Environmental Commitment
By reclaiming and reusing wood from old and dying structures throughout the country, it allows us to keep forests greener by reducing the amount of trees that must be cut down to provide new lumber to the world.
If you're Green minded then reclaimed flooring is the perfect flooring option for you. Not only will it help you keep your Green commitment but it'll look exceptional in your home. It's a win for you and for the world.
These reclaimed woods were usually created using old growth trees many years ago before the effort of conservation came to light. Due to conservation efforts throughout the world, the old trees are rarely cut down anymore. Meaning, much of the premium wood associated with these old growth trees cannot be obtained. But by reclaiming this wood and lumber from old structures, we can obtain this high quality sought after wood. And then after re-processing it, we can provide it to you in nearly new condition.
Old growth means a denser wood with growth rings much closer to each other. These tight growth rings make for a more vibrant and detailed finished floor in your home. When you want the best, reclaimed flooring is what you're looking for.
Environmental Benefits of Reclaimed Wood
Why Reclaimed Wood Matters
- 🌲 Reduces Deforestation – Each reclaimed timber we salvage is one less tree that needs to be cut down. By choosing reclaimed flooring, you're actively protecting forests and wildlife habitats.
- ♻️ Prevents Waste – Historic barns, factories, and distilleries contain thousands of board feet of premium timber. Reclaiming this wood prevents it from ending up in landfills where it would decompose and release methane.
- 🌍 Lower Carbon Footprint – Manufacturing reclaimed flooring requires significantly less energy than harvesting, transporting, and processing new lumber. The wood already exists and just needs re-milling.
- 🌳 Preserves Old Growth Forests – Old growth forests are irreplaceable ecosystems that take centuries to develop. Reclaimed wood gives access to old growth timber without cutting down these ancient trees.
- ✨ Superior Quality – Old growth wood is denser, more stable, and more beautiful than fast-grown modern lumber. You get better quality while being environmentally responsible.
Where Our Reclaimed Wood Comes From
We source reclaimed wood from historic structures across the United States:
- Kentucky Distilleries - Old Crow Distillery, Old Taylor Distillery, and other historic bourbon facilities
- Midwest Barns - Century-old barns built with premium old growth timber
- East Coast Factories - Industrial buildings featuring massive floor joists and structural beams
- Railroad Trestles - Decommissioned railroad infrastructure built with dense hardwoods
- Historic Mills - Textile mills, sawmills, and grain mills with exceptional wood
- Warehouses & Commercial Buildings - Urban structures slated for demolition
Learn more about the structures we source from on our We Buy Wood page.
The Old Growth Advantage
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Tight Growth Rings Old growth trees grew slowly over many decades, creating tight rings that mean denser, stronger, more stable wood. |
Rich Character Natural patina, color variation, and unique grain patterns tell the story of each board's history. |
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Superior Durability Old growth wood has already proven its durability by lasting 50-150+ years. It will continue performing for generations. |
Irreplaceable Resource You can't grow new old growth. Conservation efforts protect remaining forests, making reclaimed the only sustainable source. |
Sustainable Choice for Green Building
Reclaimed wood flooring contributes to LEED certification and green building standards. By choosing reclaimed materials, you demonstrate environmental responsibility while creating stunning interiors.
Many architects and designers specify reclaimed wood for projects pursuing environmental certifications. It checks multiple sustainability boxes: recycled content, waste reduction, forest protection, and reduced carbon emissions.
Walter's Flooring is proud to provide sustainable flooring solutions that don't compromise on quality or beauty. Your floors can be both gorgeous and responsible.
Reclaimed vs. New Wood: Environmental Impact
| Factor | Reclaimed Wood | New Lumber |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Harvesting | ✓ Zero trees cut | ✗ Requires logging |
| Carbon Footprint | ✓ Minimal (re-milling only) | ✗ High (logging, transport, processing) |
| Waste Reduction | ✓ Prevents landfill waste | ✗ Creates sawmill waste |
| Old Growth Access | ✓ Available from reclaimed sources | ✗ Protected by conservation |
| Quality | ✓ Dense, stable, unique character | △ Variable quality |
Our Sustainable Practices
→ We Buy Wood - See the historic structures we salvage and how you can sell us reclaimed timber
→ Quality Control - Our rigorous standards ensure every board meets expectations
→ About Us - Learn about our 20+ year commitment to sustainable reclaimed flooring
→ See Us Work - Watch our craftsmen transform reclaimed wood into beautiful floors
Browse Our Sustainable Reclaimed Flooring
Solid Reclaimed Flooring:
Reclaimed Oak | Reclaimed Chestnut | Reclaimed Douglas Fir | Reclaimed Walnut | Reclaimed Maple | Reclaimed Heart Pine
Engineered Reclaimed Flooring:
Engineered Oak | Engineered European Oak | Engineered Chestnut | Engineered Douglas Fir
Specialty Products:
Make the Sustainable Choice
Choose beautiful reclaimed flooring that's good for your home and good for the planet. Request samples or get a quote today.
Environmental FAQs
How does reclaimed wood flooring help the environment?
By reclaiming and reusing wood from old structures, we reduce the number of trees that must be cut down for new lumber. This keeps forests greener, preserves old growth forests, and reduces carbon emissions from logging and manufacturing.
What is old growth wood and why is it important?
Old growth wood comes from mature trees that grew slowly over many decades or centuries, creating denser wood with tight growth rings. Due to conservation efforts, these trees are rarely cut down anymore. Reclaimed wood gives us access to this premium quality while protecting remaining old growth forests.
Is reclaimed flooring truly sustainable?
Yes. Reclaimed flooring is one of the most sustainable flooring options available. It repurposes existing wood, prevents waste, reduces deforestation, and requires less energy to manufacture than harvesting and processing new lumber.
Where does Walter's Flooring source reclaimed wood?
We source reclaimed wood from historic structures throughout the country including Kentucky distilleries, Midwest barns, East Coast factories, and railroad trestles. This gives old timber a second life instead of ending up in landfills. See our We Buy Wood page for more details.
Does reclaimed wood flooring look as good as new wood?
Often better! Old growth reclaimed wood has tighter growth rings creating more vibrant, detailed grain patterns. Each board has unique character and history that new wood cannot replicate.
Does reclaimed flooring qualify for green building certifications?
Yes. Reclaimed wood flooring contributes to LEED certification and other green building standards through recycled content credits, waste reduction, and reduced environmental impact. Many architects specify reclaimed materials for sustainable projects.
