Our Beginnings with Reclaimed Timber
When we started Pastos Co, reclaimed scaffold boards were our go-to material. They were full of charm, each piece telling its own story with a distinct, weathered look. At the time, it felt like the perfect choice for crafting eco-friendly furniture. Whether it was a rustic dining table or a handmade desk, reclaimed wood seemed to tick all the boxes.
But as we grew, and as the market evolved, we began to question whether reclaimed wood was still the most sustainable option. And as much as we loved its history and character, we eventually made the decision to shift to sustainably sourced new timber. Here’s why:
Why We Made the Switch to Sustainably Grown Timber
A few years ago, reclaimed scaffold boards became all the rage. The demand skyrocketed, especially around 2021, during the pandemic and the lockdowns, when people spent a lot of time at home and they purchasing new furniture as well as making home improvements. Suddenly sourcing reclaimed scaffold boards wasn’t as easy—or as sustainable—as it used to be.
- Supply Issues: Traditionally, local upcycling businesses would buy scaffold boards from companies that had to retire them. But with demand growing faster than supply, businesses began purchasing these boards before they were ready to be retired. This meant scaffolding companies had to replace their boards much sooner, and new boards—often unsustainably sourced—were being imported in large quantities.
- Higher Costs: What used to be an affordable, eco-friendly option became one of the more expensive choices on the market. Reclaimed wood requires a lot of work—removing nails, extra sanding, treating—and that extra labour drove up the price. On the other hand, sustainably sourced new timber is often more cost-effective, giving you a high-quality material without the additional processing costs.
This shift made us realise that sustainably grown timber was a better option, offering us a reliable supply of beautiful, durable wood—without compromising on our environmental values.
The Pros and Cons of Reclaimed Timber
- Pros:
- Character: Reclaimed wood has a rich history. Each piece comes with its own story—grain patterns, old nail holes, and a weathered surface that’s perfect for rustic aesthetics.
- Eco-friendly reuse: Reusing existing wood means, especially when it would otherwise end up in landfill, is a big win for everyone.
- Cons:
- Limited availability: As demand has grown, it’s become harder and more expensive to source reclaimed wood.
- Environmental impact: Ironically, the popularity of reclaimed scaffold boards has led to more new boards being produced, often without sustainable practices.
- Cost and labour: Reclaimed wood is usually more expensive, and the amount of work it takes to prep the material (removing nails, sanding, treating) makes it less practical.
- Potential quality issues: Reclaimed wood can be unpredictable—there’s always the risk of hidden damage from insects or exposure to harmful chemicals.
The Benefits of Sustainably Sourced New Timber
We’re now using sustainably grown timber, and here’s why it’s the right choice for us:
- Reliable quality and durability: Sustainably sourced timber, especially from certified forests, guarantees a consistent and reliable material for furniture. It’s perfect for everything from a modern desk to a rustic dining table or heavy duty shelves.
- Environmentally responsible: The timber we use comes from well-managed forests where every tree is replaced, supporting biodiversity and lowering our carbon footprint.
- Affordability: New timber is generally more affordable than reclaimed wood, especially given the labour involved in processing old boards.
- Flexibility in finish: A big misconception is that new timber lacks the character of reclaimed wood. The truth? New timber can be just as rustic or as pristine as you want it to be. We love working with clients to customise the finish—from rough and rustic to smooth and polished, the choice is yours. Whether you're looking for that vintage, lived-in feel or a sleek modern look, we can deliver.
Moving Forward with Sustainability
At Pastos Co, we’re committed to creating furniture that’s not only beautiful but sustainable too. We’ve learned that sustainably sourced new timber is the way forward. It’s affordable, environmentally responsible, and, most importantly, it helps us craft high-quality pieces that last a lifetime. Whether you’re setting up a home office or furnishing your restaurant, sustainably grown wood offers the best of both worlds—style and sustainability.
We may have started with reclaimed timber, but we’ve had to adapt and change our practices as the industry evolved. New timber, sourced sustainably, allows us to continue making great furniture that aligns with our values and meets your needs.
The Next Era of Furniture Design
As we all become more conscious of our impact on the planet, sustainably sourced new timber is where we see the future of furniture design. We’re here to help you find furniture that not only looks great but does good for the environment too.
The next time you’re looking to buy a dining table, desk, or even a custom design, think about where the wood comes from. With sustainably sourced timber, you can have it all—character, durability, and a clear conscience.
