Reclaimed Flooring De-Mystified

So what exactly is Reclaimed Flooring?

While those less familiar with the world of antique or reclaimed wood might consider that reclaimed flooring has come intact from an old structure, the likelihood of this is otherwise. While pains are taken in careful de-construction to preserve the integrity of old wood flooring, the original thickness (or thin-ness : 5/8" - 3/4") often precludes that success. When successful recovery is the result, a re-milling of the tongue & groove on either side of the board is part of the process that insures  a snug joining of  the floor planks. Widths of these floor planks tend to be more narrow than wide.

A more accurate scenario that better references "reclaimed flooring" has to do with newly made floor planks cut from large beams and timbers from a variety of antique woods , that have been deconstructed from homes, barns and buildings built before or just after 1900.

And while we'd like to assume that "reclaimed flooring" refers to vintage or antique wood flooring of this kind, it can be an important distinction to verify from one's supplier, for the truth is that "reclaimed flooring" can refer to any flooring of wood that's been used before. It will likely look better than newer wood on the market today, but BUYER BEWARE lest you pay a dear price for newer wood from less scrupulous suppliers, that imply reclaimed wood to be antique wood flooring.

Compared to Antique Wood Flooring

Antique Wood Flooring is a more specific form of Reclaimed Flooring.  You might say it's at the top of the reclaimed wood flooring pyramid.  One only has to compare it to wood of newer origin, regardless of species, to understand why.

It's All About Reclaimed Wood

In a world of diminishing natural resources, recycling reclaimed lumber, whether antique or not, is a worthwhile endeavor and an opportunity that anyone installing hardwood floors should seriously consider.
 

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