The Journey of Reclaimed Wood: From Scaffold to Statement Piece
At the heart of every piece of furniture we make is a material with history, strength, and soul: strong reclaimed scaffold board wood. It’s not polished perfection — and that’s exactly why we love it. In this blog, we’re sharing the journey that each board takes — from its hard-working days on building sites to becoming a statement piece in your home.
🏗️ Step 1: Life on the Scaffold
Our timber starts its life as scaffold boards the tough, sturdy planks used on construction sites across the UK. These boards have supported structures, tools, and people. They’ve faced the elements, carried weight, and weathered time. They're not just timber — they’ve lived a life.
🔨 Step 2: Salvaged Locally
Once scaffold boards are retired, we work with trusted local suppliers to collect and reclaim them. Sourcing locally around Dartmoor National Park helps reduce transport emissions and supports our mission to keep things sustainable, ethical, and rooted in the community.
🧼 Step 3: Cleaned & Inspected
Back at our workshop on Dartmoor, each board is thoroughly cleaned and inspected. We remove any nails, dirt, and rough splinters, but we intentionally preserve the character, the saw marks, weathered texture, and unique quirks that make each piece one-of-a-kind.
🪚 Step 4: Handcrafted by Tim
From here, the creative process begins. Using simple joinery and modern design, we shape each board into furniture with personality and purpose whether it’s a bathroom vanity, wall shelf, bedside table, or bookcase. Each piece is <strong>made by hand, right here in Devon, with care, intention, and skill.
🎨 Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once built, we sand each surface smooth, apply your chosen finish, and treat the wood to bring out its natural depth and warmth. The result? A timeless, statement piece that blends rustic texture with clean, simple lines — ready for your home.
🌿 The Beauty of Second Chances
What was once a working scaffold board is now a beautiful part of your living space. Every dent and grain tells a story, and every item is proof that sustainability can be stunning.
By choosing reclaimed wood furniture, you’re not just decorating — you’re making a statement about what matters: craftsmanship, sustainability, and soul.
Have a question about the wood we use or how our pieces are made? Get in touch, we love talking about our timber!
https://littledevonfurniture.co.uk/pages/contact
