Historic Flooring specializes in flooring produced from antique wood with an emphasis on Heart Pine, Oak and Wormy Chestnut. The wood we use to produce these Historic Flooring products was originally harvested anywhere from 100 to 300 years ago, when it was used to build America.
When our forefathers discovered the versatility that the Longleaf Pine had to offer, they began using it to build just about everything. After logging relentlessly for years, the mature Longleaf Pine tree was almost extinct. They didn’t realize that it would take another 100 to 300 years to produce the strong and beautiful heartwood that is the source of what is commonly referred to as Heart Pine. Most of the Heart Pine we rescue comes from larger structures such a Factories and Mills.
The other major source of our antique wood comes from old Cabins, Barns and Stables. These structures usually produce a variety of species due to the fact that, like Historic Flooring, the farmers did not believe in wasting resources. Therefore, any tree that was “in the way” when they were building their barn was simply cut down and used to build the structure. Red Oak, White Oak and Wormy Chestnut are the species we typically find when rescuing barns. The barnwood can be used as-is, lightly processed for easier installation, or milled into flooring and paneling products. Some people even use barnwood for their ceilings!
The reclaiming process produces a variety of pieces, from large hand-hewn beams that can be up to 20 feet in length, to actual floors that are carefully removed to be re-used as floors. The beams are sometimes used as-is to build a new, similar structure, or quarter-sawn, cut into blanks, kiln-dried and then milled into flooring or paneling. Sometimes these beams are cut into long 6 inch thick slabs to be used as bar tops or mantels. On occasion, we find round columns that had been used for support. These pieces are usually cleaned and re-used as decorative columns.
At Historic Flooring we are very passionate about our products. Not only because we are preserving History and securing the existing resources for our children, but because of the breathtaking beauty of the products our antique wood produces. However, due to the unique characteristics of reclaimed wood, it’s not for everyone. Please read about what to expect when purchasing reclaimed wood products.
If you find that reclaimed wood products are not what you had in mind, we do offer a nice variety of “New” wood products.
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