The Truth About Reclaimed Wood and ROI

Saturday Construction Series

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From Italy to a Nasdaq Reservation

How do you follow record-setting success? Get stronger. Take Pacaso. Their real estate co-ownership tech set records in Paris and London in 2024. No surprise. Coldwell Banker says 40% of wealthy Americans plan to buy abroad within a year. So adding 10+ new international destinations, including three in Italy, is big. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.

Reclaimed Wood – HGTV Fantasy or Investor Win?

Buyers love the story.

Stagers love the look.

But does reclaimed wood actually boost your bottom line?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes… you just lit $2,000 on fire to impress a camera crew.

Here’s when it actually makes sense:

1. You're Competing at the Top of the Market

In luxury or design-forward flips, reclaimed wood can differentiate your property—especially if it’s used strategically (think feature wall, not the entire ceiling).

2. The Market Loves “Character”

In neighborhoods full of historic homes or trendy urban rehabs, buyers expect charm. Reclaimed touches can reinforce that vibe without overhauling everything.

3. You Get It Cheap

Have a good local hookup? Got some barnwood from Uncle Dave’s farm? Perfect. But buying it at retail just to say it’s “reclaimed” rarely delivers a return.

4. You Use It Where It Sells the Emotion

Dining room beam? Yes. Kitchen backsplash? Sure. Bathroom ceiling? Probably not. Know where the impact lives.

When It’s a Mistake:

  • Entry-level flips where buyers care more about warranties than rustic charm.

  • Rentals. Your tenants won’t pay more because your trim came from a whiskey barrel.

  • Full-scale projects where reclaimed = delays and cost overruns.

Bottom Line:

Reclaimed wood isn’t just a design choice—it’s a financial one. Used wisely, it can create emotional buy-in and real value. Used poorly, it’s just expensive scrap.