People these days want to be surrounded by the feel of nature in their interior home designs. This includes flooring, which comes from various kinds of wood such as pine, oak and other reclaimed wood. They are not only practical, but are environmental friendly in this fast paced world. There is nothing like flooring made out of reclaimed wood as an expression of beauty beneath your feet. Using reclaimed wood also ensures that you are not damaging any living trees for your own purpose. What is even more acceptable is that, you get the unique elements of authentic wood grains, which are not present in trees of recent origin. What was once thrown or abandoned by the elements can now gain a new lease of life in your home as beautiful reclaimed flooring. Such reclaimed wood comes from old buildings, logs and homes to transform your home into a showcase of green living.
Why reclaimed wood flooring is greener?
The use of wood, which otherwise would have been disposed off takes root in your home and transforms itself into a beautiful display of nature. An old product is given a new life when you choose to use reclaimed wood. These woods were once green standing trees and their journey through time has sufficiently seasoned them into fine grains of texture. They become extremely high quality wood as they have come from old forest growth and these are typically better than the new breed of trees. The old trees were allowed to grow as long as they were able and this tends to make their wood product stronger. Strong wood makes for better and durable flooring choice. Besides, fewer trees are cut down to meet today’s demands when reclaimed wood is reused. This is a great way of promoting and preserving a greener way of life.
Why reclaimed wood is a better choice?
Reclaimed wood is fast becoming a favorite choice of flooring for many home owners because of its many benefits. It is given a refined look as it is milled expertly without any flaws. Sometimes, to keep the authenticity nail holes or bolt holes are left as it is, which further adds to its charm. These wood floors are prized for their patina, stability and beauty, which is basically lacking in new wood from younger trees. Reclaimed wood floors make for a healthier choice not only in terms of its aesthetic appeal, but also for its convenient maintenance. These wood floors do not require much chemical cleaning, nor do they produce fumes in the fibers or trap dust. This kind of reclaimed wood flooring does not grow mold in the grout and is ideal for people who are prone to allergens. Wooden flooring is also healthy for the spine and joints as they do not remain damp and can be very easy on the legs and feet.
Character of beauty in reclaimed flooring
The reclaimed wood has rustic character marks from its years of exposure and traffic wear, giving it a distinctively beautiful aura. They have many natural characters such as distinct color variations, knots, grain patterns and surface marks. They seem to recount the early history of America in the way it has been used and preserved. Basically this wood is sawn in the mills into wider planks as according to the demand requirement. The end to end seams in the floor is reduced when the planks have wider widths and longer lengths. This also creates an authentic historical look, which adds to its character. The unique character of reclaimed wood lies in the fact that no two planks of wood are alike. Each has its own color variation, surface checking and cracks, which are all very appealing when clubbed together. They add a character of warmth to the atmosphere in any country home or modern home. They create a natural charm and display an instinctive sense of spirit and harmony of the open country way of life.
Benefits of using reclaimed wood
When you use reclaimed wood, you are not only saving the forest from further devastation, but garnering many benefits as well. Apart from the fact that no new wood growth can produce the kind of character of old wood, there is an experience worth enjoying in reclaimed wood projects. They are environmentally sound, durable with tighter grain, have the texture of a weathered and well used appearance. They are also lower in cost by at least 50 percent in comparison to new growth wood. They have a natural stained look as well as the fine craftsmanship of hand finishing. They tend to age beautifully inside your home and give a clean and shiny appearance even without constant polishing or cleaning. The use of wood flooring can drastically bring down your carbon footprint, which can be a big contribution towards being eco friendly.
With the recession still staggering along, it is not surprising that people are turning toward more energy and moving saving agendas. However, there is no doubt that reclaimed wood flooring make for greener living and historic preservation of quality.
