Wood from an old house

[hang-the-9]

I read here and there about cuemakers hunting around for old houses that are being torn down to use the nice wood that is not legal to cut down or is hard to find. There is an old house across the street from me (I'd say at least 100yr old) that a house builder bought and is taking apart "to see how it was built". My wife used to work for him and I may be able to get something from the site. What do I look for? How can I really tell what wood it is without bringing along a carpenter

 

[masonh]

i think old bowling alleys and gymnasium floors are what you want.i am sure some old houses have Maple floors,but i think it is semi-rare.

 

[shag_fu]

Butcher block countertops might be applicable here. But they are kinda rare and depend on construction type. Some ue lots of short boards glued together. I managed to snag a custom one made from maple 2x4s. I might get 15-20 blanks. Not sure how many will be straight but the grain looks decent for a freebie.

 

[manwon]

Just be careful, some old houses have Termites

I think Mason has it right, there most likely would be little usable wood in an old house. But, if the place has stairs going up to the second floor check the banisters, and hand railing. If it was a nice place the stair case may be made from exotic wood!!!!!!

Good Luck!!!!!

 

[masonh]

hey Craig we are on a roll.is that twice in two days?

 

[MVPCues]

Along the same lines as the staircase, check the mantle of a fireplace.

I have heard of doing this in the Philippines when a very old house was built with a wood that is now depleted, but never heard of doing it in the states.

Kelly

 

[dave sutton]

red nara (sp?)

 

[hang-the-9]

Thanks for the replies, I was thinking maybe the wood the house was made of may be itself good, but the termites and aging/load bearing would make it pretty bad. I drove by it this morning and it was boarded up, it was wide open earlier. I think I missed my chance to scrounge

 

[DaveK]

Around here houses are made with soft woods, mostly spruce and some fir (more fir in older houses) .... neither of which seems appropriate for a cue. Hardwood flooring etc. are another story, but any house being demolished by a professional will have those scavenged out as part of their business (they sell the wood, copper piping/wiring, and other items of value to keep the cost to the building owner down).

Dave