FAQs on Reclaimed Wood Floors, Salvaged Wood, Antique Wood Flooring, and More

Here are some common questions our clients asked us prior to purchasing their reclaimed wood floor and you might want to keep them in mind when shopping for the ideal wood for your home. (FAQs for Reclaimed Wood Flooring)

What is the most popular reclaimed wood floor nail?
The most popular nails for reclaimed wood floors are the Decorative Wrought Head, Common Standard, Common Rose head and Fire Door Clinch. Any of these nails hold equally well, so your choice is for the style you prefer.

How many nails will I need for the job?
The general rule of thumb is 3 lbs per 100 square feet of flooring based on floor joists being 16” on center. They also come in five pound boxes or 50 pound boxes. For a more accurate estimate, please ask your sales representative.

What time period do these restoration nails represent?
Manufactured cut nails were first introduced in the 1700’s. These machine produced nails were manufactured much more efficiently than their hand forged predecessors. Decorative Wrought head nails are indicative of the previous style, since up to that period of time nails were wrought by hand.

My new home is being built with radiant heat. Can I use reclaimed wide plank floors?
The answer is yes. The heat is distributed much more evenly with radiant heat. That makes it much more stable for the wood.

Is Pine too soft for a wood floor?
No, we have an Eastern White Pine that we even install in restaurants, though it is softer than other woods. Softness does not equate to durability. Old Growth Eastern White Pine has been used in homes for over 200 years and is still very beautiful. With old floors there are always dents which give the floor character.

What does Old Growth mean?
The term “Old Growth” refers to a tree that reaches maturity before it is cut down.By selectively harvesting these older trees, there is room for the younger trees to have access to sunlight, water and nutrients.

Can I use reclaimed wood floors in a kitchen and bathroom?
Sixty percent or more of the people today use wood floors in the kitchen and bathroom.

In a kitchen where there is high traffic, a more durable floor like heart pine or oak is more desirable. In the bathroom area where there is more dampness, one is concerned with the type of finish that is used on the floor. This is why we frequently recommend tung oil finishes because they are more durable in damp situations. A poly sits on the surface and tung oil penetrates the surface.

Is reclaimed wood the same as recycled?
The two terms have essentially the same meaning although “reclaimed” is commonly used to describe wood which has been salvaged from a previous use product. An example is flooring. “Recycled” as applied to wood is often interpreted to mean that the salvaged wood has been reprocessed to create a new “wood-based” product such as plastic/wood composite decking. “Rediscovered” often refers to wood that has been salvaged from landfills, rivers, lakes or forests.

How can I maintain my reclaimed wood floor?
First, prevention and protection is essential. Use felt pads on each and every chair and table leg and under anything else that sits on the floor whether you plan to move it or not. Clean off shoes when entering the house; or better yet wear slippers; or at the very least keep your high heels maintained and don’t track in sand or stones. Vacuum frequently and mop using a well rung out mop only. Mop up spills promptly and try to keep plumbing and roof leaks to an absolute minimum!

Will wide board flooring shrink?
Maybe, or maybe not. If your home is in a very dry (southwest) or very wet (gulf coast) climate, acclimation prior to installation is essential to minimize movement of the flooring once installed. But remember, wood is hydroscopic (meaning it absorbs and expels moisture dependent on its environment), so all movement cannot be eliminated. Seasonal movement –shrinkage in the winter, expansion in the summer- is normal and expected anywhere north of the tropics; and the reverse, anywhere south of it. 

What is sustainable forestry?
Sustainable forestry consists of eco-friendly management practices that ensure long-term timber production while maintaining the ecological health and balance of the forest. Another definition is managing forests to meet the needs of today, while providing for the needs of future generations. Sustainable forestry is about prompt reforestation, protecting water quality, and wildlife habitat, maintaining cultural and historical sites, providing for recreational use, and generally respecting the forest ecosystem.

How much of the earth is covered with forests?
Almost a third of the world’s total land area is covered by forests.

Are we cutting more trees than we plant every year?
Yes and no. Rainforests, which once covered 14% of the earth’s land surface now covers a mere 6% and some experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years. However, in regions of the world where responsible forest management is practiced, more trees are grown through replanting and natural regeneration each year than are harvested. For example, America’s forests have actually grown in size over the past century. About one-third of the U.S. is now covered with trees. In fact, we now have more forestland today than we did on the very first Earth Day in 1970.