Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring 101

Antique Oak. Historic Plank. Hickory. Wormy Chestnut. Beech/Maple and White Pine. And the list goes on and on… When it comes to giving a project that little something extra, adding reclaimed hardwood flooring can provide a beautiful and warm finish all its own.

And its appeal surpasses aesthetics, since repurposing reclaimed wood also demonstrates a commitment to preserving history and the environment.

They say that when you’re buying recycled wood, you’re buying a story. That’s because it has its own unique history. It can come from hand-hewn beams and floorboards removed from century-old barns and factories, railroad ties and even fences, shipping containers and antique water tanks.

The selling point is that no two pieces are exactly alike. Decades or even centuries of use have left each piece with its own markings that not only add a unique design element, but tell a story. And many homeowners are willing to pay a premium to tell that story.

Locating reclaimed wood can be half the fun for both the contractor and the homeowner because it’s akin to antique shopping.

One of the first places to start your search is salvage yards, many of which operate user-friendly websites that detail things like available materials, prices and the source of the wood. Always inspect the pieces in person and obtain samples to show your customer. Ask if the seller can prove the origins of the boards with photographs or documents that the homeowner can use to tell their story, just as they might after buying an antique or expensive piece of art.

Demolition firms, Craigslist and eBay also are places to search for reclaimed hardwood flooring or recycled lumber from deconstruction. Use distance filters to search for material in your area.

Regardless of which avenue you choose to find your materials, make sure there is enough material to finish the job. You don’t want to fall short because finding matching “back up” pieces will not be easy.