Saturday, April 25, 2009

Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring - What is It, Why Use it and Where to Buy It?

If you are looking into buying wood flooring, you probably have come across the term "reclaimed wood" and may be wondering what exactly does this mean. This simply means that the wood material has been used previously and was discarded or not needed anymore. In the past, usually when a wooden structure wasn't needed anymore it was just disposed of to a landfill dump or perhaps burned. This is an unfortunate way to deal with wooden materials that come from structures that are being remodeled or demolished. These older woods many times can be reused by milling, refinishing or sanding.

As people have become more aware of environmental concerns such as deforestation, the practice of reclaiming wood has become more popular. Reclaiming hardwood flooring materials has many advantages such as : reusing old growth woods that are valuable and rare, reducing deforestation, reduce harm to environments from logging, reducing solid waste and offering economical alternatives to new wood materials. Perhaps the best reason to reuse wood is that it just doesn't make sense to throw away beautiful wood material that took so long to grow. Recycling wood just makes sense and people love it's appearance.

Reclaimed flooring can come from different types of wood products. It doesn't just have to come from old wood flooring, although that is one of the most popular sources. It can also come from old barns, wine barrels, water towers, bridges, homes, wharfs, docks, schools etc... On the outside the wood of these materials may not look like something you would want to use on your floors, but that is deceptive. For example if you take a thick piece of a large oak beam that is cracked and splintered on the out side, you will find by milling it into smaller pieces the inside looks fresh and beautiful without the wear and tear of the sun, wind and water.

Finding reclaimed hardwood flooring material may not be as simple as going to your local large building supply franchise. Usually these types of businesses won't carry these reclaimed products. The best way to find a company that specializes in flooring and specifically has experience in these materials. With a little bit of searching online you can find someone in your area who can help you.

To find out more info go to reclaimed hardwood flooring experts Tamalpais hardwood floors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Phelan

3 comments:

mama mich said...

Check out the Nail Jack or Nail Hunter for your flooring and re-claiming /re-using of wood. This nail remover is the best thing I've ever worked with for my projects!!

www.thenailhunter.com
www.thenailjack.com

Unknown said...

I have carpet over my wooden flooring for years now because I was postponing its refinishing but now I am fed up of cleaning fur balls of my German shepherd over it every other day and decided to use help of some Hardwood Refinishing Services. .There is great variety of good option's available online and some provide even financing option.

Unknown said...

Thanks!The use of reclaimed wood isn’t a new concept, but it’s seen a surge in popularity especially with the green building and remodeling boom. The fact that the wood has been weathered and aged making each piece unique is one of its greatest qualities. Talk to some of the reclaimed wood flooring experts to know more about where you can buy these wood flooring and what are its benefits. I know one The Reclaimed Flooring Co, they creates exceptional works of real, natural wood floors with an innovative range of hand-made platforms. Made in Oak, Pine, Strip, Panels & Parquet, etc.