Reclaimed kitchens

Alex Main, Director of The Main Company, talks about the advantages of reclaimed kitchens and the considerations involved in choosing one…

By choosing to install a reclaimed kitchen you’re providing the raw materials with a new purpose. Making use of resources to make something new is not only sustainable, it can also look stylish. The natural character of the materials adds unique personality to a space.

The most popular material in reclaimed kitchens is wood. With the recent rise in awareness for sustainability, and eco-conscious materials filtering through to design, reclaimed wood is an option that not only considers the environment but also introduces authentic charm to the kitchen. No two pieces of wood are identical and therefore no kitchen using reclaimed wood will be either. From cabinetry to engineered flooring or cladding, reclaimed wood has many uses in the kitchen and is celebrated for its unique surface texture that only improves with age. Repurposing timber also introduces a rich history.

Make sure you do your research before committing to a decision on materials. Reclaimed wood is sustainable by the mere fact it is being reused and given a new lease of life and purpose. New wood is sustainable if it has traceability from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the organisation with global interest in sustainability.

Ideally, reclaimed wooden worktops and shelves in kitchens should be engineered. There aren’t many companies who can achieve this, but it’s a standard service at The Main Company. This will stop twisting, shrinking and splitting, which can occur in solid wood tops and shelves. At The Main Company, the reclaimed engineered wood looks just like antique planks, but with the structure of an engineered floor.

Some aspects don’t quite lend themselves to being reclaimed. However, wherever possible, you could try to build existing appliances into your new kitchen plan. maincompany.com