Cabinet Refurbishing: Should I Use Reclaimed Wood?

December 11, 2019

If you’ve spent any time in your local home decor department, you’ve probably seen the infiltration of “shabby chic” into most modern design accoutrements. In addition to a newfound attraction to imperfect wood finishes, reclaimed wood in particular has taken the design world by storm. Not only does reclaimed wood mirror the inviting farmhouse aesthetic, it can also be an eco-friendly design choice. 

Installing reclaimed wood makes use of materials that may be otherwise discarded and can help you save a little green while going green. All that said, is reclaimed wood the right choice for cabinet refurbishing? Here’s what you need to know. 

What is Reclaimed Wood? 

Reclaimed wood is exactly what its name entails: wood that has been reclaimed and repurposed from some other site. Old barns, retired ships, and decommissioned factories are often sources for reclaimed wood. Planks and panels from these otherwise useless entities are put to use by carpenters who repurpose the wood or home improvement stores that sell individual pieces of reclaimed wood. 

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of using reclaimed wood for cabinet refurbishing, here are some things you should consider. 

Pros

One of the most significant benefits of reclaimed wood is that it can be especially cost-effective , if you know where to look. 

In most hardware and home improvement stores, reclaimed wood is fairly expensive. However, you can get a good deal if you manage to source the materials directly from the contractor or excavator his or herself. 

Reclaimed wood can also be an eco-friendly choice. More so than recycling, repurposing materials cuts down on the demand for new materials and cuts down on production, reducing the excess amount of products in circulation. Just like a trip to your favorite thrift store helps to make the clothing industry a little bit more ethical, reclaimed wood can help you feel a little better about your purchasing choices. 

Aside from the practical and ethical benefits of reclaimed wood, its aesthetic is truly unmatched. Using reclaimed wood means that you will have access to unique hardware you can’t purchase in stores. 

An especially attractive feature of reclaimed wood is that these older pieces were often hand cut for specific spaces and lack the factory-made features of modern wood. You are likely to find finishes and panel widths that are unseen in most modern hardware stores.   

Cons 

While the unique qualities of reclaimed wood can be attractive, they can also present some difficulties when refurbishing your cabinets. 

Rare finishes and panel sizes can be difficult to match to your existing interior painting and might warrant new interior painting services if you want to keep everything cohesive. 

You might also find that you love a certain finish or design feature on some reclaimed pieces, but finding the exact amount you need can be tricky and the size of your project can prevent you from using reclaimed wood. 

Another downside of reclaimed wood is that it can be expensive if you try to purchase it from a hardware store. The work these stores do to get wood from excavators and prepare it for resale can result in some inflated costs at the checkout counter. 

If you’re looking to update the finishes in your home, reclaimed wood can help create an aesthetic that is truly unique and calls to mind a simpler time. Deciding whether or not this is the best choice for your home is not something you should do without an expert opinion. Contact the seasoned professionals at ELCO Painting for a consultation to make an informed decision. 

Whether your next home renovation project is commercial painting services or new exterior painting, ELCO Painting is the perfect choice for painting companies in RI and Southeastern Massachusetts. Let our experienced carpentry and painting professionals bring your design dreams to life. 

Give us a call (401-295-2201) or contact us online today to see how the ELCO Painting difference can work for you.

Providence to Warwick: Choosing a Commercial Painting Contractor in Rhode Island

November 30, 2025
Choosing a commercial painter in Rhode Island? Learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to ensure a smooth project in Providence, Warwick, and beyond.

Top FAQs About Cabinet Painting in Rhode Island

November 19, 2025
Thinking about cabinet painting in Rhode Island? This guide answers the top homeowner questions about cost, durability, prep, and what to expect during the process.

Fall Painting Projects Every Rhode Island Homeowner Should Consider

October 31, 2025
Fall in Rhode Island is more than pumpkin patches and football weekends (to be clear, it is definitely mostly about that). But it’s also prime time for painting. The air is dry, the temperatures are steady, and the sun isn’t scorching your siding. It’s basically nature’s invitation to tackle projects you’ve been putting off. From exterior touch-ups to an interior refresh before the holidays, fall gives homeowners that rare combination of good weather and motivation, and that’s worth taking advantage of. Ready to grab a brush (or at least a plan) and get a few things checked off before the frost sets in? Consider this article your first line item. Why Fall Is Ideal for Painting in Rhode Island Autumn weather in New England offers something that painters love: stability. It’s not too hot, not too humid, and rarely too cold. Paint adheres better, dries evenly, and doesn’t blister under direct sunlight like it can in midsummer. Cooler temps also mean painters, whether you or a professional crew, can work longer without racing the clock or baking under a high sun. Add in fewer bugs, drier air, and reduced pollen, and you’ve got the recipe for beautiful finishes inside and out.

What’s the Best Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Rhode Island?

October 22, 2025
Transform your Rhode Island kitchen with professional cabinet painting. Discover the process, benefits, and why quality makes all the difference.

Project Spotlight: Sandblasting a Historic Mill Building in Chelsea, MA

September 29, 2025
Like many historic mills in New England , this building carried the weight of decades: peeling paint, dust, grime, and coatings that had long since lost their integrity. Ceilings, brick walls, and wood columns were all hidden beneath layers of paint that dulled the building’s original character. Simply painting over the old surfaces wasn’t an option. To get it ready for renovation, and its next phase of life as modern apartments, the space needed to be stripped back to its bones, restored, and sealed. That’s where our specialized sandblasting services came in. The Process: Sandblasting, Step by Step Sandblasting is as much about precision as it is about power. For this project, we worked floor by floor over three levels, using specialized equipment to remove years of buildup. Protecting the space. Before blasting, we set up containment to control dust and debris, ensuring the process stayed safe and efficient. Stripping surfaces. Using the right abrasive medium and calibrated pressure, we blasted away paint from the ceilings, brick, and wooden support columns. The goal wasn’t to erase history but to reveal it; to uncover the original materials while preserving their integrity. Revealing character. Once stripped, the natural beauty of the brick and timber shone through, showing off the craftsmanship that had been hidden for years. It never gets old!

Cabinet Paint Color Inspiration for Your Rhode Island Home

September 17, 2025
Looking for cabinet color inspiration? Explore trending blues, greens, and whites, and see why painting is a smart alternative to full replacement.

Cabinet Painting in North Kingstown – Is It Right for Your Kitchen?

August 19, 2025
In North Kingstown, the kitchen is often the busiest room in the house; part cooking space, part gathering spot, part drop zone for everything from school backpacks to yesterday’s mail. Which also means your cabinets can start to show the battle scars over time: faded finishes, chipped corners, and maybe a mystery stain or two. When that happens, you’re faced with a choice: replace your cabinets entirely or give them a professional paint makeover? Well, when done right, painting can actually transform your kitchen, extend the life of your cabinetry, AND cost far less than a full remodel! (Plus, it spares you from spending weeks reheating dinner in the laundry room). Why Cabinet Painting? Painting your cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the price tag (or demolition dust) of a full remodel.  Some of the biggest benefits include: Cost savings: On average, cabinet painting costs 50 to 70% less than full replacement. Less disruption: Most professional cabinet painting projects take 4 to 7 days, and your kitchen stays mostly functional during the process. A full replacement can take 3 to 6 weeks or longer. Eco-friendly: Reusing your existing cabinets can prevent hundreds of pounds of wood, metal, and composite materials from ending up in a landfill. Customization: Choose any color, from crisp whites to bold blues, for a personalized style. Think of it as the difference between buying an entirely new wardrobe or just getting your clothes tailored and dry-cleaned. Both improve your look, but one is a lot gentler on your wallet.

Year-Round Exterior Painting & Maintenance Tips for Rhode Island Businesses

July 30, 2025
Rhode Island weather doesn’t go easy on buildings. Between salty winters, humid summers, and everything in between, your commercial property’s exterior is working overtime just to keep up appearances. That’s why we put together this seasonal checklist to help you stay ahead of the wear and tear. Whether you manage a restaurant, retail storefront, office building, or high-traffic hospitality space, staying proactive with exterior maintenance protects your investment, boosts curb appeal, and keeps your business looking as sharp as the service you offer. Let’s walk through what to watch for, season by season. Spring: Refresh and Recover After a long winter, spring is about repair and renewal. Snow, salt, and ice can take a toll on every surface, so now’s the time to clean up and fix the damage. What to focus on: Inspect roofing and flashing for signs of water intrusion, missing shingles, or debris buildup. Clean out gutters and downspouts so spring rain drains properly instead of pooling. Power wash sidewalks and patios to remove grime, salt, and mildew. Touch up or repaint worn areas of your façade, signage, or trim, especially if peeling paint is visible. Inspect windows and doors for broken seals or cracked glass. Refresh landscaping to reframe your exterior with clean lines and healthy greenery. Pro tip: Spring moisture can hide mildew in shaded areas. If power washing doesn’t cut it, a repaint with the right mildew-resistant coating will make a big difference.

Project Spotlight: A Fast-Track Warehouse Repaint in Warwick, RI

July 17, 2025
We’re excited to share a recent commercial repaint that really showcases what Elco Painting is all about: efficiency, precision, and of course, a top quality finish. This project took us to Warwick, Rhode Island, where we tackled a full warehouse repaint with a tight two-week turnaround. Yes, it was a big space. And yes it was a tight timeline. But too much for us to handle? Not a chance! Let’s walk you through how we made it happen and why projects like this are such a good fit for our team. The Scope: A Full-Scale Commercial Warehouse Repaint Commercial warehouses don’t paint themselves, and this one was ready for a fresh coat. We were brought in to transform the look and feel of the space, inside and out. Here’s what was involved: Ceiling spray application with dry fall paint. We used this specialized product for fast coverage and minimal cleanup. Dry fall is ideal for high ceilings. Basically overspray dries before it hits the ground, meaning less mess and more control. Bright white repainting of walls and overheads. Clean white brings instant brightness to a space like this, improving lighting and making everything feel more modern and organized. Bold orange accents on beams and columns. This was a standout design decision. It not only gave the space a pop of color but also helped define structural elements visually, which can be a big plus in busy, high-traffic facilities. We knew the clock was ticking, and planning was everything. From mobilizing the right crew to choosing the right materials, we coordinated every phase of the project to meet the deadline without cutting corners. Watch the quick video below to see a before, during, and after perspective!

Deck Staining vs. Painting: Which Is Better for Your Outdoor Space?

By Christine Lekberg • June 30, 2025
When it comes to sprucing up your deck , you’ll eventually run into The Question. You know the one: “Should I stain my deck… or paint it?” It’s a tough call. Both options offer protection. Both can look great. And both come with their own baggage. In this post, we’re unpacking the pros, cons, and all the murky in-between so you can confidently choose the finish that fits your deck and your sanity. No deep YouTube rabbit holes required. The Basics: What’s the Real Difference? Before you can pick sides, you’ve gotta know the players. Stain and paint may both live in the same aisle at the hardware store, but they’re totally different animals when it comes to how they treat your wood. Let’s break down what each one actually does. Staining soaks into the wood, enhancing its natural beauty, letting the wood grain shine through. Painting, on the other hand, coats the surface, covering blemishes and adding color. Want a white deck? Navy blue? Go for it. Just remember: you’re covering the wood grain entirely. Durability: Does Paint or Stain Last Longer On a Deck? Let’s not sugarcoat it: paint is more durable, especially the high-quality exterior kind. It forms a thick barrier that helps repel UV rays, moisture, and other deck-destroying villains. Stain isn’t as robust, but it’s no slouch either. Oil-based stains offer solid protection and tend to wear away gradually, which sounds bad, but it’s actually easier to manage. So who wins? If your deck gets a lot of sun or moisture, paint does last longer. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the better choice…