Should you Choose New or Reclaimed Timber Flooring?

What Kind of Hardwood Flooring is Right for your Home?

Choosing hardwood flooring for your home is the easiest way to lower your maintenance costs over a long period of time. Because hardwood planks are known to last fifty or more years, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to install another floor for a very long time. Today, hundreds of flooring styles offers homeowners the choice between fresh new hardwood planks or characteristic reclaimed flooring. Let’s take a look at the factors to consider when choosing between new and reclaimed hardwood flooring for your home.

New Floor Planks

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There’s nothing like a brand new timber floor to give your home a contemporary face lift. Many families who choose to install a new hardwood floor do so because this route offers infinitely more options in regards to plank colour, grain pattern, and size. Because of this, they are able to achieve a more custom look without paying the price for custom finishing. Often, this makes new flooring slightly more affordable compared to reclaimed hardwood.

Reclaimed Flooring

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Although a new, shining floor can bring out joy and excitement in even the most original homes, reclaimed hardwood flooring also adds enormous character thanks to its age and unique appearance. Reclaimed wood floors are crafted from repurposed timber, usually sourced from things like railroad ties, wharfs, and other unused property. Although it is a little more unorthodox to manufacture, the benefit of reclaimed wood floors really lies in its minimal impact on the environment. Surprisingly, reclaimed wood is actually harder and stronger than new wood, because it comes from old growth forests. As a result, they are more stable, rot-resistant, and better equipped to withstand damage from termites.

Which is best for you?

Picking between reclaimed and new hardwood flooring will be an entirely personal decision. Households on tighter budgets would do well to invest in a new timber floor because of their affordability and vast number of options. Because new hardwood flooring is often easier to source than reclaimed timber, it may also be the best choice for homeowners who have to install their flooring within a specific time frame. On the other hand, homeowners who prioritize being an environmentally friendly household should definitely consider reclaimed wood. Not only will your eco-friendly floor benefit the environment it will also benefit your home with its charm and character.

Both new and reclaimed hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. Each option will deliver decades of low-maintenance service, and will add a unique appearance to your home. While new hardwood planks will be easier to source (and possibly more affordable), reclaimed wood is eco-friendly and packs a surprising amount of appeal thanks to its old age. If you have any questions about which type of hardwood floor would best fit your home, contact our team of flooring experts today for more information.