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Quality and Environmental Responsibility
Reclaimed wood floors are made from planks of wood that have been salvaged from a wide variety places. Reclaimed wood can provide the benefits of old-growth timber without the environmental costs. Vast quantities of old-growth lumber can be found in old warehouses, buildings, bridges, tanks, and other structures that await deconstruction and reuse. Nail holes, bolt holes, and other fastener marks are part of the antique appeal of this unique resource.
People who know wood understand that the best quality wood comes from old-growth trees. Old-growth timber is harder, denser, and more stable than wood from young trees. It also tends to have fewer knots and structural defects. However, old-growth timber usually comes from ancient forests - a precious and threatened resource. Consequently, a growing number of building professionals and consumers are choosing alternatives.
Wood products used to create reclaimed hardwood flooring can also be carefully salvaged from urban areas, orchards, and river and lake bottoms. Every year, for example, a huge number of trees are removed from city streets, backyards, and parks due to disease, storm damage, and other causes. The majority of this wood winds up in landfills, but a growing percentage is being diverted as people discover this overlooked resource, which includes top grades of both unique and common hardwoods and softwoods.
Whether wood is reclaimed from existing structures or from urban forests, the result is the same: High-quality wood products that alleviate pressure on overflowing landfills and virgin forests alike. This makes reclaimed wood floors an environmentally sound option that at the same time is high in quality and unique in character.
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