Salvage Word Wednesdays began as an answer to a customer’s curiosity regarding a term we used to describe a design detail in an Earthwise newsletter in October 2014. It was her idea that we explain (more in depth) certain phrases, words, and terms used in the salvage and construction industries on a regular basis with which the layman may not be familiar. In these posts, expect to find a jargon or EWSlang term and its definition and an example (or two!) of how we use it, to the best of our abilities. See the whole series here! If you have questions or want to submit a word, please send us your ideas via email at marketing@ewsalvage.com.
WEEK 1: WOOD JACKETS
EWSalvage Example: “Mike reused wood jackets as wall paneling in his entry way.”
This term is used in reference to the thin layer of greyish to chocolatey-brown oxidation that is 1/32″-1/16″ in thickness on the outermost layer of reclaimed beams, which is usually milled off to square the material for the sawing process. This is where you see the majority of the character markings, saw blade marks, nail stains, chipping paints and patina on a piece of lumber. This material is non-uniform in dimension and not considered useable by the lumber industry – just waste to them, can you believe that?!
The resulting material which EWSalvage sells for .50 – 1.75/LF is between 1/8″-1/2″ thin and varies in lengths and widths. There are 2 finish sides: one with the patina and one without oxidation. Many clients have used this to clad walls, adding more warmth and visual interest than traditional tongue-in-groove wall paneling. It can also be used with blocking to recreate the look of exposed beams. Many love them for creative projects, as their non-uniformity lends them to easier use than full sized lumber cuts: think signage, furniture treatments, picture frames, shelving, and more.
Make sure to let us know how YOU have used wood jackets, or imagine them being used. And if you do make jackets out of wood, we would love hear about that, too! Email us at either location or at marketing@ewsalvage.com with your salvage word suggestions!
