Eco Impact Calculator
See exactly how your choice of reclaimed lumber helps the planet.
Let's Build Something Sustainable Together
Whether you need reclaimed beams for a renovation or want to sell salvaged lumber, our team is ready to help. Fill out the form and we'll respond within 24 hours.
“Every board we reclaim is a step toward a greener Los Angeles.”
— Rafael Cortez, Founder
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Calculate Your Impact
Enter the amount of reclaimed lumber you plan to use and see the environmental impact.
Not sure how many board feet? A typical accent wall uses 100-200 BF. A full deck uses 500-1000 BF.
How the Calculator Works
Our Eco Impact Calculator transforms your order into a clear picture of environmental benefit. Here is a step-by-step explanation of what happens when you enter your board footage.
Enter Your Board Feet
You input the number of board feet in your order or planned project. One board foot equals a piece of lumber 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. If you are unsure of your exact quantity, use our example projects below for reference or contact our team for a free estimate.
We Apply Conversion Factors
The calculator multiplies your board footage against peer-reviewed environmental conversion factors. Each metric — trees preserved, CO2 avoided, water saved, and landfill waste diverted — uses a separate, independently verified formula based on data from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, EPA, and Water Footprint Network.
Results Are Displayed
You see the environmental savings displayed in clear, relatable terms. Instead of abstract units, we translate the data into tangible outcomes: trees that remain standing, pounds of greenhouse gas not emitted, gallons of fresh water conserved, and pounds of material diverted from landfills.
Compare and Decide
Use the results to evaluate the environmental case for your reclaimed lumber project. The data can support LEED documentation, sustainability reports for commercial projects, and grant applications for green building initiatives. Our team can provide a formal Sustainability Report for your records upon request.
Detailed Methodology
Our calculator uses peer-reviewed data and industry-standard conversion factors. Here's a transparent look at the methodology behind each metric.
Trees Saved
One mature tree yields approximately 250 board feet of lumber. We calculate trees saved based on your order volume. This figure accounts for a typical mature softwood tree (60-80 years old, 60-80 feet tall). Hardwood species yield less per tree, so our estimates are conservative. The figure includes only the merchantable timber portion of the tree — not branches, bark, or the stump — making the real impact even greater than reported.
Trees saved = Board feet ordered / 250
Source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory
CO2 Avoided
Harvesting and processing new lumber generates about 0.8 lbs of CO2 per board foot. Reclaiming avoids this entirely. Additionally, the carbon already stored within the wood (approximately 0.5 lbs CO2 per board foot) remains sequestered instead of being released during decomposition in a landfill. Our calculation uses the lower figure (0.8 lbs) to remain conservative, but the true climate benefit including sequestered carbon and avoided methane emissions is significantly higher.
CO2 avoided = Board feet x 0.8 lbs
Source: EPA & Forest Products Laboratory
Water Saved
Processing new lumber uses approximately 5.4 gallons of water per board foot through forestry and milling operations. This includes water used in forest road maintenance, log washing, sawmill cooling systems, and kiln operations. Reclaimed lumber processing uses minimal water — primarily for cleaning. In drought-prone Southern California, water conservation carries particular significance. Every 1,000 board feet of reclaimed lumber saves enough water to supply an average LA household for nearly two weeks.
Water saved = Board feet x 5.4 gallons
Source: Water Footprint Network
Landfill Diverted
Each board foot of lumber weighs approximately 2.5 lbs. This weight is diverted from landfills when we reclaim it. In a landfill, wood decomposes anaerobically, producing methane — a greenhouse gas 80x more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period. Diverting wood prevents this methane generation. California landfill tipping fees average $45-75 per ton, so reclamation also represents a direct economic savings for demolition contractors and property owners.
Waste diverted = Board feet x 2.5 lbs
Source: EPA Waste Reduction Model (WARM)
Calculations are estimates based on industry data from the USDA Forest Service, EPA, and Forest Products Laboratory. Actual values may vary based on species, processing methods, and transportation distances.
Example Calculations
Not sure how many board feet you need? Here are some common project types with estimated material requirements and their corresponding environmental savings.
Accent Wall
~150 board feet
A 10x8 ft reclaimed wood accent wall in a living room or bedroom.
Hardwood Flooring (Room)
~400 board feet
Reclaimed hardwood flooring for a 300 sq ft room, accounting for waste.
Kitchen Renovation
~600 board feet
Open shelving, butcher block countertops, and a kitchen island top.
Full Home Flooring
~2,000 board feet
Reclaimed flooring for a typical 1,500 sq ft home throughout all main areas.
Restaurant Build-Out
~3,500 board feet
Accent walls, bar tops, tables, and decorative beams for a 2,000 sq ft restaurant.
Deck or Patio
~800 board feet
A 200 sq ft outdoor deck built with reclaimed hardwood decking.
Reclaimed vs. New Lumber: Environmental Impact Side by Side
A direct comparison of the environmental footprint for 1,000 board feet of reclaimed versus newly harvested lumber. The differences are stark.
Reclaimed Lumber
Per 1,000 board feet
Trees Harvested
No living trees are cut down
CO2 Emissions
Carbon remains sequestered in wood
Water Consumed
Cleaning and light processing only
Energy Required
Denailing, milling, and kiln drying
Landfill Waste Generated
Non-salvageable scraps and metal removed
Toxic Chemicals Used
No pesticides, herbicides, or preservatives
Habitat Disruption
No forest roads, no clear-cutting
Transportation Emissions
Sourced locally within LA County
Newly Harvested Lumber
Per 1,000 board feet
Trees Harvested
Mature trees (60-80 years old)
CO2 Emissions
Harvesting, processing, and transport
Water Consumed
Forestry, milling, and kiln operations
Energy Required
Logging, transport, sawmill, and kiln
Landfill Waste Generated
Bark, sawdust, slabs, and trim waste
Toxic Chemicals Used
Pesticides, herbicides, anti-stain treatments
Habitat Disruption
Roads, clear-cuts, soil compaction
Transportation Emissions
Forest to mill to distributor to site
Bottom line: Choosing reclaimed lumber for a 1,000-board-foot project saves 4 mature trees, avoids 800 lbs of CO2 emissions, conserves over 5,000 gallons of water, and prevents 2,500 lbs of material from entering a landfill. For a typical home renovation using 3,000 board feet, triple those numbers.
Environmental Facts & Statistics
The broader picture of why reclaimed lumber matters — in the context of construction waste, deforestation, and climate change.
Construction and demolition debris generated annually in the U.S. — more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste.
Source: EPA, 2023
Percentage of C&D debris that is wood. Reclaiming even a small fraction of this keeps millions of tons out of landfills every year.
Source: EPA Characterization of C&D Debris
Cubic feet of lumber consumed in the U.S. annually. Reclaimed lumber reduces the pressure on forests to supply this enormous demand.
Source: American Wood Council
Trees cut down worldwide every year. Choosing reclaimed materials directly reduces demand for newly harvested timber.
Source: Nature Journal, Global Tree Study
Percentage of global CO2 emissions attributable to deforestation and forest degradation — more than all transportation combined.
Source: World Resources Institute
Methane from decomposing wood in landfills is 80 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO2 over a 20-year period. Reclaiming wood prevents this.
Source: IPCC, Sixth Assessment
Much of the reclaimed wood we process comes from old-growth timber harvested 80-150+ years ago. This dense, durable wood is simply no longer available from new harvests.
Source: Industry observation
Reclaimed lumber uses approximately 8 times less energy to process compared to harvesting and milling new lumber from standing timber.
Source: Athena Sustainable Materials Institute
Estimated market value of reusable wood that goes to U.S. landfills annually. Reclamation captures economic value while preventing waste.
Source: NAHB Research Center
Net forest area lost globally each year between 2010 and 2020. Every board foot of reclaimed lumber reduces pressure on remaining forests.
Source: FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment
Percentage of all harvested wood worldwide that ends up in landfills rather than being reused, recycled, or composted. This represents an enormous missed opportunity.
Source: Yale School of the Environment
Amount of CO2 a mature tree absorbs per year. Each tree preserved through reclaimed lumber use continues absorbing carbon for decades to come.
Source: Arbor Day Foundation
Tips for Maximizing Your Eco Impact
Choosing reclaimed lumber is a great start. Here are more ways to maximize the environmental benefit of your project.
Order Accurately
Calculate your material needs carefully before ordering. Overbuying leads to waste. Our staff can help you estimate quantities accurately based on your project plans. We offer a measurement consultation service at no charge.
Use Every Piece
Plan your cuts to minimize waste. Offcuts from larger pieces can be used for smaller components like trim, shims, or shelving brackets. If you end up with usable leftover material, bring it back to us — we will add it back to our inventory.
Choose Low-VOC Finishes
Pair your reclaimed lumber with natural, low-VOC stains and finishes. Options like tung oil, linseed oil, or water-based polyurethane protect the wood without releasing harmful chemicals into your indoor air. Ask us for recommendations.
Design for Disassembly
Build in a way that allows future disassembly and reuse. Use screws instead of nails where possible. Avoid glues that permanently bond materials together. This ensures the wood can be reclaimed again at end of life.
Support Local
Buying from a local reclaimed lumber supplier reduces transportation emissions significantly compared to ordering new lumber shipped from distant forests or mills. Our materials travel an average of 25 miles from source to our yard.
Spread the Word
Tell your contractor, architect, and friends about reclaimed lumber. Many professionals are unaware of the quality, availability, and cost-competitiveness of reclaimed materials. Each new person who chooses reclaimed multiplies the environmental benefit.
Combine Materials Wisely
Use reclaimed lumber where it has the most impact — visible surfaces like flooring, accent walls, countertops, and beams. For hidden structural elements where appearance is not important, standard construction lumber may be more appropriate and cost-effective.
Maintain and Repair
Reclaimed lumber is often made from dense old-growth wood that lasts for generations if properly maintained. Regular maintenance extends the life of the material dramatically, delaying the need for replacement and keeping resources in use longer.
How Reclaimed Lumber Compares
Reclaimed lumber is not the only eco-friendly building material, but it stacks up favorably against alternatives. Here's how common building materials compare on key environmental metrics.
Comparison based on general industry data. Actual performance varies by specific product, manufacturer, and application.
The Reclaimed Lumber Industry in Numbers
The reclaimed lumber market is growing rapidly as more builders, architects, and homeowners recognize the environmental and aesthetic value of salvaged wood.
U.S. reclaimed wood market size by 2028 (projected)
Growing at 5.6% annually, driven by green building demand and LEED certification requirements.
Increase in reclaimed wood demand since 2020
Accelerated by pandemic-era home renovations and growing consumer awareness of sustainability.
Reclaimed lumber suppliers in the United States
Up from fewer than 400 in 2010, reflecting the rapid growth of the reclamation industry.
Tons of wood diverted from U.S. landfills annually through reclamation
Still only a fraction of the 145 million tons of wood waste generated each year.
Of architects have specified reclaimed wood in the past 5 years
According to AIA surveys, driven by client demand for sustainability and unique aesthetics.
Price per board foot for premium reclaimed hardwoods
Competitive with new-growth premium hardwoods while offering superior density and character.
Of LEED-certified projects use reclaimed or recycled materials
Reclaimed lumber contributes to multiple LEED credit categories including Materials and Resources.
Average age of the buildings from which we source reclaimed timber
Older buildings used denser, old-growth lumber that is no longer available from modern forestry.
Our Environmental Partners
We work with leading environmental and industry organizations to advance sustainable building practices and maximize our positive impact.
Community Partner
TreePeople
We partner with TreePeople on urban forestry initiatives across Los Angeles, donating reclaimed wood for educational programs and community garden projects. Our annual contribution supports the planting of over 200 trees in underserved LA neighborhoods.
LEED Material Supplier
U.S. Green Building Council
As a recognized LEED material supplier, we provide documentation and chain-of-custody records that help our commercial clients earn LEED credits. Our Sustainability Director serves on the USGBC Materials and Resources committee.
Corporate Sponsor
Sierra Club - Angeles Chapter
We sponsor Sierra Club trail restoration projects throughout the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest. Our team also volunteers for annual trail cleanup days, using our trucks and equipment to haul materials to remote trail sites.
Material Donor
Habitat for Humanity - Greater LA
We donate reclaimed lumber for Habitat for Humanity home builds across Greater Los Angeles. In 2024, we contributed over 15,000 board feet of structural and finish lumber to five residential build projects in South LA and the San Fernando Valley.
Training Partner
LA Conservation Corps
We host job training participants from the LA Conservation Corps for hands-on experience in lumber processing, warehouse operations, and delivery logistics. Several Corps graduates have gone on to join our team as full-time employees.
Industry Member
Deconstruction & Reuse Network
We are an active member of the national Deconstruction and Reuse Network, sharing best practices for building deconstruction, material salvage, and waste diversion with reclaimed lumber suppliers across the country.
Get a Custom Sustainability Report
Need documentation of your project's environmental impact for LEED certification, corporate sustainability reporting, or grant applications? We provide custom Sustainability Reports that include detailed calculations, source citations, chain-of-custody documentation, and a breakdown of environmental savings by metric.
Our reports are prepared by our Sustainability Director, Mei-Lin Tao, and include verified data from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, EPA, and Water Footprint Network. Reports are available in PDF format and can be customized to meet the specific documentation requirements of your certifying body or reporting framework.
Basic Report
Environmental savings summary for your order. Includes trees saved, CO2 avoided, water conserved, and waste diverted with source citations.
Free with any order
LEED Documentation
Formatted for LEED credit submission. Includes chain-of-custody, material origin documentation, and recycled content calculations.
$75 per project
Full Sustainability Audit
Comprehensive report for corporate sustainability programs. Includes lifecycle analysis, carbon offset equivalencies, and third-party verification.
$250 per project
Ready to Make an Impact?
Every board foot of reclaimed lumber makes a difference. Browse our inventory, visit our yard at 1316 Palmetto St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, or get in touch to start planning your sustainable project.