Accessories & Hardware

Inspect each reclaimed board for straightness, checking for twist and bow. Boards with more than 1/4" deviation per 8 feet should be ripped to narrower widths or set aside.

Run a metal detector along the full length of every board. Remove all embedded nails, screws, and staples that could damage saw blades or impede fastener installation.

Dry-fit the first three rows before securing anything. This lets you establish your pattern and identify any boards that need trimming.

Install the first board face-screwed at the house wall (the screw heads will be covered by the fascia or threshold). Use two stainless screws per joist.

Slide a hidden clip onto the board edge and screw it into the joist. Place one clip per joist crossing. Tap the next board into the clip with a rubber mallet.

Check alignment every third row using a string line. Reclaimed boards may have slight width variation, so minor adjustments keep the overall layout straight.

At the final board, face-screw again (this edge is typically covered by fascia). Countersink screws and fill with color-matched exterior wood filler.

Sand the surface progressively: 80 grit to remove rough spots, 120 grit for overall smoothing, 150 grit for final surface prep. Always sand in the direction of the grain.

Raise the grain by wiping the surface with a slightly damp cloth. Let it dry for 2 hours, then lightly sand with 220 grit to knock down the raised fibers.

Vacuum all dust from the surface, then wipe with a tack cloth. Any remaining dust particles will become trapped under the oil and appear as bumps.

Apply a generous flood coat of penetrating oil using a natural-bristle brush or lint-free rag. Work in manageable sections of 10-15 square feet.

Allow the oil to penetrate for 15-20 minutes. Return to the starting point and wipe off all excess oil with clean lint-free rags. No standing oil should remain.

Let the first coat cure for 12-24 hours (temperature dependent). Apply a second coat following the same flood-and-wipe technique.

For high-traffic surfaces like countertops and tabletops, apply a third coat after another 24-hour cure. Buff lightly with 0000 steel wool between coats for maximum smoothness.

Locate wall studs using a stud finder. For maximum load capacity, always mount at least one bracket directly into a stud. Use toggle bolts rated for your expected load for any bracket not on a stud.

Mark bracket locations on the wall using a level. For shelves over 36" long, use a minimum of two brackets. Add a third bracket for shelves over 60" to prevent sagging.

Pre-drill pilot holes through the bracket mounting holes into the wall. For stud mounting, use a 1/8" bit. For drywall anchors, follow the anchor manufacturer sizing.

Secure brackets to the wall using appropriate fasteners. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten, which could strip the stud or damage the anchor.

Set the reclaimed board on top of the brackets. Check for level and adjust bracket placement if needed before marking screw holes on the underside of the shelf.

Secure the shelf to the brackets using the provided screws from below. Pre-drill to avoid splitting, especially with old-growth reclaimed wood which can be very hard and brittle.