Reclaimed wood flooring

If you're thinking of installing reclaimed wood flooring, we lay down the facts about where to buy it, how much it will cost and any potential problems to be aware of

- NATASHA BRINSMEAD

One of the aspects of a home that creates the biggest single impact is the flooring, so choosing a covering that suits your home and the room it will reside in is important. If you want instant character and warmth then wood flooring ticks the boxes. Reclaimed wood flooring goes one step further and provides a fantastic eco-friendly option. But as with all types of flooring, it is important to purchase reclaimed wooden flooring from a reputable source.

Our guide explains exactly what a reclaimed wood floor is, where you can buy one from, and how much it is likely to cost you to ensure that you choose the right product for your home.

THE RECLAIMING PROCESS

Many consider reclaimed wood a preferable alternative to new solid or engineered flooring, either because they are after a sustainable alternative or because they are drawn to the history and character these floors offer.

As the name suggests, reclaimed flooring is made from wood that has already been used for another purpose or lifted from another property where it was perhaps redundant. It is also sometimes called recycled wood flooring and may have been, in a previous life, anything from a piece of furniture to a building or even a boat or trailer.

Before this wood can be sold as being suitable for flooring, it has to go through a number of processes that varies depending on the source and condition of the wood. Typically nails have to be removed, after which the boards are sawn, sanded and profiled into floorboards fit for 21st-century standards. They are usually available with tongue-and-groove edges that make laying easy and come in a range of finishes, from waxed to scrubbed.

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