About Our Flooring
The Floor Sets the Tone for Everything Above It
A floor is the largest continuous surface in any room. It is the first thing you feel when you enter a space, and it sets the visual foundation for everything built above it. When that floor is made from reclaimed wood — timber that was harvested from old-growth forests over a century ago — it brings a quality of warmth, depth, and authenticity that no new material can replicate.
Our reclaimed flooring comes from the same historic structures that yield our dimensional lumber and beams: pre-war residential buildings, industrial warehouses, factories, gymnasiums, bowling alleys, and institutional buildings throughout the New York metro area and greater Northeast. We process each lot individually, carefully removing nails, grading for quality, and milling to precise tongue-and-groove profiles that are ready for professional installation.
What makes reclaimed flooring special is not just its age — it is the quality of the wood itself. The trees that produced this timber grew in virgin forests for 200 to 400 years before being harvested. That slow growth created wood with significantly tighter grain rings, higher density, and greater hardness than any modern plantation-grown equivalent. A reclaimed heart pine floor is substantially harder and more durable than a modern pine floor from a big-box store.
We offer eight primary species, multiple plank widths from 2.25 inches to 12 inches, and six finish options from raw to pre-finished polyurethane. Whether you are restoring a historic brownstone, building a new home, or creating a statement commercial space, we have the flooring to make it happen.
Species Catalog
Available Species & Specifications
Each species has unique performance characteristics, color profiles, and aging behavior. Choose based on your traffic level, aesthetic preference, and budget. We recommend ordering samples to see the variation within each species.
| Species | Era | Janka | Widths | Lengths | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Pine | Pre-1900 | 1,225 lbf | 3" to 12" | 2ft to 16ft | $12–$24/sq ft |
| White Oak | Various | 1,360 lbf | 3" to 10" | 2ft to 14ft | $10–$20/sq ft |
| American Chestnut | Pre-1920 | 540 lbf | 4" to 8" | 2ft to 12ft | $18–$30/sq ft |
| Maple | Various | 1,450 lbf | 2.25" to 6" | 1ft to 8ft (strip), 3ft to 12ft (plank) | $8–$16/sq ft |
| Douglas Fir | Early 1900s | 660 lbf | 4" to 10" | 3ft to 16ft | $10–$18/sq ft |
| Elm | Various | 830 lbf | 4" to 8" | 2ft to 10ft | $12–$20/sq ft |
| Red Oak | Various | 1,290 lbf | 2.25" to 8" | 2ft to 12ft | $8–$16/sq ft |
| Walnut | Various | 1,010 lbf | 4" to 8" | 2ft to 10ft | $16–$28/sq ft |
Color & Aging
Color & Aging Characteristics by Species
Every wood species ages differently. Understanding how your chosen species will look in 6 months, 2 years, and 10 years helps you choose the right flooring for your space. Here is what to expect from each species over time.
Heart Pine
Pre-1900 · Janka 1,225 lbf
Rich amber tones, tight old-growth grain, extremely durable. The quintessential reclaimed flooring species.
Aging: Deepens from amber to rich honey-gold with UV exposure over 6–12 months. Develops a warm, glowing patina that is highly prized.
White Oak
Various · Janka 1,360 lbf
Classic grain pattern, naturally rot-resistant, takes stain beautifully. The most versatile reclaimed flooring species.
Aging: Slowly darkens from golden-tan to a warm, slightly gray-brown. Very stable color over time. Minimal UV sensitivity.
American Chestnut
Pre-1920 · Janka 540 lbf
Rare and prized — the trees no longer exist. Warm brown tones with silvery patina. Museum-quality flooring.
Aging: Weathers to a distinctive silvery-brown. Surface develops a soft, chalky patina that many find irresistible. Extremely stable once aged.
Maple
Various · Janka 1,450 lbf
Extremely hard, light color, tight grain — often from gym floors and bowling alleys. Ideal for high-traffic areas.
Aging: Yellows slightly over time, developing a warm honey tone. Very slow color change. Maintains its light, bright character for decades.
Douglas Fir
Early 1900s · Janka 660 lbf
Warm reddish hue, pronounced grain, softwood with character. Best suited for low-traffic residential areas.
Aging: Develops a deeper, richer red-orange over time. Old-growth Douglas fir has a warmth and depth that modern fir cannot match.
Elm
Various · Janka 830 lbf
Distinctive interlocked grain, beautiful figure when quartersawn. A conversation-starter floor.
Aging: Darkens moderately from tan-brown to a richer brown. The interlocked grain creates shifting light patterns as viewing angle changes.
Red Oak
Various · Janka 1,290 lbf
Strong grain pattern with pinkish-red undertones. The most common hardwood in historic NYC buildings.
Aging: Darkens from pinkish-tan to a warm amber-brown. Open pores absorb stain deeply, allowing dramatic color changes.
Walnut
Various · Janka 1,010 lbf
Rich chocolate-brown color, fine grain, the premium choice for luxury residential flooring.
Aging: Unlike most species, walnut actually lightens with UV exposure, going from dark chocolate to a warm medium brown. Some clients prefer this, others protect against it.
Hardness Comparison
Janka Hardness Scale
The Janka hardness test measures the force required to embed a .444-inch steel ball halfway into the wood. Higher numbers mean greater resistance to dents and wear. For high-traffic areas, choose species rated 1,000 lbf or above. For bedrooms and low-traffic spaces, softer species work beautifully.
Maple (reclaimed)
1450
White Oak (reclaimed)
1360
Red Oak (reclaimed)
1290
Heart Pine (reclaimed)
1225
Walnut (reclaimed)
1010
Elm (reclaimed)
830
Douglas Fir (reclaimed)
660
American Chestnut (reclaimed)
540
Values shown are for old-growth reclaimed wood, which is typically 10–30% harder than modern plantation-grown equivalents of the same species.
Dimensions
Plank Widths & Lengths Available
We mill reclaimed flooring in a range of widths to suit both traditional and contemporary design styles. Wider planks showcase more wood grain per board and create a more dramatic appearance, while narrower strips provide a classic, refined look.
2.25" Strip
Classic strip flooring, typically maple or oak. Common in gym floor salvage. Traditional, formal appearance.
Lengths: 1–8 ft
Supply: Available in large quantities
3"–4" Narrow Plank
A step up from strip. Versatile width that works in most spaces. Good balance of character and formality.
Lengths: 2–12 ft
Supply: Good availability
5"–6" Medium Plank
Our most popular width range. Showcases grain and character without overwhelming small rooms.
Lengths: 3–14 ft
Supply: Best availability
7"–8" Wide Plank
A dramatic, modern look that highlights the beauty of reclaimed wood. Each board becomes a feature.
Lengths: 3–16 ft
Supply: Good availability
9"–10" Extra Wide
Statement-making width. Best in large rooms with proportionate furniture. Requires thorough acclimation.
Lengths: 4–14 ft
Supply: Limited availability
11"–12" Maximum Width
The widest planks we offer. Rare and dramatic. Only available in select species. May require face-nailing.
Lengths: 4–12 ft
Supply: Very limited
Mixed Width
A combination of 3 or 4 widths installed together in a random pattern. Creates a historically authentic appearance.
Lengths: Mixed
Supply: Available in most species
Custom Width
We can mill any width from our reclaimed stock. Contact us with your specific requirements for a quote.
Lengths: Custom
Supply: By request
Finish Options
Flooring Finish Options
The finish you choose affects appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and cost. We offer six standard finish options that can be applied in our shop (pre-finished) or we can deliver raw flooring for your installer to finish on-site.
Raw / Unfinished
Flooring is delivered sanded to 120-grit but with no finish applied. This is the best option if you want to apply your own stain color or if your installer has a preferred finish system. Allows maximum color customization.
Sheen
N/A
Dry Time
N/A
Durability
Must be finished before use
Cost
Base price
Natural Penetrating Oil
A zero-VOC plant-based oil penetrates the wood fibers to provide protection from within. Enhances natural color and grain without building a surface film. The wood retains its natural feel underfoot. Easy to spot-repair — individual boards can be re-oiled without refinishing the entire floor.
Sheen
Matte to satin
Dry Time
24–48 hours
Durability
Good — requires re-oiling every 1–2 years in high-traffic areas
Cost
+$2–3/sq ft
Hardwax Oil
A blend of natural oils and hard waxes that penetrates the wood and builds a thin protective layer on the surface. More durable than pure oil, easier to maintain, and still allows spot-repair. Popular in European and Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Sheen
Matte to low satin
Dry Time
12–24 hours
Durability
Very good — re-coat high-traffic areas every 2–3 years
Cost
+$3–4/sq ft
Water-Based Polyurethane
A professional-grade water-based poly applied in 3 coats for maximum durability. Dries clear without yellowing, preserving the natural color of the wood. The industry standard for high-traffic residential and light commercial applications.
Sheen
Matte, satin, or semi-gloss
Dry Time
2–4 hours between coats, 72 hours before furniture
Durability
Excellent — 5–10 years before re-coat needed
Cost
+$3–5/sq ft
Oil-Modified Polyurethane
Traditional oil-based polyurethane that builds a thick, amber-tinted protective layer. Adds warmth to the wood color and creates a classic, rich appearance. Very durable but harder to spot-repair than oil finishes — typically requires full sanding when refinishing.
Sheen
Satin or semi-gloss
Dry Time
8–12 hours between coats, 7 days before area rugs
Durability
Excellent — 7–12 years in residential settings
Cost
+$3–5/sq ft
Wax Finish
Traditional paste wax buffed to a soft sheen. The most historically authentic finish for reclaimed flooring. Creates a beautiful low-luster surface with excellent hand-feel. Requires more frequent maintenance than modern finishes but rewards the effort with unmatched warmth.
Sheen
Low luster
Dry Time
4–6 hours
Durability
Moderate — requires re-waxing every 3–6 months in high-traffic areas
Cost
+$2–3/sq ft
Profiles
Profile Options
The edge profile of your flooring determines how individual boards connect and how the installed floor looks. We offer four standard profiles, all milled on our precision moulder.
Tongue & Groove
Standard interlocking profile for seamless installation. One edge has a protruding tongue, the opposite has a matching groove. This is the industry-standard profile for residential and commercial flooring. Boards lock together tightly, creating a stable, unified floor surface with minimal visible gaps.
Specs: Tongue: 1/4" x 3/8". Groove: matching. Offset: centered on 3/4" stock.
Shiplap
Overlapping profile where each board has a rabbet on opposite edges. Creates a visible shadow line between boards. More commonly used for wall paneling and ceiling applications, but can work as a casual flooring option in low-traffic residential spaces.
Specs: Rabbet depth: 3/8". Overlap: 3/4". Both edges profiled.
Square Edge
Clean, modern look with no interlocking profile. Boards are milled to precise thickness and width with 90-degree edges. Installation requires careful gap management. Creates a contemporary appearance with visible joints between boards.
Specs: Precision milled to +/- 1/64" tolerance. No interlock — boards butt together.
Custom Profile
We can mill any profile — just provide a drawing or sample. Our moulder can reproduce historic profiles for restoration work, or create new profiles for contemporary designs. Minimum order: 100 sq ft for custom profile setups.
Specs: Custom tooling setup: $150–$300. Profile matched to your specification.
Installation
Installation Methods
The correct installation method depends on your subfloor type, plank width, building requirements, and personal preference. Here is a detailed comparison of the three primary methods.
Nail-Down Installation
The traditional and most common installation method for solid reclaimed flooring. Boards are face-nailed or blind-nailed through the tongue into a plywood or OSB subfloor. Face-nailing with cut nails can add authentic character. Blind-nailing with a pneumatic flooring nailer provides a clean look. This method allows for the most natural wood movement.
Subfloor Requirements
3/4" plywood or OSB over joists, or existing wood subfloor. Minimum 3/4" total subfloor thickness.
Recommended For
Best for: residential installations over wood subfloors, wide-plank flooring, historic renovations
Pros
Most secure attachment, allows natural movement, traditional look with cut nails, no adhesive fumes
Cons
Requires wood subfloor (cannot nail into concrete), face-nail holes visible unless blind-nailed, more labor-intensive than floating
Glue-Down Installation
Boards are adhered directly to the subfloor using a flexible urethane or modified silicone adhesive. This method works on both wood and concrete subfloors and is the preferred approach for installations over radiant heat systems. The adhesive acts as both a moisture barrier and sound dampener.
Subfloor Requirements
Concrete slab (with moisture test), 3/4" plywood, gypcrete over radiant heat. Must be flat within 3/16" per 10ft.
Recommended For
Best for: concrete subfloors, radiant heat systems, condos and apartments with sound requirements
Pros
Works on concrete, reduces sound transmission, compatible with radiant heat, no visible fasteners
Cons
Adhesive cost ($1–2/sq ft), longer install time (adhesive set-up), difficult to remove/replace individual boards, adhesive fumes during installation
Floating Installation
Boards are connected to each other (via tongue-and-groove or click-lock) but not attached to the subfloor. The entire floor floats on an underlayment pad. This method is fastest to install and allows for easy removal, but is generally not recommended for wide-plank reclaimed flooring due to the risk of gaps developing between boards.
Subfloor Requirements
Any flat, dry surface. Underlayment pad required. Must be flat within 3/16" per 10ft.
Recommended For
Best for: narrow-strip reclaimed maple (gym floor salvage), temporary installations, rental properties
Pros
Fastest installation, DIY-friendly, easy to remove, no adhesive or fasteners, works over most existing floors
Cons
Not recommended for planks wider than 5", can feel hollow underfoot, may develop gaps in dry seasons, limited compatibility with reclaimed widths
Acclimation
Flooring Acclimation Guide
Proper acclimation is the single most important step in a successful reclaimed flooring installation. Skipping or rushing acclimation is the leading cause of gaps, cupping, and buckling after installation. Follow these steps carefully.
Check moisture content on delivery
Use a pin-type moisture meter to check the MC of the flooring on the day it arrives. Record the reading. Compare it to the in-service target for your climate zone (6–9% for most heated interiors in the Northeast). If the gap is more than 2%, extended acclimation is required.
Prepare the installation space
The room where the flooring will be installed should be at its normal living conditions — HVAC running, humidity controlled, and temperature stable at 60–80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the space is under construction, wait until drywall, painting, and wet work are complete before bringing in the flooring.
Open and stack the flooring
Remove all packaging and stack the boards in the installation room with 3/4-inch spacers between each layer to allow air circulation on all faces. Do not leave boards in closed boxes or leaning against walls. Spread the boards throughout the room for even exposure to the ambient conditions.
Monitor moisture content daily
Check MC at several points across the stack each day. When readings stabilize within 1% of the target for two consecutive days, the flooring is acclimated and ready to install. This typically takes 5 to 14 days depending on the starting MC and ambient conditions.
Check the subfloor
Before installation, verify that the subfloor moisture is within acceptable range. For concrete, the calcium chloride test should read below 3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft per 24 hours, or the relative humidity test should read below 75%. For wood subfloors, the moisture differential between the subfloor and flooring should be less than 2%.
Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Reclaimed wood floors are remarkably resilient, but proper maintenance extends their life and preserves their beauty. Follow this schedule to keep your floors looking their best for decades.
| Task | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sweep or vacuum | 2–3 times per week | Remove grit and debris that act as sandpaper under foot traffic. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum set to hard-floor mode (no beater bar). |
| Damp mop | Every 1–2 weeks | Use a well-wrung mop or microfiber pad with a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner. Never use a soaking-wet mop — excess water is the enemy of wood floors. |
| Deep clean | Every 3–6 months | Use a professional wood floor cleaning product applied with a flat mop. This removes built-up residue that regular mopping misses. |
| Re-oil / re-wax (oil/wax finishes) | Every 6–18 months | For oil-finished floors, apply a maintenance coat of the same oil used in the original finish. For wax floors, apply a thin coat of paste wax and buff to sheen. |
| Spot repair (oil/wax finishes) | As needed | Sand the damaged area lightly (180 grit), clean, and reapply oil or wax. This is one of the biggest advantages of penetrating oil finishes — individual boards can be repaired. |
| Screen and re-coat (poly finishes) | Every 3–7 years | Lightly abrade the existing polyurethane with a buffer and screen, clean thoroughly, and apply one fresh coat of poly. This refreshes the surface without a full sand-down. |
| Full sand and refinish | Every 15–25 years | A complete refinish involves sanding the floor back to raw wood and applying new finish from scratch. Reclaimed floors can typically handle 3–5 full refinishes before the wood becomes too thin. |
| Humidity monitoring | Ongoing / seasonal | Maintain indoor relative humidity between 35% and 55% year-round. Use humidifiers in winter (heating season) and dehumidifiers in summer if needed. This is the single most important factor in preventing gaps and cupping. |
Grade Selection
Commercial vs. Residential Grades
We offer distinct grading standards for commercial and residential applications, reflecting the different performance and aesthetic requirements of each environment.
Residential Grade
- Available in Select, Character, and Rustic tiers
- Optimized for visual appeal and livability
- Boards sorted for consistent color and character within each tier
- Minimum length: 2 feet. Average length: 4–8 feet depending on species
- Recommended species: heart pine, white oak, walnut for high-end; red oak, maple for value
- Finish options: all six standard finishes available
- Typical order: 200–2,000 square feet
- Lead time: 1–3 weeks for in-stock species, 3–6 weeks for custom milling
Commercial Grade
- Graded for durability and consistency across large areas
- Hardness-rated: minimum Janka 1,000 lbf for commercial use recommended
- Longer average board lengths for faster installation over large areas
- Minimum length: 3 feet. Average length: 5–10 feet
- Recommended species: white oak, maple, red oak for maximum durability
- Finish: water-based polyurethane recommended for commercial traffic
- Typical order: 1,000–20,000+ square feet
- Lead time: 2–8 weeks depending on quantity and species
Samples
Order Samples Before You Commit
Seeing reclaimed flooring in person is the only way to appreciate its character. We offer 12-to-18-inch sample boards for most species and grades in our current inventory. Sample boards are $10 each (credited toward your order if you proceed). We recommend ordering at least three samples per species to see the natural range of variation within the lot. Samples are available for pickup at our Long Island City facility or can be shipped via UPS Ground (shipping charges apply).