Reclaimed Pine Flooring Is Good For The Planet

Jul 20
07:56

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Reclaimed pine flooring not only looks great, it's good for the environment. Here are some things to think about.

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It takes a long time to grow a tree and reclaimed pine flooring allows some of the younger forests to keep on growing. Instead of cutting down new timber to make these floors,Reclaimed Pine Flooring Is Good For The Planet Articles reclaimed wood is transformed into planks. Not only is this environmentally smart, it's also a way of obtaining high quality lumber. Some types, such as American chestnut, are only available through recycled sources because the product isn't available anymore. Years ago, the U.S. Chestnut trees became diseased and died off. If a homeowner wants to have a Chestnut floor, he or she will have to go to a recycler.

These recycled products have lots of personality. They may have been part of a warehouse or a factory. Some come from wooden barrels that contained pickles or whiskey. Some is derived from barns, fences or doors. The imperfections and discolorations add charm and character to the floor that is the wood's new incarnation.

Reclaimed timber is very topnotch. Long ago, the forests were different from today's woodlands. Back then, there were tons of ancient trees, some hundreds or even thousands of years old. Because the trunks were very wide, there was an immense amount of dense, strong heartwood. Today, with fewer and younger trees, this access to ancient centers of trees has diminished.

During the 19th century, the logging trade in the continent of North America was in full swing. Not only did the U.S. and Canada have abundant resources for their own country's uses, it also had enough to sell to Europe. Many Oaks, Elms, Ashes, Chestnuts and Hickories were cut down and shipped across the ocean to France, Britain and other European countries. Some of the masts of Europe's ships were constructed from timber exported from North America.

This salvaged wood is popular with decorators who are looking for a distressed appearance in their floors. Just like antiques are well loved for their high quality, quaintness and history, the reclaimed pine has a story to tell. Contractors who sell this product must salvage it, remove paint, nails and make it into planks. It is then kiln-dried in order to make it usable. Moisture left in the timber can prove detrimental. Because it's not from a uniform source, the sizes that are available may vary. It's important to measure the recycled flooring planks in order to get the exact amount to fit square footage of a room or home.

Because of environmental concerns, many individuals are interested in more "green" options in decorating. Other than recycled pine, some homeowners select engineered products that don't use solid piece logs but rather stack and glue three to five thin sheets together. Laminate is another option that doesn't sacrifice new trees. Laminate flooring is actually a sheet of simulated wood grain glued on top of fiberboard and a resin. Choosing rapidly growing woods such as bamboo is another option for environmental friendliness. Fast growing trees are able to repopulate the forest faster. Many individuals love the look of reclaimed pine flooring; the fact that it has so many desirable traits makes it all the better.