5 Ways to Add Reclaimed Wood to Your Restaurant Decor

Restaurant owners impact their communities in many ways – first and foremost, through bringing people together to share a meal. Restaurants are hubs of social interaction, and happy stomachs make for happy people.

But restaurants can also serve as leaders in environmental design and construction. As consumers see reclaimed products gleaming in their local dining establishments, they come to realize how easy it is to choose earth-friendly renovation products. If you’re inspired to make eco-conscious choices in your eatery’s décor, read on to discover how reclaimed wood products can be integrated in restaurant design.

1. Flooring

Restaurant owners appreciate the importance of beautiful flooring. Your floors are the first thing customers come in contact with, and often the first thing they notice. Make a stunning (and very well informed) first impression by selecting reclaimed wood floors for your dining establishment.

Reclaimed wood floors are easy to clean, durable and attractive. A wide selection of reclaimed flooring is available for restaurants, from rustic old growth Douglas fir flooring to reclaimed oak flooring. Although all of these options are beautiful, your customers will be even more impressed when they learn of the woods origin. As an example, Portland’s foodies would love to discover that the reclaimed oak flooring beneath their feet had a previous life as cargo shipping crates. Viridian Reclaimed Wood’s Fishtail reclaimed oak flooring is indeed sourced from Portland’s shipyards in this way.

2. Paneling

There are so many reasons to choose reclaimed wood panels for your restaurant décor. First, reclaimed redwood paneling, as well as paneling composed of other timbers, does an excellent job of soundproofing booths and other dining areas. As every restaurant manager knows, noise is a delicate aspect of the dining experience. Too much noise makes it necessary to practically yell at one’s dining companions. Reclaimed wood paneling can help by absorbing sound.

Moreover, reclaimed paneling has a cozy, warm feel. Wood panels create a classy, clean look that complements nearly any décor. Again, a variety of timbers are available, from Siberian spruce to Asian hardwood to reclaimed redwood. Panels can even reinforce your restaurant’s main theme. For instance, reclaimed redwood panels sourced from red wine tank wood would make the perfect wall solution for a wine bar.

Reclaimed wood paneling is especially flattering around counters, fireplaces and other areas where customers will gather.

3. Tabletops

Il Canne Rosso, a pizzeria located in Dallas, features tables made of reclaimed wood. The sturdy wood tables are practical, easy to clean and beautiful. Il Canne Rosso owner Jay Jerrier recognizes the importance of selecting great tables. After all, it’s where your customers rest their elbows and hands. As they eat off of your tables, clients notice and comment on them. Why not give them an interesting origin story to contemplate?

Viridian Reclaimed Wood certainly offers interesting stories for their tabletops. As an example, St. Cupcake, a dessert delicatessen in Portland, Ore., chose to feature Viridian’s Douglas fir gym bleacher tables. These tables were constructed of bleachers salvaged from old gymnasiums and community centers. St. Cupcake patrons love that the gym bleacher numbers are still visible on the tables.

4. Countertops

The Thirsty Lion pub and grill in Portland, Ore., features a gorgeous bar constructed of reclaimed oak. Patrons are happy to lean against a gleaming reclaimed wood counter as they order drinks and socialize. Reclaimed wood counters may also be installed in kitchen areas, where their durability can shine.

5. Decking for Outdoor Dining Areas

Reclaimed wood floors are also available for outdoor applications. Reclaimed decking materials are durable, gorgeous and easy to protect with sealants. More and more architects are favoring reclaimed wood decking. For instance, the PDX Living Building chose to install reclaimed wood decking with industrial screws from trailer decks so as to emphasize the industrial look.

Many modern dining establishments aim to operate in an eco-conscious way. Selecting reclaimed wood products for your interior design sends customers the message that you are truly dedicated to the green lifestyle. But don’t stop with selecting earth-friendly reclaimed oak flooring, redwood paneling and other reclaimed wood accents. Choose to apply eco-consciousness to everything you do – use LED light bulbs, work with your recycling program to dispose of trash responsibly, and aim for LEED certification. You could even install an energy monitor to show your customers how your energy conservation efforts are paying off. All of these steps will make your restaurant an asset to your community and differentiate you as a conscientious, caring, engaged dining establishment.