What to do?

The first thing to do is get over the intimidation factor. By intimidation factor I mean don’t let yourself get intimidated by your lack of knowledge. On a daily basis we deal with homeowners who are going to make this purchase of a new floor once in their lives and they need to do it right. We know you are new to all this so sit back and just let us do the driving.

So how do you make sure it gets done right? Deal with people who do nothing but wood flooring.  You need deep expertise and don’t let yourself be convinced otherwise. The world of wood flooring is unique and is filled with variables that have to be addressed correctly, the first time.

Like most things in life you have your generalists and your specialists. The generalist has a working knowledge of lots of things. But they know deep down their knowledge has distinct limits and more often than not they learn on the job or as they go. That is great for them but why should you pay for their learning curve?

You shouldn’t.

So how can it go wrong? The first place things can go wrong is on price. You have a budget and you need to stay within that budget. But getting too fixated on price will lead to places you don’t want to go.  People will tell you, “Oh I know a guy who can get that for you sooner and cheaper.”  Anybody see a red flag here? You should because it’s waving all over the place!

This is your moment to remember the old adage, if it sounds too good to be true…

Focus on quality and trusting our sales people here at The Woods Company and purchasing your new floor will be exciting and rewarding.

It is not every day we see such a vast and beautiful expanse of our newly sawn white oak!

Barnes residence second floor hallway

Traditional White Oak Character

Traditional White Oak Character

Traditional White Oak Character

Traditional White Oak Character

“You can touch the past sometimes…Each scratch and tool mark on the timbers recorded an unremembered instant of judgment and sweat. We spoke quietly as we interpreted their meanings. Ghosts were watching…”

-Roy Underhill
The Woodwright’s Workbook
1986

I remember the first time it hit me. I was tailing at one of the de-nailing stations. The scanner was waving the metal detector over the boards that were brought in the day before. Boards with metal got sent to the nail puller, the ones that were good went to the carts. Board after mind numbing board passed through my hands as I sent each to their appropriate place.

Then BAM! There it was. In its previous life it had been an interior wall board. Well part at least since the person who tore down the house from which it came had cut it down to fir in the back of his truck. But still, there it was. Most of the wall paper that had once covered it was gone, revealing fragments of the newspaper that had used as backing.

The newspaper was from the turn of the last century. Most of the fragments were unreadable. But some, some were and it was glorious. Before I go on I guess I should explain. I’m a history buff. In fact my original major was history. I love the stuff. And here, on this board, were the remnants of one of the first drafts of history.

I was transfixed. I just wanted to hold it, to spend all day reading (or I should say, trying, to read) it. But I knew I couldn’t. Well I couldn’t and keep my job. But still. This was a piece of living, breathing history in my hands. A record of the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of its day. A literal window to the past.

And that was when it really sunk in as to what I was doing, what I was working with. This wood, boards, timbers, beams and columns were all part of something: a house, a barn, a factory and what not. In fact the very boards I was working with that day had come from a house, a home. A home that had husbands and wives and children. A home in which people had fought and loved and dreamed and schemed.

I began to wonder about the people who lived in this now demolished home. Was it owned by only one family? Or did multiple families call this home? Were these good people or were they bad? What things had these boards bared witness to? My mind reeled with all the possibilities of life that had transpired between these wall fragments.

It was then I began to scan every piece of timber that came through our doors. More newspaper fragments, hearts with initials inside, poorly carved names followed by equally poorly carved “was here” and a date. These were the markings of the long dead. Messages from the grave to eternity. For each one I found, I felt elated and a solemn sense that I was the last person to ever read “Jerry was here 1898” or whatever it was.

But then as I studied traditional woodworking more and started delving into the philosophy of handcraft, my mind broadened as to what a message might be. For you see, every tool mark left on a piece of timber is also a message. It’s a message from the workman. It tells you what tools he used, his technique and sometimes, if you looked hard enough, even his state of mind.

It was then that I realized that I too was leaving a message behind. For I had moved up through the ranks of the company and was now “the hand tool guy”. Any project that required hand work went straight to me; hand planed flooring, hand hewn beams, it didn’t matter, it was mine. And those projects, those boards and beams, carry my tool marks. They recorded the decision I made about how to approach the piece, the tools I used, how sharp they were and so on. My message to eternity. Well, them and my kids.

So, the next time you install a reclaimed or recycled piece of flooring or mantle or trim or whatever take your time. Be careful and respectful. Ghosts are watching.

Shannon Brown

by Karen Durning

I was recently reading a book called Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel, and it made me think of the countless conversations that I’ve listened to with couples who are in the midst of hard decisions regarding their hardwood flooring project.  Makes me wonder how I will build a home and select flooring and other interior elements with my husband in the future without kicking him in the kneecaps.  Hopefully, I will learn enough between now and then so we can avoid that awkward situation in the flooring showroom.

My disclaimer:  I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist, nor do I claim to know anything really about relationships or the brain.  Any so-called technical information here is from people on the internet who profess their intelligence on these subjects.  Of course, I am throwing in my observations as a “spaghetti like” creature as well.

The Brain

You really only need to know 3 things here, based on the word of the people who went to school and are professionals on this stuff:

§  The male brain on average is bigger than the female brain; while the female brain on average has more cellular connections than the male brain.

§  Men perform tasks predominantly with the left hemisphere of the brain; while women will use both because of the higher level of cellular connections.

§  Women have a larger deep limbic system than men.

In terms we can actually understand:

§  Men make decisions using facts, statistics, processes, logic and reason.

§  Women make decisions using an arsenal of creativity, communication, intuition and emotion.

I’m sure there is overlap depending on individual personality traits.  For example, I actually like facts and processes!  (Strange, I know!)

The Waffle and Spaghetti Theory (In a Nutshell)

Men are problem solvers by nature.  They compartmentalize all aspects of their life into boxes—hence, the waffle.  Each box (problem/issue) is very separate and is dealt with based on priority.  Once analyzed and solved for, they move on to the next box; one box does not affect the other.  Women are very different in that almost all aspects of their life run together much like a big bowl of spaghetti; noodles touch, are intertwined, and are all connected in some form or fashion.  The woman’s thought process works the same way: one thought leads directly into another, which leads to another, and another.

So, how does all of this relate to reclaimed flooring…because I promise you it DOES! But, I’ll be speaking in generalities here.  Like I mentioned before, sometimes I think more like a man than a woman!

The Waffle’s Thought Process

With our new waffle knowledge, we know that men are all about the facts and processes, so when researching and purchasing antique reclaimed flooring they might think:

•       What is the reclamation and milling process?

•       How thick is the flooring?  Is it ½” or ¾”?

•       Is it solid, tongue and grooved, and milled with a back relief?

•       Is it end matched with a tongue and groove on the ends?

•       Is it kiln dried to 6%-9% moisture content?

•       Will my flooring have high quality milling that allows for a seamless installation process?  Can I install it over our radiant floor heat system?

•       Can I get stair parts, millwork, and floor vents to match my flooring?

The Spaghetti’s Thought Process

Spaghetti may help us better understand how women think.  For women, everything is connected and intertwined, so it is natural to be concerned about how their purchases will affect them, their family, their household, etc.  They also have a sense of style and have a vision for how the home will look and feel.  So when researching and purchasing antique reclaimed flooring women might think:

“I like the Antique Oak Distressed flooring—those color tones are warm and inviting, and the character is so unique. It would definitely have a cozy feel when you walk into our home, everybody will think it’s beautiful when the visit.  The grandparents are coming to visit this weekend. Wouldn’t that floor look awesome with the fireplace?  Can you imagine the kids playing in the winter in front of the fireplace on that floor?  We need to schedule to have the fireplace cleaned.  Is the flooring natural and safe for the kids and pets?  I wonder how durable the flooring is.  Will Max’s toenails scratch the floor?  I have to drop Max off to have his toenails cut and pickup the curtains from the dry cleaner.  Wonder how the colors will look with curtains, furniture, walls and trim?”

Oh, and Reclaimed Flooring, Too

While waffles and spaghetti are two very different ways of thinking, one thing remains the same: We all have questions and concerns as consumers.  We all worry that we are making informed decisions about the products that we use in our homes.  We want to know that we are getting high quality products and great value, especially in today’s economy.

When deciding on flooring for your project, take advantage of the differences we have as men and women.  Work together, be open with each other, communicate well and ask a lot of questions; all of the questions you have are important.  Flooring is one of the largest visual elements of your home next to paint color, and we want you to be 100% happy with the floor that you choose from us!  So, relax, have fun, and try something other than syrup and spaghetti sauce as a finishing touch!

In the wood flooring industry the terms “defect” and “character” can mean different things to different people, and can even have different meaning according to industry standards and personal taste.  But sometimes, when considering wood flooring, seeing the combination of these two words is usually not an indicator of something good!

In the reclaimed flooring world, however, they are in fact indicative of what makes our products so beautiful and unique.

Character can be defined as a genetic trait:

Genetics . any trait, function, structure, or substance of an organism resulting from the effect of one or more genes as modified by the environment.

This definition directly addresses what constitutes character in lumber grading. Character is the long term result of all the factors combined during the life of a fully matured tree.  What was the soil composition? How much sunshine did the tree get? How wet or dry was the environment? When in its life cycle did it develop branches, which will later transform into knots? And finally once the tree was taken where was it used? All of these elements come together in the timber when it is made into a wood flooring planks, and the end result is an overall floor that is truly unique.

The knots add a traditional, sometimes rustic charm—you feel like you’re living on an authentic, natural floor covering. Sometimes the soil is rich with nutrients and minerals native to a specific area, and contribute to the rich color tones of the wood.  Mineral streaks, a discoloration in any species of wood caused by mineral deposits the tree extracts from the soil, are commonly seen as a blackish-blue streak within the grain and add a unique element, reminding us that the wood was once alive, taking nourishment from its environment.  And a favorite character type is the worm holes found mostly in Antique Chestnut, and occasionally in Red Oak. It’s what gives Chestnut its nickname, “wormy Chestnut,” a sought after, rare, and interesting wood.

Defect is the second part of the equation. Unfortunately, many of the same terms we describe above as adding unique character to your floor are also common terms when identifying defects. Some of these terms might be considered a defect, but are many times, in fact, character, as we illustrated above.

In terms of lumber grading these attributes are by definition defect in the bad sense. But at The Woods Company, Inc. we see these traits instead as character since in our opinion it makes our product so incredibly unique and beautiful in every sense.

Which is precisely why it is difficult to determine when a characteristic is considered a flaw or defect and cut out of a floor.  The NWFA and NOFMA allow 5%  for “defects” in manufacturers’ flooring orders. But what might be considered a defect for one specie may not be in another. In a recent article in This Old House magazine, the writer gives the example that, “…knots are nonexistent in the best grade of Maple and plentiful in the same grade of Australian cypress.” It then comes down to individual manufacturers’ grading system and the customers’ personal preference.

Our floors tell the incredible story of the tree from literally the ground up. You can see where the grain took a turn due to a broken limb. You can see the spaces in the grain where the wet years and the dry years stand out. Then there is the second life of the tree in an old factory. Our industrial timbers were used in a wide variety of warehouse settings. These second lives put another layer of character and defect into play.  Now the tree has reached what will most likely be its final destination, your floors. You get to enjoy the colorful history and dynamic look and feel of our reclaimed flooring.

by Rick Guynn, National Dealer Manager

It is always exciting when I have the opportunity to visit with any of our customers in the western mountain states. Colorado has long been an important market for our reclaimed wood flooring. Denver, Boulder, the Front Range, the Western Slope and the Southwest, each have their own unique environment, life style qualities and economies. The common thread of course being a love of outdoor activities, gorgeous natural settings, appreciation for the environment, and honest natural home styles. This trip, during a remarkable high pressure weather system over the Rockies in the middle of February, resulted in clear blue skies framing the mountains and vistas on my drive from Denver to ski country of the Western Slope. Some of our most successful and loyal hardwood flooring dealers have made a name for themselves servicing second home buyers and builders in colorful places like Vail, Crested Butte, Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.

The focus of this trip was to spend some valuable “face time” with a couple of active dealer installers who were good enough to take the time to show me
some of their latest handiwork using reclaimed antique wood flooring. The”Up Valley” homes we toured are typical of the homes built closest to the ski runs and are frequently built on the choicest building sites with plenty of space for creative landscaping. For years, the quintessential mountain home style has been based on variations and interpretations of the historic Grand Lodge style theme, scaled down a bit for modern living. This style of construction has it’s roots, wherever found, in incorporating natural building materials of stone, heavy timbers framing large window areas and of course spacious rooms with wood floors throughout. As my several hosts were quick to point out, reclaimed antique wood flooring is often the first best choice to compliment and tie together the other natural elements used in this style construction.

The visual warmth of reclaimed wood flooring is undeniable in settings like the several homes that I had the pleasure to visit. While the traditional “mountain style” homes are alive and well in resort and vacation communities throughout the country, reclaimed wood flooring from The Woods Company has been and is used in the widest range of building styles everywhere. From “contemporary mountain” style homes making inroads in ski country, to attractive suburban settings to loft condos in former warehouse and factory complexes of our local towns the functionality, beauty and warmth of reclaimed wood flooring has definitely mainstreamed in the past few years. With rational, growing interest in sustainable and reclaimed product usage, the wide range of species, color and textural styles of antique wood floors from The Woods Company are the natural best choice for any project.

Hi Karen,

Thanks again for all of your help with my flooring I bought from you. It’s installed and fnished and looks really beautiful. I’ve attached a picture. I couldn’t be happier with it.  ( I stained with the Minwax Fruitwood Stain, btw)

I’ve been asked and am curious myself to know where the wood was reclaimed from? Is it known where this batch was taken from?

Thanks!

Darryl Hartshorne

It is our pleasure Darryl! To answer your question the wood came from an early 20th century barn in Northern Indiana near Columbia City. The species is Hickory and the boards came from structural beams.

We agree Darryl, it looks great!

By Pete Mazzone

When you contact us with your project we work with you to show you the best representation of the wood floors that we discuss and that you are interested in. Our sampling program takes full advantage of the tactile nature of our lumber and is our chance to put the product on a limited scale into your hands and give you the opportunity to experience the beauty of our floors. We strive to show you not just the most beautiful example of the wood but, more important, the sample must reflect what your flooring will look like once it is installed in your home.

How do we go about doing this?

It begins during the manufacturing of our flooring orders. Every time we mill a floor, our production team keeps a keen eye out for the selected color, grain, and unique character that best represents the floors in product line. They then deliver the carefully selected sample boards they deem appropriate to the sample room for further scrutiny and finishing. We carefully organize the samples according to species, character, and width in order to be efficient when we’re selecting the pieces we will send to you. We treat them like works of art! And we take as much care in crafting our samples as we do in crafting your floor.

Antique Oak Sample

What makes for a good sample?

A good sample starts with a team effort. At The Woods Company, Inc. we understand how important a proper representative sample is to your flooring decision. Our sales team not only has over half century of experience in the industry, but we love wood! So we collaborate to ensure that the sample is not just beautiful, but uniquely selected and crafted based on your desires and needs.

Once we have our sample we photograph it and attach it to your customer file, which comes in handy when we’re talking about the samples over the phone. We’ll talk about color tones and variation, how much unique character you’d like to see in your floor, whether you will consider random widths for a more traditional look or all same width boards for a more formal or contemporary look.

How should you use your samples?

We make your sample pieces in a size that makes it easy to visualize in the room. (It’s not like a small paint sample on a card and you have to envision  a whole wall in that color!) Take it with you to the job site, to the paint store, to the fabric store, to the furniture showroom. You may even want to leave the sample by a window to see how the color patinas over time.

Live with it, and consider how it feels as much as how it looks.  And remember, wood is unique, it’s not uniform. Every board will be different. So it’s important to consider that the sample is just that, a sample—a representation of how your floor will look. And it forms the basis for how our future conversations will go in selecting the perfect floor on which you and your family will create many memorable moments.

Instead of “waiting for the economy to turn around” we have taken proactive steps towards positive forward motion for The Woods Company in the coming year. We’ve invested in resources that have allowed us to evaluate our past and strategize our future.  In addition, two long-time industry professionals are collaborating with us to fine-tune the sales and manufacturing operations and reinvigorate our marketing effort.

Fortunately our sales are strong, with ever-increasing interest in our products. As a result, two new sales team members have joined The Woods company: Debra Russell, who comes to us with 8 years of reclaimed wood flooring experience and will be covering the mid-Atlantic and southwest regions, and Peter Mazzone, an enthusiastic addition to our sales support effort with a background in the IT/Communications industry.

And we’re proud to promote from within our company as well: Karen Durning has been a loyal and solid sales support associate for over 13 years, and we really value her contribution. We’ve promoted her to full time sales focused on Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the northeast, and she is doing a great job! And Rick Guynn is being repositioned as the National Dealer Manager, applying his 25 years in the industry towards the development of our retail partnerships.

In order to be more engaged with our customers, we’re stepping up our social media presence, and invite you to join our discussion on Facebook at The Woods Company, and on Twitter @thewoodscompany. We want to hear from you!

Finally, in order to continue offering beautiful and unique reclaimed and hardwood flooring and timber options that are appropriate for any design style or lifestyle, we are actively developing new versions of our products, including an engineered line that we plan to introduce in 2011. And, we also hope to heighten the awareness and applications of our reclaimed timbers.

There is a lot going on here at The Woods Company, and much to eagerly anticipate in the new year.  We appreciate you, our customers, and look forward to continuing our relationships!

There are many different opinions; one, by Timi Bates, an interior designer in upstate New York, who says, “The future of wood flooring might not even include wood.” While this is humorous, I hope it’s not the case!  Granted, with the green movement, there are many options for environmentally-friendly flooring, some of which may even loosely fall into the wood category, such as bamboo or cork.

shift towards urban living

And the demographic profile of today’s homeowners, their lifestyles, and the types of home they choose is shifting—trending away from the suburbs, and towards urban living; away from traditional designs and towards contemporary or industrial; away from more square footage and mass consumption, and towards a smaller space with socially conscious purchases.

But, here at The Woods Company, we like to think that solid wood flooring will still be desirable for new and future generations. And the design options are limitless! Wood flooring should no longer be primarily associated with traditional, colonial, or farmhouse styles. Especially with our antique, reclaimed options, it can fit beautifully into an

mix of traditional and contemporary design styles

urban or industrial setting, a contemporary style, or even a mix of styles. Eclectic is the new black! Today’s homeowner is more likely to choose what they like, what they feel good about from a social or environmental standpoint, and what they may have collected through the years.  And what better backdrop for your unique lifestyle and living space than a custom wood floor made from reclaimed wood with character, history, and a design style all its own!

The economic forecast is predicting that wood flooring will show significant growth. It may come in different formats, such as engineered rather than solid, but this only makes it a more accessible option for any of the scenarios we’ve presented above.

In this way, we’re preserving the past while designing for the future.