Salvaged Lumber - The Benefits of Unique Hardwood Flooring

When it comes to most forms of recycling, the benefits are few. You either appreciate the reward of giving back to the environment or you don't. Using salvaged lumber for your hardwood flooring, however, is a type of recycling that benefits more than just the environment. There are a number of reasons why you might choose to go this route, even if it didn't do a single thing for this planet we all live on. If you're thinking about putting in hardwood flooring, consider going the reclaimed route. You might be glad you did.

Rarity

If you want to create hardwood flooring with, say, antique heart pine, you are going to be out of luck if you don't want salvaged lumber. The same is true for many types of trees that would have been common building materials a century ago. This is one of those unusual cases where recycling can actually give the user a rarity they would have otherwise been unable to obtain. Reclaimed wood is often made with tree types that are stronger, more durable, and more valuable than today's common choices. It can imbue your home with additional value, above and beyond the practical and aesthetic.

The Environment

Though there are benefits above and beyond the environment, there's no question that using salvaged lumber is contributing to a positive change in the way we use one of our most important natural resources. If you want to see the impact you're having, all you have to do is take a look at the trees and forests still standing and growing tall after cutting restrictions were put in place. While reforestation efforts by the country's lumber companies have been progressive, you can't argue with the benefits of simply not cutting the trees down in the first place.

Character

If you want a monotone, shiny, dime-a-dozen hardwood floor, salvaged lumber may not be for you. If you want something that brings a bit of character with it, however, you will find a lot to like about various forms of reclaimed wood. There's no way to accurately replicate the ageless beauty that comes from wood that has been used and cherished for over a hundred years. Many companies can even tell their customers exactly how the wood has been used in the past, giving you a story to go with your flooring. People spend a lot of money and time introducing conversation pieces into their home. Just imagine if your beautiful floor came with its own history.