--- title: "Reclaimed Wood Cabinetry Jacksonville FL: The Real Cost" canonical: "https://kleincarpentryjax.com/services/cabinet-maker/reclaimed-wood-cabinetry/" description: "Reclaimed wood cabinetry in Jacksonville, FL: why kiln drying is mandatory here, how yield loss drives cost up, and where salvaged wood actually belongs." --- # Reclaimed Wood Cabinetry in Jacksonville, FL 1. [Home](/) 2. › 3. [Services](/services/) 4. › 5. [Cabinet Maker](/services/cabinet-maker/) 6. › 7. Reclaimed Wood Cabinetry Someone offers you barn siding off a torn down building, and the math looks like free material. Reclaimed wood cabinetry in Jacksonville, FL is one of the [specialty cabinet builds](/services/cabinet-maker/) we take on, and we would rather be honest up front. Old wood is not cabinet stock. It must be sorted, metal detected, kiln dried and milled first. That work is the cost story. The part people get backwards: reclaimed usually costs more than new hardwood, not less. ![Kitchen with cabinetry built from reclaimed barn wood boards](/_astro/reclaimed-wood-cabinetry-1.C7cAzQEu_Z29iMYl.webp) ## What Qualifies for Reclaimed Wood Cabinets Most of a salvage pile never becomes reclaimed wood cabinets. We look at thickness, species and how the board lived. Good candidates: heart pine joists out of pre-1940 Springfield and Riverside houses, cypress siding, sinker cypress, oak barn framing trucked down from Georgia. Bad candidates: painted boards from before 1978, anything that sat in ground contact, pressure treated lumber and pallet wood. A board that started at 3/4 inch thick will not survive milling either. Start at 5/4 or thicker. ## Prepping Salvaged Wood Cabinets: De-Nailing, Metal Detection, Kiln Drying and Milling Salvaged wood cabinets go through a fixed sequence, and skipping a step is how the job goes wrong. Hand de-nailing comes first, and old framing nails snap off below the surface constantly. Metal detection is second: every board passes a detector before it goes near a planer, because one hidden nail head takes out a set of knives. Kiln drying is third, and in Florida it is not optional. Old wood carries powderpost beetle larvae and termite activity, and heat is the only reliable way to kill what is inside a board. A sterilization schedule typically holds the core near 133 degrees for about 30 minutes, then brings moisture content to roughly 6 to 8 percent. We do not build with unverified stock. Milling is last: rip, joint, plane, then let the wood move before final dimensioning. Old boards release tension and bow the day after coming off flat. ![Reclaimed wood island with visible nail holes and patina](/_astro/reclaimed-wood-cabinetry-2.Cwr8IFZK_2pQeHI.webp) ## Why Barn Wood Cabinetry Costs More, Not Less Yield is the answer. New hardwood puts roughly 70 to 80 percent of a board into the job. Barn wood cabinetry runs well below that. Stage Material remaining Raw salvage received 100% After culling rot, paint, undersized boards 60% to 75% After de-nailing and nail hole cuts 50% to 65% After kiln losses and milling 30% to 45% A job needing 100 board feet of finished material starts with 250 to 300 board feet of salvage, plus de-nailing labor and kiln time you pay for either way. Reclaimed lands 30 to 60 percent above new hardwood. You are buying color and saw marks no finish reproduces, which is a real thing to want. It is not a savings. ![Reclaimed boards being milled in a shop](/_astro/reclaimed-wood-cabinetry-3.Bq83cTRg_2sfSBv.webp) ## Where Rustic Wood Cabinets Work and Where They Do Not Use it as a feature, not the whole kitchen. Rustic wood cabinets built entirely from salvage read heavy, and texture that works on one island panel looks like a barn across 30 linear feet. Application Verdict Why Island end and back panels Excellent Big face, few parts Range hood shroud Excellent Sculptural, seen across the room Full kitchen of doors Risky Color match is near impossible Vanity near a shower Poor Checks hold water For a bath we build a clean [custom vanity](/services/cabinet-maker/bathroom-vanities/) with one reclaimed front panel. The same logic applies to [farmhouse cabinetry](/services/cabinet-maker/farmhouse-cabinetry/): one reclaimed element beats a room of it. ![Reclaimed wood cabinet against a white wall](/_astro/reclaimed-wood-cabinetry-4.DT4FowhI_m6mHo.webp) ## Finishing Antique Wood Cabinetry Antique wood cabinetry needs a finish that protects without erasing the patina. A gloss topcoat turns a hundred year old surface into plastic. We use a penetrating or hardwax oil on shelving and panels, and a matte conversion varnish where the surface takes daily abuse. A 10 to 20 sheen keeps the texture honest. Nail holes get judged one by one. Anything within reach of food splatter gets filled with dark epoxy so it stays visible but cleanable. Sanding stays light, since heavy sanding removes what you paid for. ## How a Reclaimed Project Runs We start with the wood, not the drawing. Send photos with a tape in frame and we will tell you the usable percentage before quoting. If you have no source, we can find one. De-nailing, detection and kiln add two to four weeks before shop work starts. Then we lay the parts out so you approve board placement. Plan on eight to fourteen weeks. ## Reclaimed Wood Cabinetry Cost in Jacksonville Scope Typical range Prep on wood you supply $9 to $18 per board foot Island panel package $1,800 to $4,500 Open shelving, installed $180 to $400 per linear foot Species drives the number, since heart pine and sinker cypress are scarce. These are typical Northeast Florida ranges rather than a quote, and we price after we see the wood. ## Why Jacksonville Homeowners Choose Klein Carpentry 4.8 ★ ### Rated by 51 Google Reviewers Klein Carpentry holds a 4.8 star average across [51 Google reviews](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7803379908473648836&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA). Homeowners keep mentioning the same things: fast replies, crews who show up when they say they will, and attention to detail. Every reclaimed wood cabinetry project gets a written quote, a clear schedule and a daylight walkthrough at the end. Humidity ### Built for Florida's Climate Wood gains and loses moisture with the air around it, and the USDA Forest Products Laboratory's [Wood Handbook](https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/62200) shows how much it swells and shrinks as a result. We plan every reclaimed wood cabinetry job for that movement: stable sheet goods, acclimated lumber, moisture-resistant material near slabs and wet rooms, and joints with room to move. 3 Heights ### Fit to Your Actual Walls Jacksonville homes range from plaster and concrete block to square new construction. We measure each opening at the floor, mid height and ceiling before building, then scribe the finished work to the wall. Depending on the piece, it is built in our shop and brought in finished or built on site in your home, so the fit stays tight either way. ## What Jacksonville Homeowners Say 4.8from [51 Google reviews](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7803379908473648836&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) - > We recently used Klein Carpentry to aid in the renovation of our home. Ray and his team installed new baseboards, wainscotting, window/door trim and crown molding to bring a major update to what was a builder grade interior. From the bidding to the final nail took about two months but the results were worth the wait. During the entire process, Ray was polite and passionate about his work while keeping the working area tidy at all times. I would highly recommend using Kline for any of your carpentry needs, you won't be disappointed! [Glenn Seagers](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114651120895171678610/reviews) · 2 years ago on Google - > My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Klein Carpentry. We recently moved into our new home, and as most homeowners, we wanted to put our personal touch on it. Inspired by so many ideas from Pinterest and HGTV, like so many others, I had several ideas of how I envision what I wanted for our custom built-in. I spoke with Ray, who could also see my vision and transfer it to a 3D program for us to see visually. Well, I can't say enough of what a fantastic job both Ray and Nathan did. From the start of our project to the very end, they exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Words can't describe how their professionalism, commitment, and craftsmanship are genuine. Both Ray and Nathan are genuinely a pleasure to work with. They are two kind, sincere gentlemen who care about their work and the client's vision. They are punctual and reliable and went above and beyond to ensure that my built-ins were completed on time. With this said, we could not be happier with how they turned out. I can finally display my beautiful Disney collectible, which I had been put away for far too long. I highly recommend Klein Carpentry to anyone considering having any work done in theirs. [Laureen Rosario-Perez](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110756978317127978794/reviews) · 2 years ago on Google - > I am thrilled to share my positive experience with Ray and Klein Carpentry. From start to finish, they exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Their professionalism and commitment to quality were evident from the moment they arrived, and they consistently delivered exceptional work throughout the entire project. One of the standout aspects of working with Ray and Klein Carpentry was their ability to accommodate my needs and desires. They took the time to truly understand what I wanted and went above and beyond to ensure that I was completely satisfied with the end result. Their attention to detail was impeccable, and they demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every aspect of the project was completed to the highest possible standards. Ray and Nathan were an absolute pleasure to work with - not only were they skilled craftsmen, but they were also kind, funny, and genuine individuals who truly cared about ensuring that I was happy with their work. They were punctual, reliable, and always went the extra mile to ensure that the project was completed on time and within budget. The end result of their work was simply stunning - a beautiful 20-foot built-in shelving unit with crown molding, complemented by a gorgeous accent wall behind the TV. The craftsmanship and attention to detail were second to none, and I have received countless compliments on their work from friends and family. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Ray and Klein Carpentry to anyone in need of their services. They are true professionals who take pride in their work and go above and beyond to ensure that their clients are completely satisfied. If you want exceptional quality and unparalleled customer service, look no further than Ray and Klein Carpentry - they truly are the best in the business. [Sam Scholten](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105138397256252213126/reviews) · 3 years ago on Google Reviews from Google ## Frequently Asked Questions Do I really have to kiln dry reclaimed wood in Florida? Yes. Old wood commonly harbors powderpost beetle larvae, and the climate here keeps them active. Kiln heat sterilizes the board and brings moisture content down so the wood stays stable indoors. Can I supply my own barn wood? Yes, and plenty of clients do. We look at it first and give you an honest usable percentage, because a stack that photographs well often yields little after culling. What about lead paint on old boards? We do not mill painted stock from buildings likely built before 1978 unless the paint has been removed safely by someone equipped for it. Sanding unknown paint creates dust you do not want in a house. Is reclaimed wood cheaper than new hardwood? No, it generally runs 30 to 60 percent more. Culling, de-nailing, kiln time and milling losses mean you buy two to three times the raw material. Will reclaimed cabinets look out of place in a newer Jacksonville home? Not as an accent. In newer Nocatee and Bartram Park kitchens, reclaimed reads best on one island or a hood paired with painted cabinetry. ## Related Cabinet and Carpentry Services - ### [Farmhouse Cabinetry](/services/cabinet-maker/farmhouse-cabinetry/) The style reclaimed serves. - ### [Kitchen Island Cabinetry](/services/cabinet-maker/kitchen-island-cabinetry/) Home for a reclaimed panel. - ### [Solid Wood Cabinets](/services/cabinet-maker/solid-wood-cabinets/) Real wood without the premium. - ### [Custom Floating Shelves](/services/cabinet-maker/floating-shelves/) Where thick stock shines. - ### [Bespoke Furniture](/services/woodworking/bespoke-furniture/) A reclaimed table instead. - ### [Cabinet Maker Services](/services/cabinet-maker/) The full range we build. Get a Free Quote Tell us about your reclaimed wood cabinetry project. 4.8[51 Google reviews](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7803379908473648836&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) ## Ready to Talk Through Your Reclaimed Wood Cabinetry Project? Call Klein Carpentry at [(904) 759-4988](tel:9047594988) and we will come look at the space, take measurements and give you a written quote. Get A Free Quote Today