Sunday, October 13, 2013

Tips Regarding Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring Installation

By Angel Dudley


A home's flooring is generally more about crafting something of beauty or comfort than something which can be cleaned or maintained easily. When people decide to install reclaimed hardwood flooring actually they are choosing the very best of both possible worlds. There is no flooring which is as beautiful or comfortable and as effortlessly cleaned up as a nice wooden floor.

Generally when somebody plans to install wood for their flooring they are amazed at the various types of wood available to install. They may use regular strip floors of a newly remodeled home or use the wide plank floors from older remodeled homes. They could also use tile set wood floors, pegged floors or end grain floors. They might try being unique and use a recycled material like siding or roofing shingles.

There are generally two different ways for getting the wood you will need for floors in the large amounts that are needed. The first one is going to the lumber source like old buildings, homes or barns and remove it themselves. Another way is to find a reputable salvage company and purchase whatever they need for their floors from them.

If you choose to remove it your self you are in luck. Salvaging wood floors is generally regarded as one of the easiest items to remove in buildings. It does require more effort to remove it, and sometimes you will have to re-mill the tongue and groove. The good thing is that any wood you end up salvaging will often be much more inexpensive than buying it new.

If you plan to purchase lumber, then there are some good opportunities there too. More and more lumber salvage companies are starting up every month. Their selling prices for different salvaged materials have become very competitive recently. Always guarantee that any the planking you do get is plenty for what you plan for it. Also guarantee each board is mostly consistent in coloring and size.

Whatever method you decide to use there are some things to know to help make the project move along quickly so any time is spent wisely. Always go over any wood for water, bug, smoke, fire and dry rot damage. These things are undesirable. Also go over the lumber for any signs of warping. Unless the plan is to re-mill the sides ensure its tongue and groove remain intact.

Once you have taken it home you should store it before it is installed. It is typically best to place it flat on either the top or the bottom. Stack them up no higher than about nine or ten boards high. Stacking it higher may cause it to warp. Put it inside the room you plan to install it so it will acclimate to any humidity in there.

Few things can add as much character for a home than reclaimed hardwood flooring. It typically takes some more work but will last a lifetime and is easy to clean up. With recent price drops there is not a better time to plan for this unique investment for your house.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment