Reclaimed Wood Ceilings - Best Wood to Use for Your Project

When it comes to interior design, the fifth wall (ceiling) is often overlooked as a design element.

Incorporating reclaimed wood ceilings into your interior décor can completely transform the look and feel of your space.

Besides adding warmth and character, reclaimed wood ceilings add a unique touch of sustainability and captivating history.

If you’re interested in using reclaimed wood in other parts of your home, please read our article about the pros and cons of using reclaimed wood in building projects.

Due to the boom in the reclaimed lumber business, with its market size expected to reach USD 70.37 billion by 2028, many different types of reclaimed wood are in the market.

As such, deciding the best type of reclaimed wood for your ceiling can be overwhelming. And it’s important to get this right because not all reclaimed woods are suitable for ceilings, as some have poor dimensional stability.

In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss the best reclaimed wood for your ceiling project. I’ll also share salvaged wood ceiling ideas to help you visualize the best options for your home and décor.

Let’s get started!

Best Reclaimed Woods for Ceilings

Not every type of reclaimed lumber is ideal for ceilings. For the best results, reclaimed wood must meet the following conditions to be suitable for a ceiling:

Stability: The wood must be stable and highly resistant to warping, twisting, or cupping over time. Since a wood’s stability is affected by its moisture content, the best salvaged wood for a ceiling must be acclimated to the indoor environment to prevent excessive contraction and expansion due to temperature and humidity changes.
Durability: The wood must be able to withstand the test of time and resist insect infestations, decay, and moisture. The durability of reclaimed lumber depends on the species and density.
Aesthetic appeal: The wood must be aesthetically pleasing and complement the room’s décor. Therefore, it must have a natural beauty, color, and grain pattern that enhances the overall appearance of the ceiling.

Considering the above conditions, the following are the best reclaimed woods for ceilings.

Teak Wood

A teak reclaimed wood ceiling in a bedroom with a window overlooking a cityscape. The external wall is bare red brick. — Reclaimed teak can add a touch of class to any room. Image courtesy of wooderra.com.

Teak wood is an excellent hardwood for ceilings. With a Janka hardness rating of 1,155 lbs, teak wood is hard enough to withstand the wear and tear that comes with use as a flooring material but is also worthy of consideration for ceilings.

The wood is dimensionally stable and has excellent resistance to warping. A shrinkage coefficient of 5.3% makes teak wood an ideal reclaimed wood for ceilings that don’t shrink easily when exposed to high humidity.

Aesthetically, teak wood meets the requirements of most homeowners. The wood’s color varies from light to dark brown, and it has a straight-grain pattern that creates a captivating beauty that adds warmth and character to any room.

Hickory Wood

Another excellent reclaimed hardwood for ceilings is hickory wood.

With a Janka hardness rating of 1,820 lbs, hickory wood is super durable and highly resistant to impact and damage.

The straight and wavy grain pattern of hickory wood provides a unique texture that adds character and beauty to any space.

The wood’s natural color ranges from creamy white to reddish brown. This adds dimension and warmth to the room when used for the ceiling.

Hemlock Wood

Reclaimed hemlock is lightweight and easy to work with.

The wood features clear and flaxen hues, meaning it doesn’t have dark knots that are common in some hardwoods.

Hemlock also requires little maintenance and has excellent resistance to decay, making it ideal for high-humidity rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Aesthetically, hemlock wood’s light-reddish brown color and straight grain pattern elucidate a subtle beauty that can’t be found in other woods.

Douglas Fir

Contrary to popular belief, Douglas fir is durable due to its strong fibers. It’s also lightweight and easy to work with when it comes to lifting and installing the ceiling.

Due to its excellent stain-retaining capacity, you can paint Douglas fir reclaimed wood in whatever color without worrying about the finish fading.

Reclaimed Douglas fir has a rustic and classic beauty with a distinctive grain pattern that adds character, charm, and warmth suitable for ceilings.

The natural color variations in Douglas fir make it suitable for contrasting red colors in window dressings and adjoining walls.

White Oak Wood

A reclaimed white oak ceiling with an iron candelabra hanging from it. — A stunning reclaimed white oak ceiling. Image courtesy of Evolutia.

White oak is another popular hardwood and the best choice if you’re looking for strength and durability in your ceiling project.

White oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1,360 lbs, making it harder than teak wood.

The high Janka hardness rating means the wood is highly resistant to decay, insects, and wear and tear.

Aesthetically, white oak wood is light brown with an olive cast that creates an elegant look suitable for ceilings.

Its straight, interlocked grain patterns with dark streaks are ideal for creating contrasts and beauty in the house.

Mahogany

Reclaimed mahogany wood is your best bet if you enjoy the thrill of owning premium wood.

Mahogany is prized for its rich, reddish-brown color and delicate grain pattern.

Due to its strong fibers, mahogany is hard enough to withstand the wear and tear associated with any use and can certainly be used on a ceiling.

The wood is also dimensionally stable and resistant to shrinking. Consequently, it can withstand temperature and moisture fluctuations without shrinking or warping.

The reddish-brown color of mahogany wood creates a warm and classic look suitable for ceilings.

When painted, mahogany wood will bring out the luxurious beauty of your ceiling to complement the home’s décor.

Reclaimed Wood Ceiling Ideas

We have different expectations when it comes to ceilings and home décor.

While some people want ceilings with warmth and personality, others want subtle ceilings filled with character and elegance.

Thankfully, reclaimed wood provides endless possibilities as far as ceiling ideas go.

Whether you like the brown and dramatic look of mahogany, the classic beauty of white oak, or the rustic feel of hickory and Douglas fir, reclaimed wood has something to offer everyone.

The following are some reclaimed wood ceiling ideas for different purposes:

Rustic Warmth

Reclaimed wood ceilings come in handy if you’re after a rustic appearance.

For this idea, you need wood with a lot of character, such as knots, saw marks, and weathered patinas. These imperfections contribute wonderfully to an authentic and rustic look.

Consider incorporating square recessed lighting fixtures or wooden beams for an even better outlook.

Douglas fir and hickory are perfect for this option due to their grainy textures and dark stains.

A point worth noting is that you don’t have to apply excessive decoration, as this eliminates natural wood’s rustic charm and warmth.

Dimensional Repetition

Reclaimed wood paneling is a great way to incorporate modern elements and dimensional repetition into your ceiling project.

For this application, you need planks of the same width. Hemlock or peel-and-stick reclaimed wood can work well for this idea because they are lightweight and easy to install.

To add contrast, try alternating between reclaimed wood with different grain patterns and stains for an industrial look that will transform your ceiling into a work of art.

Alternatively, you can use white oak to create geometric patterns to add structure and boldness to the ceiling.

Vaulted Ceiling

A vaulted wood ceiling made from reclaimed wood. The walls are plain white, and there is a roof light window. — Reclaimed wood looks great when incorporated into a vaulted ceiling.

Vaulted ceilings have a self-support arch between the walls and the roof.

High vaulted ceilings come in handy, especially for houses with high spaces.

White oak is the perfect wood for high vaulted ceilings because it’s sturdy and can support heavy weights, including panels and light fixtures.

Combining reclaimed wood planks and dimensional lumber on the ceilings creates a modern look with a rustic atmosphere emphasizing the spectacular heights of homes with high ceilings.

For more contrast, you can install recessed lights for soft lighting and pickets for a farmhouse aesthetic.

How Much Does a Wood Plank Ceiling Cost?

The cost of a virgin wood plank ceiling, including professional installation, ranges between $4 and $8 per square foot. On the other hand, reclaimed wood plank ceilings cost between $5 and $20, depending on the species, grade, and finishing.

Reclaimed wood plank ceilings are expensive due to the additional repurposing to make them safer for machines and human use. These planks must be kiln-dried and inspected for nails, screws, and other fasteners that could cause injury.

However, the high cost of reclaimed wood plank ceilings is worth it due to their beauty and the fact that you can install them in numerous ways for different looks and effects.

What Kind of Wood Is Used for Wood Ceilings?

Fir, hemlock, oak, teak, and mahogany are the most popular woods used for wood ceilings. These woods are dimensionally stable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. They are ideal for complementing the other décor pieces in a room.

Ultimately, the wood you choose for your ceiling depends on personal preference, the purpose of the space, and the design you’re trying to achieve.

For instance, while mahogany is excellent for dark and dramatic spaces, white oak creates an elegance that blends with almost every type of décor.

Are Wooden Ceilings Expensive?

A reclaimed wood vaulted ceiling over a restaurant with tables and chairs arranged across the floor. Electric lights hang down from the beams of the ceiling. — Wooden ceilings can cost more but the finished result is often worth the money.

Wooden ceilings are more expensive than other materials like fiberglass, PVC, and thermoplastic for the following reasons:

Materials: Typically, wood is more expensive to buy than fiberglass, thermoplastic, and PVC. The cost of the wood itself varies based on species, grade, and length.
Installation: Installing a wooden ceiling is more labor-intensive than using other materials. This means more money is spent in the process.
Finishing: Wooden ceilings often require more finishing work, like sanding, staining, and sealing to protect the wood from the elements. These additional finishing steps add to the initial price of the materials.
Maintenance: Wooden ceilings require more maintenance over time than other ceiling materials. Wood may require regular upkeep because it can be susceptible to moisture damage and warping.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Wooden Ceiling?

The disadvantages of wooden ceilings include the following:

Wood is more expensive than contemporary ceiling materials.
Wood is susceptible to water damage; thus, wooden ceilings are unsuitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas with high humidity.
Wooden ceilings can be prone to warping, cracking, and splitting over time due to temperature and moisture fluctuations.
Wooden ceilings require special treatments to protect them from fire and pest damage.

Are Wood Ceilings a Good Idea?

Wood ceilings are a good idea because wood has excellent acoustics and soundproofing properties, is aesthetically pleasing, and can add warmth to a space. Wood also increases the property value of a home as it’s considered a luxurious material.

These desirable features are the reason for the high cost of reclaimed wood ceilings.

What Is the Best Wood to Put on a Ceiling?

Four photographs of wood ceilings made from different types of wood. The word "which?" is written in the middle inside a thought bubble. — Which type of wood to use for your wood ceiling is largely a matter of taste. Provided it meets the structural and other needs of the house, go with what works best for you.

Hemlock, white oak, fir, and teak are the best woods to put on a ceiling. Besides being durable and aesthetically pleasing, these woods are dimensionally stable, meaning they won’t warp or shrink easily due to temperature and humidity changes.

Moreover, these woods create a warm atmosphere when used for ceilings due to their natural grain pattern and color.

Are Wooden Ceilings a Fire Hazard?

Wooden ceilings can be a fire hazard, depending on the type of wood you use. Wooden ceilings made from High-density hardwoods and engineered woods are not fire hazards because these woods burn extremely slowly.

On the other hand, softwoods, like cedar and pine, are highly flammable. These woods should be treated with special fire retardants like chlorine and bromine to minimize fire risk.

How Long Does a Wood Ceiling Last?

With proper installation and maintenance, a wooden ceiling will last at least 15 years. The lifespan of wooden ceilings also depends on the wood’s species and quality.

For example, while hardwoods like mahogany can last far more than 20 years, softwoods like pine have a limited lifespan.

Therefore, if you aim to get a long-lasting wooden ceiling, choose hardwood, and give it adequate protection.

Final Thoughts

Reclaimed wood ceilings play an essential role in sustainable building. Besides, they add a rustic and warm charm that new lumber can’t replicate.

The best reclaimed wood for your ceiling project must be durable and dimensionally stable with aesthetically pleasing patinas that complement a room’s décor.

Once you have the best wood, don’t forget to invest in professional installation since installation affects wooden ceilings’ durability and visual appeal.

Before you leave, check out one of our other articles about interior design using reclaimed wood. We recommend using reclaimed wood for a mantel above your fireplace.

Reclaimed Wood Ceilings – Best Wood to Use for Your Project