe but designed to last for generations.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Structural Integrity and Joinery

One of the most common mistakes buyers make is focusing only on appearance. While rustic character is part of the charm, the way a piece is constructed determines whether it will truly endure.

Solid joinery and design are what separate heirloom-quality furniture from mass-produced imports. Weak joints and cheap hardware eventually lead to wobbling, splitting, and breakage. Many low-quality pieces are “reclaimed-look” rather than true reclaimed wood, using thin veneers that won’t stand the test of time.

What to look for:

• Dovetail joints in reclaimed wood dressers.

• Strong frames on reclaimed barnwood beds.

• Trestle base construction for reclaimed wood tables.

Raised In a Barn Furniture proudly backs every piece with a lifetime workmanship warranty because each item is handcrafted in Colorado using time-tested woodworking methods.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Many buyers choose barnwood because it’s eco-friendly, but not all sellers are transparent about sourcing. Some use newly milled wood that has been artificially distressed to mimic the look of barnwood.

True reclaimed wood reduces the demand for new lumber, preserves forests, and helps lower landfill waste. Purchasing genuine reclaimed wood furniture is a meaningful way to support circular design and green living.

What to look for:

• Ask where the wood comes from (old barns, fences, flooring, etc.).

• Avoid “faux reclaimed” substitutes.

• Choose companies that prioritize sustainability.

At Raised In a Barn Furniture, the wood comes from real barns and historic structures across America. Each piece is transformed into reclaimed wood tables, barnwood beds, dressers, and swings that allow you to bring sustainability and history into your home.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Match Style with Your Home

It’s easy to fall in love with rustic barnwood character, but buyers sometimes forget to consider how the piece will fit into their existing space.

The wrong size or finish can overwhelm a room. Rustic wood blends beautifully with many décor styles, but it’s important to strike balance. A reclaimed barnwood bed might become the centerpiece of your bedroom, while a reclaimed wood table should complement the scale of your dining room.

What to look for:

• Measure carefully before purchasing large items.

• Decide whether you want a rough, distressed look or a more polished finish.

• Consider mixing reclaimed barnwood with metal or glass if your style leans modern.

Raised In a Barn’s designs are versatile enough to work with rustic farmhouse, industrial, mountain lodge, or even contemporary homes. Their Colorado-made furniture allows you to find the perfect match for your personal style.

Mistake #5: Choosing Price Over Quality

It’s tempting to chase the lowest price, but when it comes to heirloom furniture, you truly get what you pay for. Low-cost imports often cut corners with unsafe finishes, veneer over particle board, or weak joints that won’t last.

Investing in high-quality reclaimed barnwood furniture means you’re buying something that can be passed down for generations. With a lifetime workmanship warranty, you gain peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.

What to look for:

• Solid hardwood construction, not veneers or composites.

• Transparent sourcing and craftsmanship.

• A warranty that proves the maker stands by their work.

Every piece from Raised In a Barn Furniture is designed to be as durable as it is beautiful. From reclaimed wood swings to barnwood dressers and beds, you’ll find furniture built for everyday use that still tells a story.

Why Raised In a Barn Furniture is the Best Place to Buy Reclaimed Furniture

Raised In a Barn Furniture is more than a brand—it’s a promise of quality and authenticity. When you choose one of their handcrafted Colorado-made pieces, you’re choosing:

• Genuine reclaimed barnwood, not fake substitutes

• 100% handcrafted American quality

• Sustainable and eco-conscious sourcing

• Timeless designs that fit a variety of styles

• A lifetime workmanship warranty

• Furniture built to last for generations

Whether you’re searching for reclaimed wood beds, barnwood tables, dressers, or even a porch swing, Raised In a Barn delivers craftsmanship and character you won’t find elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture

How long does reclaimed barnwood furniture last?

When properly crafted, reclaimed barnwood furniture can last for generations. Because the wood has already survived decades outdoors, it is naturally dense and stable. Raised In a Barn Furniture backs its products with a lifetime workmanship warranty, ensuring they hold up through daily use for decades to come.

How do you clean reclaimed wood furniture?

To clean reclaimed wood tables, beds, and dressers, use a soft cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or silicone-based cleaners, as these can damage the natural finish. A light application of natural wood oil every few years can help preserve its character.

Will reclaimed barnwood furniture warp or crack?

Quality matters. Poorly prepared reclaimed wood can warp, but properly kiln-dried and sealed wood—like the kind used by Raised In a Barn—remains stable indoors. Small cracks or knots are part of the rustic character, but they don’t compromise durability when the furniture is built correctly.

Is reclaimed wood safe?

Yes, as long as it has been properly treated. Raised In a Barn Furniture ensures all wood is cleaned, kiln-dried, and stabilized to remove pests, chemicals, and mold. This makes it safe for use in bedrooms, dining rooms, and throughout your home.

How does reclaimed wood furniture help the environment?

Every piece of reclaimed barnwood furniture is an example of recycling at its best. By reusing old wood, fewer new trees are cut down, carbon emissions are reduced, and historic materials are saved from going to waste. It’s one of the most eco-friendly choices for home furnishings.

Does reclaimed barnwood match modern homes?

Absolutely. While barnwood is rustic, its warmth and texture create a striking contrast in modern spaces. Pairing a reclaimed wood table with sleek chairs or a barnwood bed with minimalist décor creates a perfect blend of old and new.

Why choose Raised In a Barn Furniture over other reclaimed wood sellers?

Raised In a Barn Furniture offers more than just products—they offer peace of mind. Every piece is handcrafted in Colorado, made with authentic reclaimed barnwood, and protected by a lifetime workmanship warranty. With a commitment to sustainability and quality, it’s the best place to buy reclaimed furniture for those who value authenticity, durability, and style.

Final Thoughts

Buying reclaimed barnwood furniture is more than a design choice—it’s a commitment to sustainability, history, and quality. By avoiding the common mistakes of overlooking wood treatment, joinery, sustainability, style, and quality, you can bring home a piece that will stand strong for decades.

If you want the best place to buy reclaimed furniture, look no further than Raised In a Barn Furniture. Proudly handcrafted in Colorado, every piece embodies the warmth of rustic barnwood, the strength of heirloom construction, and the values of eco-friendly living. From barnwood beds and reclaimed wood tables to dressers and swings, these are more than just furnishings—they’re future family heirlooms.

Call: 970-518-2883 We can custom make anything you want!