1. How do I choose the right type of wood for my floor?
Most people select wood flooring manufactured from reclaimed antique lumber for the intrinsic natural beauty that age and/or exposure to the elements imparts to the wood. Careful processing and strict grading standards at The Woods Company assure that the best in full character and color is left in each plank. Individual preferences in home style, plank widths, color range and wood hardness factor into the selection as well. We also manufacture a line of Traditional Country Flooring milled from selected character grades of new wood. By creating a look that closely matches that of our Antique Flooring, this line offers an option for when budget considerations call for a less costly alternative. Please review the photographs from the Gallery menu for comparisons or give us a call at 888-548-7609 to discuss the possibilities with one of our experts.
top of page
>2. Why do you offer wood flooring in random widths?
The primary reason is that the material resource is considerably random by nature. Reclaimed lumber, in board or beam, comes to our mill in many different rough sizes. During the milling process we strive to maximize each board's practical width and length, allowing us to achieve the best yield and to help keep production costs down. This process most closely reproduces the look of early American plank flooring manufactured prior to the Victorian period of architecture. Prior to that time flooring was produced in random widths, (often by hand) for much the same reason as previously stated. Our flooring is offered in a wide range of practical options, from our standard RW(3"-6") to wider width options of RW(5"-8") and RW(7"-10"). Limited quantities of planks of 11" and wider are often available.
top of page
3. Is it hard to install a random width floor?
Although we recommend that if you have not previously installed a random width floor that you consult a wood flooring installation specialist, our flooring is headache free. Our grading specifications and inspection process guarantee a consistent quality that produces 100% usable material, saving you time and money on installation. Also, all flooring boards are presquared, laser-straightened, and milled with an offset tongue and groove for a thicker wear surface making installation easier and faster.
top of page
4. What is Reclaimed Wood Flooring?
Antique flooring is manufactured from lumber carefully reclaimed from aging barns, agricultural buildings, mills and factories destined for demolition. All Antique Flooring produced by The Woods Company is guaranteed to be made of 100% reclaimed, recycled lumber. Few options can rival the rich beauty and warmth of a properly installed random width plank floor produced from this valuable resource. Characteristics such as full natural color ranges, varying grain configuration, occasional mineral intrusion, worm holes, nail holes, minor cracks and frequent tight or fractured knots can be expected and are a desirable look.
top of page
5. What are the benefits of/reasons for buying reclaimed, antique wood flooring?
Antique wood flooring has a unique look not found in new wood flooring. Full natural wood grain, coloration enhanced by age, knots, fractures, nail holes and weather enhanced patina has an appeal that fits well in a wide range of architectural styles and tastes. In addition, there are ecological and environmental benefits. Not only are living trees spared from being harvested, but waste wood from building demolition does not end up in crowded landfills.
top of page
6. Does reclaimed wood need to be kiln dried?
The Woods Company kiln dries all reclaimed woods for use as flooring or millwork to 6%-9% moisture content prior to milling. This process not only stabilizes the wood for the widest range of interior uses but sterilizes the wood as well. Kiln temperatures kill any active or inactive boring insect larvae that may be in the wood.
top of page
7. Do wide board floors show gaps between the planks?
Even with kiln drying and proper installation, you will most likely see a slight change in floor board width seasonally. How wide the gaps or cracks become, the width of the floor board or orientation of the grain within each piece, is often dependent upon how dry the air is within the home. This seasonal expansion and contraction can be expected and occurs in all interior woodwork. Usually, the flooring planks will be the tightest in the humid summer months, showing minor gaping. In the winter heating months the flooring planks will often shrink slightly, depending upon how dry the air is within the home. Please see our "Installation Guidelines" for additional information regarding job-site conditions and acclimation procedures.
top of page
8. How do I take care of an antique wood floor? Does it differ from caring for a new wood floor?
The same maintenance procedures that apply to new wood flooring apply to antique wood flooring. The two primary concerns are excessive surface moisture in cleaning and dirt/grit tracked onto the flooring. Regular vacuuming and walk-off mats at exterior doorways are usually all that is necessary to maintain the finish and keep the floor looking good for years. Occasional damp cleaning (with a well wrung mop, sponge or clean cloth) with clean water or one of the various "polyurethane-care" products widely available will clean the dirt build-up on most polyurethane finishes. (Check the label to make sure that the cleaning product is compatible with your wood floor finish.) Remember: Excess moisture in cleaning should always be avoided and we recommend that while moving furniture you use casters or adhesive backed felt pads under the legs of furniture.
top of page
9. How can I make sure that my wood is not damaged when it's shipped?
All flooring is strapped into easy-to-handle bundles, neatly stacked and banded securely to a skid. This protects your order and simplifies unloading and handling. Based on our large shipping volume, we are able to pass along substantial freight discounts to you and are able to track your shipment to make sure it arrives securely and on time.
top of page
10. Do you offer material other than flooring?
We also manufacture stair parts, mouldings, cabinet lumber, counter tops, beams, and other architectural accents to compliment your flooring. Take a look at the architectural accents page from the accents pull down menu to see examples.
top of page
Please feel free to call us with any questions or to request free literature and wood samples
|
