Ages ago, wood was the flooring of aristocrats and America’s founding fathers. Historic houses have been preserved and restored throughout the country where they remain open for all of us to admire the lasting beauty of these original floors.

One of the special things about wood is that it allows us to feel closer to nature and brings the outside into our homes. Noticing the blemishes and other natural characteristics of each piece helps us appreciate the tree’s original existence.

Wood flooring has managed to continue growing and changing with the import of exotic wood floors as well as the reclamation of wood from riverbeds and the bottoms of ponds and streams. Left in the water for years and naturally dried, these ancient woods can be save and reused for many things, including floors. Some of these newly reclaimed woods are over 60-70 years old, and you can find some dating back to the Civil War.

Speaking of old and historic houses, much of what is being shown in wood flooring these days is wood made to look older or actual old wood reclaimed and reconstructed into flooring. Floors made from barrel slats, reclaimed wood from the ocean floor and old structures are again in vogue. With their hand-scraped looks and vintage patinas, these floors represent time gone by and the opportunity to re-live that age of elegance and beauty.

With replanting and reforestation now an international movement, great care is taken by wood flooring manufacturers to save our remaining natural wood resources and replenish those that we remove.