Topic
Buying Guides
Buying an heirloom-quality piece is a real decision, and a little know-how goes a long way. These buying guides help you spot genuinely reclaimed wood, judge construction and finish quality, understand what drives price, and ask any seller the right questions.
28 guides & stories
Reclaimed Wood Accent Walls: What's Real, What's Not
July 2, 2026
Reclaimed wood accent walls are everywhere — but a lot of it is new wood dressed up to look old. Here's how to tell the real thing from the look-alike, and how to style furniture around a genuine wood wall.
American Chestnut Furniture: History, Rarity & Character
July 2, 2026
American chestnut once dominated eastern forests — until a blight wiped it out a century ago. Here's what makes reclaimed chestnut furniture rare, what wormy chestnut really is, and how it compares to oak.
Reclaimed Wood Coffee Tables: How to Choose the Right Size
July 2, 2026
A reclaimed wood coffee table is the piece your living room lives around every day. Here's how to size it to your sofa, choose a style, and pick a finish that holds up to feet, drinks, and kids.
Barnwood Stain Colors & Finishes: A Buyer's Guide
July 2, 2026
Most of a barnwood piece's color is decades of natural patina, not a can of stain. This guide explains how finish and color actually work on reclaimed wood, so you know what to ask for.
Types of Reclaimed Wood: A Guide to Barnwood Species
June 19, 2026
Oak, pine, chestnut, hemlock and the mixed woods of an old barn — what each species looks like, how it behaves, and which one suits which piece of reclaimed furniture.
7 Myths About Reclaimed Wood Furniture (and the Truth)
June 18, 2026
Bugs, durability, price, "it's all the same" — we debunk seven common myths about reclaimed wood furniture with honest, straight answers, so you know what you're really buying.
Is Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture Durable? Your Questions, Answered
June 18, 2026
Is reclaimed barnwood furniture durable? Honest answers on strength, bugs, splinters, spills, warping, and how long it really lasts — and the easy care that protects it.
Reclaimed Wood vs. New Wood Furniture: An Honest Comparison
June 18, 2026
Reclaimed or new? An honest, side-by-side comparison of durability, character, sustainability, and price — including when buying new wood furniture actually makes more sense.
How Ordering a Custom Barnwood Piece Works
June 18, 2026
Commissioning a custom barnwood piece, explained step by step: the five-stage process, what it costs and the deposit, how long it takes, what to send us to get started, and what to expect on delivery.
How Much Does Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture Cost?
June 18, 2026
Most genuine reclaimed barnwood furniture runs from about $500 to $3,000 and up. Here's what drives the price by piece type, what's included, how custom and ready-made pricing differ, and how to get an exact quote.
Reclaimed Wood Bookcases & Shelving: How to Choose One That Lasts
June 12, 2026
Books are heavy, and shelf sag is real. Here's how to choose a reclaimed barnwood bookcase that holds a library for decades — shelf spans, depths, heights, anchoring, styling, and when a custom built-in look is worth it.
Reclaimed Wood Desks & Home Office Furniture: A Complete Guide
June 12, 2026
A reclaimed barnwood desk turns the spot you sit every day into the best corner of the room. Here's how to choose a desk style, get the sizing and ergonomics right, plan for cables, and pick a finish you can actually write on.
Farmhouse Table Size Guide: How Big Should Your Dining Table Be?
June 11, 2026
How many people does a 6-, 7-, or 8-foot farmhouse table really seat? The honest sizing math — seats per length, clearance from walls, bench seating, and when a custom size is the right answer.
Real vs. Faux: How to Spot Authentic Reclaimed Barnwood
June 11, 2026
"Barnwood" gets stamped on a lot of new, factory-distressed wood. Here are the tells of the real thing — nail halos, old saw marks, deep weathering — and the questions any honest seller should be glad to answer.
Log Furniture: A Guide to Rustic Log & Timber Pieces
June 4, 2026
Whole-log beds, tables, and seating for a true cabin look. Here's what log furniture is, where it shines, the species and joinery to know, and how to scale it to your room.
Reclaimed Wood Bathroom Vanities: How to Choose
June 4, 2026
Reclaimed barnwood brings warmth to the bathroom — when it's built and finished right. Here's how to size a vanity, choose a sink and top, plan around plumbing, and get the finish right.
Reclaimed Wood Entertainment Centers & Media Consoles: How to Choose
June 4, 2026
A reclaimed barnwood media console grounds the TV wall. Here's how to size one to your TV and room, manage cables and components, plan storage, and choose a finish that lasts.
Reclaimed Wood Bedroom Furniture: How to Choose
June 4, 2026
Beds, dressers, and nightstands in reclaimed barnwood. Here's how to choose a frame style, size pieces to your room, plan storage, and pick a finish that's right for a bedroom.
Reclaimed Wood Hutches & Buffets: How to Choose
June 4, 2026
Hutch, buffet, sideboard, or credenza? Here's the difference, plus how to size reclaimed wood dining storage to your room, what features to look for, and how to style it.
Reclaimed Wood Chairs, Benches & Seating: How to Choose
June 4, 2026
Benches or chairs? Stools for your island? Here's how to choose reclaimed wood seating that pairs with your table — sizing, comfort, construction, and finish.
Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Islands: Sizes, Storage, and Styles
June 4, 2026
A reclaimed wood kitchen island is a warm, one-of-a-kind centerpiece — and a freestanding piece of furniture, not a remodel. Here's how to size one, add seating, and choose the right top.
Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables: How to Choose the Right One
June 4, 2026
A reclaimed wood dining table anchors a room for generations. Here's how to choose one — sizing and shape for your space, table and base styles, finish, and seating.
How to Buy Reclaimed Barnwood Furniture: A Complete Buyer's Guide
June 4, 2026
Buying a barnwood piece is an heirloom-level decision. Here's how to spot genuine reclaimed wood, judge quality and finish, understand the price, and know where to buy with confidence.
Christmas in August? Why You Should Start Planning Now for Your Holiday Feast
September 1, 2015
During the holiday season, dining becomes the center of every celebration whether you’re with family or friends. And when we say dining, we mean feasting! Many of our holiday traditions include gather
Choosing the Perfect Piece of Barnwood Furniture
April 6, 2015
A piece of reclaimed furniture is a timeless tradition that never looks or feels dated due to the beauty and durability of the wood. With so many different options you can find a one-of-a-kind piece f
Custom-made Barnwood Thanksgiving Tables Now In-Stock
November 6, 2014
We’re entering into the season of giving and thanks. This is the time where you gather with friends, family and those who are most important to you and recognize the true meaning of gratefulness. Plan
5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Barnwood Furniture
November 3, 2014
Here at Old Barn Star, we provide a unique perspective to your average piece of furniture. Our specialty is providing one-of-a-kind Amish-made reclaimed barnwood furniture for purchase, including tabl
Where Is Reclaimed Wood Furniture From and Why Should We Use It?
December 27, 2013
Old Barn Star barnwood furniture is artful, sturdy, classic and comfortable to the eye. It’s an interesting choice, though. Why opt for something reclaimed when it’s so easy to purchase new lumber? Le