Are Recycled Wood Flooring Options All Antique?

As you start researching various wood flooring products, you will find there are so many options available to you. Antique wood flooring is one of the most used flooring options on the "Interior Design" side of the wood industry. The character markings, historical design gives you a remarkable, unmatchable design that blends effortlessly into rustic, or old-country designed interiors. What makes wood flooring antique? It is a wood that is over 100 years old. So, not all wood that is salvaged for future use can be labeled Antique. Antique wood used in furniture, and flooring has a defining quality that makes it worth preserving.

In order to do so, the piece often requires restoration before it becomes fit for use or display. The wood's history brings out an alluring look thanks to the presence of leftover nail markings,as well as aged knots and streaks.Salvaged lumber and reclaimed wood to a large degree result from original stands of old growth forest. Reclaimed vintage material has long been searched for, for its architectural quality and character, making it perfect for applications in timber frames, exposed trusses, open beam ceilings, exposed headers, trellis work, rustic mantels, reclaimed wood flooring, millwork, and rustic furniture. Old reclaimed lumber is prized by builders for its low moisture content which leads to stability in exposed applications. This reduces the tendency for the wood to shrink and pull apart so common with exposed applications using green lumber. Additionally, most old growth beams and timbers are extremely dense with a high ring count, and will grade with high structural values.

Recycled wood is very popular with those of us concerned with the environmental and sustainability issues surrounding logging of the remaining stands of old growth forests. There are newly cut post-industrial recycled wood flooring and lumber products that help reduce the pressure to harvest these old growth trees. Antique wood flooring is typically very durable due to its tight grain. Creating wood floors from old lumber, or using the scraps from current manufacturing diverts the valuable wood from landfills, and reduces the need for fabricating new wood flooring products. Choice of wood species and availability may be limited in the future, since the source of antique and reclaimed lumber is dwindling by the day. However, increase in interest and formation of many new companies specializing in recycling old wood, assures a secure supply for the near future. Suppliers are available nationwide.

Antiques are prized collectibles, and admired by others for years to come. Why not get yourself a small piece of history that leaves a wonderful impression on all that enter, giving you a warm and cozy feeling of home. Or, if you're in the mood for a modern or contemporary renovation, you could always use new recycled hardwood flooring options. Regardless of your choice, antique and all recycled hardwoods should be on the top of your list for remodeling materials.