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Writer's pictureLeanne Rich

The Craft of Craftsmanship: Uncovering the Art of Creating Reclaimed Wood Floors

Updated: Jun 19

From artisanal to industrial, craftsmanship is a form of art at its peak. Few other craft forms can compare with the sheer beauty and sustainability of reclaimed wood floors. A skilled artisan uses their prowess to carefully transform rescued wood into beautiful works of floor art, creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that will withstand the test of time. Their natural patina and design flexibility make the attractiveness of reclaimed wood floors undeniable. Now, let's take a journey together and see how such incredible works of art are made.


Introduction to the Deconstruction Process


One of the early efforts in producing reclaimed wood flooring is deconstructing the raw materials. It is at this point that any structures containing usable wood must be taken apart carefully and disassembled, like old barns, homes, and factories. The deconstruction process calls for detail and quality checks while looking for good material since only certain types of wood are suitable for flooring. The salvaged wood is inspected for imperfections and sorted by species and grade.


The Millwork Process


At the mill, the wood is checked by artisans for rot or other defects that would make the wood structurally unsound.  Assuming the wood is usable, it's on to the milling process. The wood heads into the specialized machinery to be planed, jointed, and formed to the appropriate size and thickness. Each piece also goes through another inspection for further defects that may have been overlooked during the deconstruction process.


The Final Steps


After the boards are all milled to perfection, they are ready to finish. From here follow the sanding, staining, and sealing of the boards. Artisans consider selecting a stain that would bring out the unique characteristics of the wood, like grain pattern or color variation, and expertly apply the finish using sealing long-lasting methods for durability.


The Installation Process


Finally, the measured and cut reclaimed wood boards may be installed. The traditional style of laying out the boards—such as herringbone—or something far more arbitrary is less important than the measurement and cutting performed by each artisan. It's in this step that all the boards will fit together perfectly for a smooth and consistent appearance.


In Conclusion


In short, this enables us to get a fantastic piece of work: an appreciated reclaimed wood floor bound to exist for decades. This is part and parcel of creating reclaimed wood floors, but it is a craft that still requires competence, experience, and an uncompromised commitment to quality. Indeed, these works of art, with their natural patina and extraordinary design flexibility, will undoubtedly stand the test of time. 


Haute Plank proudly offers a comprehensive selection of  hardwood flooring options including our exquisite European Reclaimed Wood Collection. Contact us today!








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