How to tell real reclaimed wood from imitation

Many pieces are sold as “old wood” today. Some are, and some are new boards with an aged finish. A few simple checks show the difference.

What reclaimed wood is

Reclaimed wood is old wood taken from a building, a barn or an older piece of furniture and used again. It has spent decades indoors or outdoors, so the colour, the cracks and the wear come from time, not from a workshop.

Four things you can check yourself

• Look at the back and the underside. On real old wood they are weathered too. On imitation they are often pale and fresh.
• Look at the holes and marks. Old nail holes, bolt holes and saw marks sit in random places. Copied marks repeat.
• Follow the cracks. Real cracks run with the grain and differ from board to board.
• Ask what it was. A seller who works with old wood can usually tell you what the piece came from.

What imitation is

Imitation is new wood that is brushed, stained or burned to look old. It can look good. It should be sold as what it is, not as old wood.

What we make

At Balat Furniture we make tables, consoles and sofa sets from old wood. The pieces in our showroom are one-offs. You can see them on our page about reclaimed wood furniture. For tables with a walnut top, read how to care for a walnut epoxy table. If you plan to order from abroad, read what to ask before you buy reclaimed wood furniture from Turkey.

Our showroom is in Balat, Nilüfer, Bursa, Turkey: Bozkır Sokak No:5-1, next to Macro Center, L Apartment building. Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00; closed on Sunday. Phone and WhatsApp: +90 532 662 58 76. More on the showroom and contact page.

Last updated: 2026-10-25