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September 12, 2021

RECYCLED WOOD

THE WORLD’S LARGEST AND MOST CONSISTENT SOURCE OF SUSTAINABLE RECLAIMED WOOD COMES FROM WYOMING’S RECYCLED SNOW FENCES

The winter weather in Wyoming can shut down roads and interstates in an instant due to heavy winds and impassable snow drifts. The state of Wyoming uses 12 foot tall wooden snow fences to direct blowing snow away from roadways - especially highways like Interstate 25 and Interstate 80. Additionally, ranchers use these snow fences also help create drifts for basins that will melt in the spring, creating a water supply for livestock and agriculture.

 

The old wooden slats of the snow fences used to be burned or sent to the dump. Fortunately, Centennial Woods partnered with different governmental bodies in Wyoming in 1999 to build, maintain, and reclaim wood from snow fences. Here are some of the advantages of reclaimed snow fence wood compared to barn wood and pallet wood:

NO CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS

Due to the altitude and low humidity of the region, wooden panels used as snow fences are perfectly dried by the sun and wind. This natural drying process bypasses the energy intensive need for kiln drying.

NO BUGS

Reclaimed wood from Wyoming snow fences has aged in an arid, windy environment at high altitude, often over 7,000 feet above sea level, for a decade or so. Insects are unable to survive in this environment.

NO CHEMICALS

Most wood is treated with chemicals to keep it from rotting or having a bug infestation. Snow fences are already perfectly dried by the sun and Wyoming’s weather. There is no need to treat these wooden planks, they are naturally safe to bring into your home. Unlike barn wood, reclaimed Wyoming snow fence wood has no odors, chemicals, or toxins.

NATURAL WEATHERED LOOK

If you’re looking for a natural, rustic look on your wood, snow fence wood is often mistaken for barn wood. This wood is aged anywhere between 7 to 10 years by the sunlight, snow, wind and rain creating unique characteristics like knots, knotholes, nail holes, scratch marks, and the occasional bullet hole. Colors range from gray to silver to brown to blonde to cinnamon.

ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIAL

Snow fence wood is used inside and out of both residential and commercial projects. You may have seen this wood on HGTV, Netflix or at commercial spaces like Starbucks, Taco Bell, Boot Barn, or Shake Shack.

 

At Centennial Woods, snow fences are repurposed to serve as recycled wood for various uses in home construction. Reclaimed snow fence makes the best, and most sensible type of recycled wood to use for your next construction project.

Want to learn more about the advantages and care of reclaimed wood? Visit The Ultimate Guide To Reclaimed Wood.

Check out some of our other blog posts: Accent Wall Ideas, Wood Accents On House Exterior, or 15 Reclaimed Wood Design Ideas.

See our reclaimed wood featured on HGTV and Netflix's Instant Dream Home.