Why Consult With Us
Deep Expertise, Practical Advice
Reclaimed wood is not a commodity product with standardized grades and consistent availability. Every board has a history, and working with salvaged material requires knowledge that goes beyond standard lumber specifications. Our consulting practice exists to bridge this knowledge gap — giving architects, designers, builders, and homeowners the information they need to specify, source, and install reclaimed wood with confidence.
Over the past 15 years, we have processed millions of board feet of reclaimed lumber across dozens of species and hundreds of projects. This experience gives us a practical, field-tested understanding of what works — which species perform best in which applications, how reclaimed wood behaves differently from new lumber, what to expect in terms of character variation, and how to avoid the pitfalls that catch newcomers.
Our consulting is practical and project-focused. We do not sell theory — we provide specific, actionable recommendations based on your project's requirements, budget, and timeline. Whether you need a 30-minute phone call to answer a quick question or a multi-month engagement supporting a large commercial project, we scale to fit.
What Sets Our Consulting Apart
- We process the wood ourselves — our advice comes from direct, hands-on experience with reclaimed material
- We maintain a large inventory — we can show you actual samples, not just catalog images
- We understand NYC — building codes, fire codes, landmark requirements, and urban logistics
- We document everything — every recommendation comes with supporting data and documentation
- We are vendor-neutral — we recommend the best material for your project, whether it comes from our inventory or elsewhere
Free Initial Consultation
Not sure if you need consulting? We offer a free 20-minute initial consultation to understand your project, answer your most pressing question, and determine whether our consulting services would add value. No obligation, no sales pressure — just a conversation with someone who knows reclaimed wood.
Specialties
Consulting Specialties
Our consulting covers six core areas. Most engagements touch on multiple specialties — a typical architecture firm project might involve species selection, LEED documentation, and cost estimation. We scope each engagement to include exactly what you need.
Species Selection & Specification
Choosing the right reclaimed wood species for your application requires balancing structural requirements, aesthetic goals, availability, and budget. We guide architects and designers through the selection process — recommending species based on hardness (Janka rating), workability, dimensional stability, color and grain character, and suitability for the intended environment (interior, exterior, wet areas, high traffic).
Deliverables
- Species recommendation report
- Physical samples for client review
- Specification language for architectural drawings
- Performance data sheets for specified species
Structural Assessment of Reclaimed Timber
When reclaimed beams and timbers are being considered for structural applications — exposed ceiling beams, columns, posts, lintels — their load-bearing capacity must be verified. We provide visual stress grading of reclaimed timbers based on ASTM D245 and work with licensed structural engineers to confirm that salvaged material meets the structural requirements of your design.
Deliverables
- Visual stress grading report per ASTM D245
- Species and grade verification
- Moisture content and condition assessment
- Coordination with project structural engineer
Design Integration
Reclaimed wood brings unique character to a project, but it also introduces variables that affect design and installation. We help design teams integrate reclaimed materials into their projects — accounting for dimensional variation, color range, character marks, and the practical realities of working with salvaged material. Our goal is to set realistic expectations and ensure the finished result matches the design intent.
Deliverables
- Material mock-ups and sample panels
- Installation detail recommendations
- Finish selection guidance
- Dimensional tolerance guidelines for millwork and cabinetry
Sustainability Certification Support (LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge)
Reclaimed wood contributes to multiple green building credits across LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge, and other sustainability frameworks. We provide the documentation, chain-of-custody records, and material data needed to claim these credits. Our team understands the specific requirements of each framework and prepares documentation that passes third-party review without revision.
Deliverables
- LEED MR credit documentation (MRc2, MRc3, MRc4, MRc5 as applicable)
- Material passport with provenance and processing history
- Environmental product declaration (EPD) data
- Chain-of-custody certificates for all supplied material
- Salvage certificates and landfill diversion documentation
Cost Estimation & Value Engineering
Is reclaimed wood cost-effective for your project? The answer depends on the species, quantity, processing level, and what you are comparing it to. We provide detailed cost analyses that compare reclaimed options to new-growth alternatives on a total-installed-cost basis — including material, processing, delivery, installation, and finishing. When budgets are tight, we identify value engineering opportunities that maintain the reclaimed aesthetic at a lower cost.
Deliverables
- Detailed cost comparison: reclaimed vs. new alternatives
- Total installed cost analysis (material + labor + finishing)
- Value engineering recommendations
- Phased procurement options to manage cash flow
Material Sourcing Advisory
For projects requiring specific species, dimensions, or quantities that exceed our current inventory, we leverage our network of reclaimed lumber suppliers, salvage operators, and deconstruction companies across North America. We source material on your behalf, evaluate quality, and coordinate logistics — saving you the time and risk of dealing with unfamiliar suppliers.
Deliverables
- Sourcing plan with timeline and alternatives
- Supplier vetting and quality verification
- Logistics coordination and delivery scheduling
- Quality inspection at origin before shipping
Clients
Who We Work With
Architects & Interior Designers
We work with architecture and design firms from the earliest concept phase through construction administration. Our consulting helps specify reclaimed materials accurately, set realistic expectations for character and variation, and produce documentation that contractors can price and install from.
Common Engagements
- Material specifications for reclaimed flooring, paneling, and millwork
- Physical samples and mock-up panels for client presentations
- Finish recommendations for specific species and applications
- Sustainability credit documentation for LEED-registered projects
- As-built material documentation for project close-out
General Contractors & Builders
Contractors appreciate our practical, construction-focused approach. We help GCs source reclaimed materials reliably, plan installation sequences, and troubleshoot the fit-and-finish challenges that can arise when working with salvaged wood for the first time.
Common Engagements
- Reliable sourcing with confirmed quantities and delivery dates
- Installation guidance specific to reclaimed material characteristics
- Acclimation protocols for kiln-dried reclaimed lumber
- Fastener and adhesive recommendations by species and application
- On-site technical support during critical installation phases
Developers & Building Owners
We advise developers and building owners on the value proposition of reclaimed materials — both for new construction and for deconstruction of existing structures. Our analysis covers cost, sustainability marketing value, tenant appeal, and the tax benefits available through material donation.
Common Engagements
- Deconstruction vs. demolition cost-benefit analysis
- Salvage value projections for existing structures
- Tax deduction documentation for donated materials
- Sustainability narrative support for marketing and leasing
- Material budgeting for multi-unit and phased developments
Homeowners & DIY Enthusiasts
Not every reclaimed wood project requires an architect. Homeowners tackling their own renovation or furniture project benefit from our species expertise, finishing advice, and honest guidance about which reclaimed materials work for which applications. We offer individual consultations at our LIC facility or by phone/video.
Common Engagements
- Species selection for specific projects (tables, shelving, accent walls)
- Finish recommendations for food-safe, outdoor, or high-traffic applications
- Realistic assessment of DIY-feasibility for your project
- Material quantity calculations with appropriate overage
- Tool and technique recommendations for working with reclaimed wood
Furniture Makers & Woodworkers
Professional and hobbyist woodworkers come to us for access to species and character they cannot find in new lumber. We consult on species selection, grain matching, wood movement considerations, and the specific challenges of working with reclaimed stock (hidden metal, variable moisture, mixed grain orientation).
Common Engagements
- Species sourcing for specific furniture and craft projects
- Grain and color matching across multiple boards
- Wood movement calculations for tabletops and panel glue-ups
- Guidance on stabilizing and finishing reclaimed slabs
- Access to rare species inventory (chestnut, wormy chestnut, old-growth)
Pricing
Engagement Models
We offer three engagement formats to match different project sizes and needs. All models include written deliverables — you will never pay for a conversation that produces nothing tangible.
For focused questions, quick evaluations, and short-duration support. Ideal for homeowners, small projects, and one-time consultations. Billed in 30-minute increments. Phone, video, and on-site formats available.
For defined-scope engagements with clear deliverables — material specifications, cost analyses, sourcing plans, LEED documentation packages. We scope the work upfront and quote a fixed fee so there are no surprises. Most common model for architecture and design firms.
For firms and developers who need ongoing access to reclaimed wood expertise. Retainer clients receive priority response, dedicated account access, and rollover hours. Unused hours roll forward for up to 3 months. Additional hours billed at $100/hour (vs. $150 standard).
Experience
Past Project Types
Our consulting has supported projects across every building type and scale. The list below represents the categories we work in most frequently, but we welcome projects of any type that involve reclaimed or salvaged wood.
Restaurant & Hospitality
Reclaimed wood bar tops, wall cladding, ceiling treatments, host stands, tabletops, and exterior facade elements for restaurants, bars, hotels, and cafes.
Retail & Showroom
Display fixtures, feature walls, flooring, shelving, and branding elements using reclaimed wood for retail stores, galleries, and showrooms.
Office & Co-Working
Conference tables, reception desks, accent walls, and open-office partition elements using reclaimed timber for creative and corporate offices.
Residential — New Construction
Reclaimed wide-plank flooring, exposed beams, stair treads, mantels, and kitchen islands for new homes and additions.
Residential — Renovation
Material matching for historic restoration, replacement flooring, feature walls, and bathroom vanities in apartment and brownstone renovations.
Multi-Unit / Mixed-Use Development
Lobby finishes, common-area accent features, unit-level flooring and paneling, and exterior cladding for residential and commercial developments.
Institutional & Cultural
Museum exhibit elements, library furnishings, university campus features, and community space installations using reclaimed and salvaged materials.
Furniture & Custom Fabrication
Live-edge dining tables, conference tables, desks, shelving units, and custom architectural elements fabricated from reclaimed lumber.
Compliance
Code Compliance Guidance
Using reclaimed wood does not exempt a project from building code compliance. We help architects and contractors navigate the code requirements that apply to reclaimed material, ensuring that sustainable choices do not create compliance risks.
Fire Resistance
Reclaimed wood is subject to the same fire code requirements as new wood. We advise on species selection (naturally fire-resistant species), fire-retardant treatments compatible with reclaimed material, and compliance with local fire code requirements for exposed wood in commercial and multi-family applications.
Structural Use
Reclaimed timbers used in structural applications must meet stress grading requirements per the applicable building code (IBC, NYC Building Code). We provide visual stress grading and coordinate with structural engineers to verify that reclaimed members meet the required design values.
Lead Paint
Reclaimed wood from structures built before 1978 may contain lead paint. We test for lead content and advise on safe handling, appropriate encapsulation or removal methods, and compliance with EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rule requirements.
Moisture & Indoor Air Quality
Properly kiln-dried reclaimed wood meets all requirements for interior use. We verify moisture content, advise on acclimation protocols, and ensure material will not contribute to moisture problems or indoor air quality issues after installation.
ADA Compliance
When reclaimed wood is used for flooring in public and commercial spaces, surface texture and threshold transitions must comply with ADA accessibility requirements. We advise on finishing techniques that produce ADA-compliant surfaces while preserving reclaimed character.
VOC Emissions
While reclaimed wood itself has virtually zero VOC emissions (unlike some engineered wood products), finishes and adhesives used in installation can be sources of VOCs. We recommend low-VOC and zero-VOC finishing systems compatible with reclaimed species.
LEED
LEED Credit Assistance
Reclaimed wood can contribute to multiple LEED credits across the Materials and Resources (MR) category. The specific credits and point values depend on the LEED version (v4 or v4.1), the project type (BD+C, ID+C, O+M), and how the material is documented.
We have supported dozens of LEED-registered projects and understand exactly what documentation the GBCI reviewers expect. Our material passports, chain-of-custody certificates, and salvage documentation are formatted to align with LEED submittal requirements, reducing the back-and-forth during credit review.
Beyond LEED, we also support documentation for WELL Building Standard, Living Building Challenge, Green Globes, and NYC Local Law 97 compliance reporting. Reclaimed materials support sustainability goals across all of these frameworks.
LEED Credits Supported by Reclaimed Wood
MRc2 — Building Product Disclosure and Optimization: Environmental Product Declarations
Reclaimed lumber with documented environmental data (embodied carbon, resource extraction impact) contributes to this credit.
MRc3 — Building Product Disclosure and Optimization: Sourcing of Raw Materials
Salvaged and reused materials contribute directly. We provide chain-of-custody and source documentation.
MRc4 — Building Product Disclosure and Optimization: Material Ingredients
Reclaimed wood qualifies as a product with no harmful ingredient disclosure required — it is inherently transparent.
MRc5 — Construction and Demolition Waste Management
Deconstruction and material salvage directly support waste diversion tracking for this credit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need consulting, or can I just buy the wood?
You can absolutely buy from us without a consulting engagement. Consulting is most valuable when you need to specify material before purchasing (for architectural projects), when you need LEED or sustainability documentation, when you are comparing reclaimed vs. new options, or when you are working with reclaimed wood for the first time and want expert guidance.
Can you consult on projects outside the NYC area?
Yes. While our processing facility and primary service area are in NYC, our consulting expertise applies to reclaimed wood projects anywhere. We support remote clients via phone, video, and detailed written reports. For projects outside the tri-state area, we can also source material from our network of suppliers across North America.
How quickly can you turn around a consulting deliverable?
It depends on scope. A species recommendation and sample selection can be completed in 2-3 business days. A full LEED documentation package typically takes 5-10 business days. A comprehensive material specification for a large commercial project may take 2-4 weeks. We confirm timelines in every proposal.
Do consulting fees apply to material purchases?
For project-based and retainer clients, consulting fees are credited toward material purchases exceeding $5,000. For example, if your consulting engagement costs $2,000 and you subsequently purchase $10,000 in material, $2,000 is credited to your material invoice. This ensures that our consulting relationship naturally transitions into a supply relationship.
Can you work directly with my architect or contractor?
Yes, and we frequently do. We are comfortable interfacing directly with design teams, GCs, and subcontractors. We attend project meetings (in person or virtually), participate in design reviews, and coordinate directly with installers during construction. Just let us know how you want the communication structured.
Ready to Start a Conversation?
Schedule a free 20-minute initial consultation to discuss your project. No obligation — just a conversation with someone who understands reclaimed wood inside and out.
Schedule ConsultationFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics can your consulting cover?
We advise on species selection, structural viability, sourcing, pricing, sustainability credits, and reclaimed material specs.
Do you support architects during design and submittals?
Yes. We supply cut sheets, samples, and spec language, and we review details for constructability and sourcing risk.
How are consulting engagements priced?
Hourly, project-based, or retainer models are available depending on scope and timeline.
Can you help with carbon or LEED documentation?
We calculate carbon savings, provide provenance data, and prepare MR credit documentation to support certifications.
Do you consult outside the NYC area?
Yes. Remote consulting and site visits outside NYC are available; travel is scoped into the engagement.