The recycled wood for the dining tables from Tischonkel,…. where does it come from and what properties does it have?
Recycled wood is on trend – and that's a good thing! More and more people pay attention to where their furniture comes from and what story lies behind it. Also with the dining tables, coffee tables and other furniture from the table uncle sustainability plays a central role. Many of our high-quality solid wood tables are made from recycled wood. But where does this wood actually come from? And why is recycled wood so special?
Recycled wood is wood that has already been used once – for example as building material, door, window frame, or piece of furniture. Instead of disposing of or burning this wood, it is processed, reworked, and given a second life – often as an impressive solid wood table. We have our tables exclusively prefabricated in small family businesses on the island of Java before the extremely solid table tops and table frames are transformed into the perfect piece of furniture in our in-house workshop at our location in Germany.
Tip: Furniture made from recycled wood is not only sustainable – it also tells stories. Every table is unique!
Where does the recycled wood from Tischonkel come from?
Most of the recycled wood processed for our tables comes from Indonesia. There, old houses, barns, boats, or factories are carefully dismantled and the wooden elements are processed. Recycled teak wood is particularly popular, valued for its natural resistance and beautiful grain.
Overview of sources of origin
- Demolition of old traditional residential houses
- Decommissioned bridges and warehouses
- Traditional boats made of solid teak
- Former power poles and buildings

How is recycled wood processed?
Before the wood is processed into new furniture, it undergoes a careful preparation process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Dismantling | Old wooden beams and components are carefully removed |
| Cleaning | Removal of nails, screws, dirt, and old paint layers |
| Drying | The wood is carefully air or kiln dried |
| Processing | Cut to size, surface smoothed, character preserved |
Only after this elaborate preparation is the wood processed by small family businesses on site into beautiful solid wood tables pieces.

What are the advantages of recycled wood?
- Environmentally friendly: No additional clearings necessary. Recycled wood is becoming rarer as traditional construction methods in Southeast Asian countries are declining. However, we currently do not have major difficulties finding old wood.
- Unique appearance: Natural patina and individual grain. Each board and beam has been used in different ways. The traces left by previous use are not concealed but gently highlighted.
- Stability: Old teak wood is extremely resilient and dimensionally stable. Due to its long use, typically between 70 and 100 years, the wood is stable and seasoned. Teak wood has an almost weather-resistant structure due to its normal oil content.
- History: Each piece of furniture tells its own story. A significant portion of the recycled woods comes from old colonial times. Wars passed by these houses, children grew up, and generations were newly formed.
Practical tip: Small cracks, knot holes, and unevenness are part of reclaimed wood – they make each table unique! Traces of former use are reworked by traditional handcraft to achieve a closed and easy-care surface.

Recycled wood at Tischonkel: Sustainability meets design
Our tables from recycled wood combine environmental awareness with high-quality design. Each piece is handcrafted – with great attention to detail. Whether rustic, modern, or natural – our furniture are true character pieces for your home.
How can you recognize genuine recycled wood?
Real Furniture made from recycled wood have small signs of use, color differences, or old nail holes. These features are not defects, but visible proof of the material's history. We want to consciously point out these special characteristics – because authenticity is important to us.

Furniture with character and responsibility
A dining table made of recycled wood is not only sustainable – it also brings warmth, character, and history into your home. In our online shop „Der Tischonkel“ and in our over 6000 sqm large furniture store you will find a large selection of high-quality, unique tables that proudly carry a past – and shape a future in your living space.
Discover now: Our large selection of newly arrived solid wood tables made of recycled wood!

Visit our online shop, or come and visit us in person
Visit the online shop „Der Tischonkel“ or our over 6,000 m² large exhibition in Detern, East Frisia and experience sustainable furniture you can touch!
A visit is always worthwhile – we look forward to seeing you!



