Engineering Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Reclaimed wood flooring is a highly sought after flooring option these days. Involving the recovery, renovation and repair of wood flooring from old buildings, it is a look that suits a whole host of different types of interior. An idea that really caught on in the 1980s, exceptionally patient people today are prepared to trawl the salvage market for the floor of their dreams. That said, for the vast majority of people, the thought of having to potentially wait years for the flooring look they really want simply isn’t an option. If you’re someone who’s keen on a reclaimed floor but don’t want the wait, engineered reclaimed wood flooring is the perfect compromise.

In this day and age, any look you want can pretty much be achieved on a wood floor, but more than that, as time goes by the end result is becoming more and more convincing and authentic looking. A reclaimed look on engineered wood flooring is achieved by effectively distressing the top layer of wood that is apparent on the planks. There are various techniques used to create this effect and most give an end result that only a very scrupulous eye could spot as not being the real thing!

To get the reclaimed look, wood is “abused”, either by hand or by machine. Hand treatments might involve hitting the wood with blunt and sharp instruments as well as scraping it and hammering it so it looks aged and used. In a machine setting, wood is typically placed in a big tumbling machine together with chains, scrapers, hammers and other damaging objects so the wood gets that worn and old look. It might then have its edges further damaged or it might even be passed under open flames to give it a really authentically reclaimed look. Either way, you can be sure that when you choose an engineered reclaimed wood flooring solution that not only will it look the part of a genuinely old floor, it’ll have all the advantages you expect from a brand new floor.

If you were to recover an old floor from a building that’s about to be demolished for example, you’d have to deal with all its inherent issues such as repair, treatment, planks that are cupped or bowed, but when you choose an engineered wood solution you don’t have any of these issues. What’s more, an engineered reclaimed wood floor is an option that you can use throughout the home, including in kitchens and bathrooms, and, if you make the right choice, over under floor heating.

Adding a real twist to both modern and traditional interiors, an engineered reclaimed wood floor looks fabulous either used in one room only or throughout your whole home. When you team it with a clever mix of modern furnishings and just a handful of old or antique pieces, it really does add a real edge to your home. If you’re looking around for inspiration, think trendy wine bars and restaurants, fashion shops or décor mags – you really can’t go wrong with this one. Here are three of our best buys right now:

1. Dark and interesting. This Select Engineered Oak Smoked Reclaim Black UV Oiled option is virtually black, so is bang on trend right now. With its slightly distressed, reclaimed look surface, it doesn’t have the flat black look that is all too common with certain black options. A stunning addition to any room, no matter whether you’re creating a monochrome lounge or a cosy, chintzy boudoir, you really won’t regret this choice.
2. Warm and stylish. This Natural Engineered Oak Reclaim Brown UV Oiled flooring truly is one of the most versatile options you can choose when you opt for an engineered reclaimed wood floor. A look that has been around for centuries, this flooring is timeless elegance personified and wouldn’t look out of place in an old French chateau!
3. Highly natural and authentic. This Natural Engineered Oak Reclaim Brown UV Oiled solution really is stunning. A nice wide board to boot, it is the perfect answer for anyone who wants a reclaimed look in their home that looks highly natural and matt.

So there you have it – the bottom line is that if you want a reclaimed floor, but don’t want the wait or the inconvenience, why not have a closer look at our engineered reclaimed wood flooring options? You’ll be really surprised at how authentic they look, no matter how much of a perfectionist you are!