If you want to take advantage of something truly unique, you can consider using reclaimed hardwood floors for every part of your home. Reclaimed wood is wood that has been treated and processed but has already been used for a specific purpose. It can come from old boxes, boxcars, barns, houses or other dismantled wooden products or structures.
Advantages:
The first two things that come to mind when considering using reclaimed hardwood floors are the unique aesthetics it gives you. I have seen it used with great success and it always provides the user with a product that draws attention and gets lots of compliments. Second, you get real wood for a fraction of the original cost, so this product could well prove worthwhile to use. Of course, you must exercise caution and select all of the wood yourself to ensure you are not left with damaged, warped or rotted wood.
You need to choose the type of decor you want to accompany the reclaimed wood flooring you are using. However, when you use this flooring you have a wonderful opportunity to add something completely unique. Many people will use this flooring with an antique theme or motif, but I’ve seen people use it effectively with a modern theme. You also need to think about finishing this type of wood to get the desired effect. You can always sand it and restain it in a different color. Reclaimed wood looks just like new when properly processed. The end result is a product that looks like an expensive quality product.
Disadvantages:
The biggest downside to choosing to use reclaimed hardwood floors is that you will never find another piece that looks exactly like the first one. As it is always a matter of luck, you need to be sure that the amount you are buying is more than enough for the job. Also remember that repairs will require you to either replace the entire floor with a new, unique batch of wood or use wood from a different batch that may or may not be suitable for your purpose. If I were to use this type of flooring, I would certainly use it in a very special or significant part of my home. It is too unusual a product, too casual to use.
