We're passionate advocates for reclaimed wood, but we also believe in being honest about potential risks. Salvaged lumber can contain hazards that new wood does not, and knowing how to identify and manage them is essential for safe use.
Lead paint is the most common concern. Any wood from a structure built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. This paint is dangerous when sanded, scraped, or heated, as it releases lead dust and fumes. Never sand painted reclaimed wood without first testing for lead using a home test kit (available at hardware stores for under $15).
If lead paint is present, you have two options: professional removal by a certified lead abatement contractor, or encapsulation (sealing the paint under a new finish). For applications where the painted surface will never be disturbed, encapsulation is acceptable. For furniture, food surfaces, or children's spaces, full removal is the only safe option.
Creosote and pentachlorophenol (penta) are preservatives used on railroad ties, telephone poles, and some industrial timbers. These chemicals are toxic and carcinogenic. We never accept creosote-treated or penta-treated wood at our facility, and neither should you. The dark, oily appearance and distinctive chemical smell are easy identifiers.
CCA (chromated copper arsenate) treated wood was used extensively until 2003 for residential decking and playground equipment. It has a distinctive greenish tint. CCA wood should never be burned, and we recommend against reusing it for any application where human contact is frequent.
At LA Lumber, every incoming piece is visually inspected for paint, treatment, and contamination. Suspect pieces are tested before entering our inventory. This vigilance is why you can trust that our reclaimed wood is safe for its intended application.