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Several sources introduce lines with reclaimed wood

By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, February 4, 2007

Las Vegas — Some case goods manufacturers and importers showing here last week were touting reclaimed wood, believing it will help dealers attract consumers seeking a certain look and a "green" story.

The wood comes from a variety of sources, ranging from old barns in Louisiana to old bridges and mines in Russia. Use of such wood obviously doesn't involve cutting live trees, and that eco-friendly approach can be an effective marketing tool at retail when selling to environmentally conscious consumers.

But most companies say it's the look and story behind the wood that gets the customer's interest first. That's been the experience of Jonathan Fletcher, president of case goods importer Arin International, which showed here in the World Market Center's Pavilions.

The company uses reclaimed pine found largely in Russia. Much of the raw material is 100- to 150-year-old wood from old bridges, mines, barns and railway tunnels.

The supply is ample and there's little concern of it running out, Fletcher said.

The wood is shipped to Vietnam, where it's made into bedroom, dining room and occasional furniture. Some pieces have hardware forged from metals found with the old wood.

New for Arin this market are bedroom and dining room pieces in the Irish Coast collection. Five-piece bedrooms retail at $1,495, and a three-piece dining set retails for $795.

Case goods importer Four Hands has been slowly shifting to eco-friendly woods such as reclaimed teak and plantation-grown hardwoods.

This market, only a few new items on display were made of such woods, including a $1,495 retail dining table and a $495 coffee table, both in the Emperor collection and made of reclaimed elm.

"There is strong interest among retailers in checking out these products," said Vice President of Marketing Jeff Hiller.

Other companies touting environmentally friendly product this market included Sweet Smiling Home, American Company, Groovystuff and Greenington.

Greenington notes that the solid bamboo used in its bedroom, dining room and occasional furniture is sustainable because it's one of the world's fastest-growing plants.

Groovystuff uses old plows, wagon wheels and box carts found in Asia in finished goods such as chairs that retail from $340 to $399, dining tables from $1,200 to $2,000, and benches in the $800 range. The pieces fetch such prices because they have a nostalgic appearance suited to second and third homes, said co-owner Jeff Singleton.

Also showing items with old wood was accent furniture specialist Furniture Classics, which uses reclaimed teak, oak, pine and other Asian hardwoods, giving items a weathered, one-of-a-kind look.

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Reclaimed wood's 'green' story getting told in Vegas

Jan 30, 2007

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