5 Reasons Why You Should Start Shopping For Reclaimed Furniture
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Why choose reclaimed furniture?
Here are some more specific reasons to consider shopping for reclaimed furniture:
1. You're supporting sustainable practices
Reclaimed furniture is an environmentally friendly choice. By using salvaged or recycled materials, you are reducing the demand for new resources and minimising waste and the use of harmful chemicals.
Reclaimed furniture is an environmentally friendly choice — it reduces the demand for new resources and minimises waste.
2. You're getting higher-quality furniture
Reclaimed furniture is often made from high-quality materials that were originally intended to last a long time. For example, old-growth wood is known for its density and durability, making it an ideal material for furniture. When properly cared for, reclaimed furniture can last for generations.
Reclaimed pieces are often crafted from high-quality, old-growth timber and can last for generations when cared for correctly.
3. It can be more affordable long-term
Reclaimed furniture can often be more affordable in the long run thanks to its durability. Well-crafted reclaimed pieces are built to last, meaning you won’t need to replace them as frequently as cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. This makes reclaimed furniture a smart investment that saves you money over time.
Reclaimed furniture can often be more affordable in the long run thanks to its durability.
4. It adds character to your home
Reclaimed furniture has a unique and rustic style that can add warmth and character to any home. Whether you are looking for a farmhouse-style dining table or a modern reclaimed sideboard, there is a wide range of styles available to suit any taste. Reclaimed furniture has a unique story and history attached to it, which can add character to your home.
Reclaimed furniture brings unique, characterful details and history that new pieces can’t replicate.
5. You're helping to preserve history
By choosing to buy reclaimed furniture, you're helping to preserve history and keep old pieces of Furniture out of landfills.
Choosing reclaimed wood furniture helps preserve history and keeps usable materials out of landfills.
The Urban Elegance Collection - Oakavia
What is reclaimed wood?
Reclaimed wood is simply wood that has been used before. It can come from old buildings, barns, fences, or even factories. The key to shopping for reclaimed furniture is to find pieces that have been well-crafted and built to last. Check out our selection of reclaimed furniture. The Urban Chic Collection is made using reclaimed wood from places such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan in India. The wood can range between 50 and 150 years old.
Reclaimed wood is timber that has been used before — often decades old — and repurposed into furniture with unique grain, patina and history.
Here are a few reasons why you should start shopping for reclaimed furniture:
Reclaimed wood is unique.
No two pieces of reclaimed wood are exactly alike, so you can be sure that your furniture will be one-of-a-kind.
Reclaimed wood is durable.
Because it has already been used once, reclaimed wood is typically more resistant to wear and tear than new wood. This means that your furniture will last longer.
Reclaimed wood is eco-friendly.
By choosing to buy reclaimed furniture, you're helping to reduce the demand for new lumber. This helps protect our forests and reduces the environmental impact of furniture production.
Reclaimed wood is affordable.
Reclaimed furniture can often be more affordable thanks to its durability. Well-crafted reclaimed pieces are built to last, meaning you won’t need to replace them as frequently as cheaper, mass-produced alternatives.

Environmental benefits
When trees are cut down, they release a lot of carbon into the atmosphere. This carbon contributes to climate change and can have a negative impact on the environment. However, when you use reclaimed wood, you're recycling the wood and giving it a new life. This means that the carbon that would have been released into the atmosphere is instead being used to create beautiful furniture.
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, using reclaimed wood also helps to preserve our forests. Forests are important ecosystems that provide us with oxygen, clean air, and water. They also help to combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When you use reclaimed wood, you're helping to preserve these vital ecosystems.
Using reclaimed wood recycles timber and helps preserve forests by reducing the need for newly felled trees.
Oakavia supports Ecologi — one tree is planted for every order to help offset carbon footprints.

How to identify the best quality reclaimed furniture
When choosing reclaimed furniture, quality matters just as much as style. At Oakavia, we carefully select pieces that are built to last and full of character. Here are a few things that make a difference:
Solid Wood Construction – The best reclaimed furniture is made from genuine solid wood, not veneers. This ensures strength, durability, and natural charm.
Craftsmanship – Look for sturdy joints, strong frames, and a finish that feels robust. Well-crafted furniture will stand the test of time.
Attention to Detail – Quality reclaimed pieces feature secure hardware, smooth finishes, and thoughtful restoration that enhances their character.
Natural Character – Signs of ageing, such as knots, unique grain patterns, or subtle weathering, add authenticity and individuality, turning each item into a one-of-a-kind piece.
At Oakavia, we do our best to make sure the pieces we source meets these standards—so you can shop with confidence knowing you’re investing in quality as well as sustainability.
Check for solid wood construction, tight joints and well-attached hardware to identify high-quality reclaimed pieces.
Where to find high-quality pieces of reclaimed furniture?
High-quality reclaimed furniture can be found in many places, but Oakavia stands out as an excellent choice. We offer a carefully curated range of unique, durable pieces that bring character and sustainability into your home. With Free UK Mainland Delivery (surcharge may apply to certain postcodes), exceptional customer service, and a 14-day returns policy, you can shop with confidence knowing you’re getting both quality and peace of mind.
Find reclaimed furniture at Oakavia, we offer a carefully curated range of unique, durable pieces that bring character and sustainability into your home.
Popular reclaimed furniture pieces
Reclaimed furniture can be found in a variety of styles and types of furniture. Here are some popular reclaimed furniture pieces:
Dining Room
Reclaimed wood dining tables are a popular choice for those who want a statement piece for their dining room. With their natural beauty and durability, they are perfect for hosting family dinners and gatherings.
Bedroom
Reclaimed wood bed frames, bedside tables, wardrobes, and dressers are popular choices for those who want to add warmth and character to their bedroom. They offer a rustic and natural feel that can help create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Office
Reclaimed wood desks, filing cabinets, and office chairs are perfect for those who want to add a touch of character to their workspace. They can help create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, which can increase productivity and creativity.
Reclaimed pieces are popular as dining tables, bedroom furniture and office items — versatile statement pieces with lasting character.
Conclusion
Reclaimed furniture is a sustainable and stylish choice for those who want to add warmth and character to their homes. With its unique style and durability, it is a popular choice for dining rooms, bedrooms, and office furniture. So, if you are looking for a statement piece for your home, consider choosing reclaimed furniture.
Want to read more? Check out Recycled vs. Reclaimed Wood: Which is Best for Sustainable Furniture — a deep dive into how reclaimed wood compares to recycled wood in terms of character, durability, and sustainability.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: Is reclaimed wood durable?
A: Yes. Reclaimed wood is often old-growth timber that has seasoned over time and can be very durable when correctly prepared and finished.
Q: Where does Oakavia source reclaimed wood?
A: Some of our reclaimed ranges use timber salvaged from regions such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan in India; pieces can be anywhere from around 50 to 150 years old — details are provided on each product page.
Q: Does Oakavia do any carbon offsetting?
A: Yes — Oakavia supports Ecologi and plants a tree for every order to help offset carbon associated with sourcing and logistics.
Q: Are reclaimed pieces expensive?
A: Reclaimed furniture can sometimes be more affordable than new furniture due to its longevity, but pricing varies by piece, rarity and craftsmanship.

