Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Love hardwood flooring but want to be eco friendly? Consider using reclaimed wood flooring.
If there's one thing I can't get enough of, it's hardwood floors. But I know that often times using hardwood means that forests are cut down and little is done to replenish the trees that have been removed.
So, when I heard about reclaimed wood flooring, I got really excited. There's nothing we love more at Green Living Made Easy than having your cake and eating it too - and reclaimed wood allows us to do just that!
If you're planning to update your flooring and really want to go with wood, take the time to check out reclaimed wood flooring - you'll be glad you did!
Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Reclaimed wood flooring is flooring that's made from wood that's been "reclaimed" from ending up in a landfill somewhere.
When old buildings, bridges, barns, industrial buildings, etc. are torn down to make way for new buildings, the wood that's taken is typically just dumped into a landfill never to be seen again.
Well, someone thought that using that wood again may just be a good idea - and they were right! Companies take this old wood and mill and repair it and create floor planks that are then re-used in existing and new homes and buildings.
You can get this type of flooring in a wide variety of wood types and finishes so it's a great option for almost anyone.
Reclaimed Wood From Barn Beams
Floors are Green First and most importantly, this flooring type allows for the use of wood that would otherwise be disposed of.
It's gives new life to an old product and that's just about as green as you can get! When people choose to use reclaimed wood, less trees need to be cut down to provide for the flooring needs of today's home and building owners.
The wood is extremely high quality - typically better than what you'd buy today. Because hardwood used to come almost exclusively from old-growth forests, old wood is typically better quality than wood that's used today.
The longer a tree was able to grow, the stronger the wood it produces. That makes this flooring an extremely durable choice.
Reclaimed Wood Floors Used Effectively
The cost of reclaimed wood for flooring is going to vary widely, depending on the type of wood you purchase and the level of finish - just like regular hard woods.
However, it is important to note that you won't likely pay any more for reclaimed wood than you would would new hardwood flooring.
It will likely cost you somewhere between $3.50 and $7.00 a square foot depending on the factors noted above.
Those who enjoy do-it-yourself projects can easily install reclaimed wood flooring themselves - it's no harder than installing regular hardwood.
You May Need To Deal With Some Imperfections
Because this type of wood has been used before, there will also be marks or imperfections in the wood.
Manufacturers typically mill the wood and prepare it for flooring use, but the imperfections remain. Many people think that the marks and imperfections give the wood character and it's actually a selling point for many.
Take care when choosing stains and finishes that you choose only items that have low VOC's. If you use products with a high VOC count, you'll experience off-gassing for many years.
It's harmful for you and the environment and while your flooring is still eco friendly, the finished product won't be nearly as eco friendly as it could be.
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