What is meant by reclaimed building materials?

Reclaimed materials are salvaged from old structures that do not serve a functional purpose anymore. These salvaged, or “reclaimed” materials, can then be used again today for new building projects. Reclaiming is a great way to preserve history and build Green.

 

How is the process of reclamation done?

Reclaiming antique building materials involves a number of detailed and dedicated steps. First, we find abandon structures that were built using historic woods such as antique heart pine, antique oak, and wormy chestnut, then carefully remove them - saving them from the landfill and extinction. As the timbers are removed we select the finest ones, de-nail them by hand, and send them to the sawmill to be converted into flooring. Our sawmill runs these historic timbers through a tedious and perfected process that includes kiln drying - to safe-guard against shrinking and swelling - and precision tung and groove moulding - to ensure maximum strength and support. The result is a floor with an unmatched beauty, history, and character.

 

What are Reclaimed woods?

They are various wood species reclaimed from historic structures such as old barns, grain elevators, warehouses, factories, mills, abandon homesteads, and old churches for a few examples.

 

What is meant by Raw materials?

Raw materials refer to material in its unaltered form that has been removed from an antique structure. American Antique Woods surface cleans and palletizes these raw materials and ships them to flooring manufactures, wood workers, and brick dealers.

 

What is meant by reclaimed timber?

Reclaimed timbers refer to any large piece of salvaged lumber.

 

What is meant by beams?

Beams usually refer to large antique heart pine timbers that were used as structural support in textile mills. These beams typically stretch 25+ feet long, 13 inches wide, and 15 inches thick. It is because of these unusually large timbers that wide plank flooring and custom millwork is possible.

 

What is an obsolete structure?

An obsolete structure no longer serves a functional purpose in today’s world. Many obsolete structures are torn down so the land may be built on again. American Antique Woods takes great pride is saving these historic structures from the landfill.

 

What is antique heart pine?

Antique heart pine has a history and beauty you will not find in any other wood. Before North America was settled, longleaf pine trees grew throughout the Southeastern coastal states -- from Florida to Texas and northward to Virginia. The trees took hundreds of years to mature and grew to upwards of 150 feet tall. At maturity, longleaf pines were composed almost entirely of "heart" wood, which is the best part of the tree for use in building. The "heart" of this majestic wood formed through centuries of slow and steady growth when its resin hardened and petrified, leaving unmatched strength and beauty. It is "heart content" that makes antique heart pine stand apart from other trees. Since it is formed over hundreds of years as the resin hardens, it infuses the wood with an uncommon amount of strength and stability. In addition, the heart content produces unique colors - rich amber tones with streaks of honey - which add to this majestic wood's beauty.

 

What is reclaimed oak?

American Antique Woods offers a distinct line of reclaimed antique oak - perhaps the most well-known of all the American wood species- at an affordable price. Reclaimed from country-side barns and other historic structures evoking elements of Americana, reclaimed oak flooring has its own unique story to tell. Understated hues, random nail holes, and other marks from ages past gives this floor a universal appeal. Our standard line is comprised of a beautiful blend of red and white oak, just as it was used in the historic barns from which it came.

 

What is wormy chestnut?

 

American chestnut trees have been virtually decimated, due to a blight caused by an Asian bark fungus in the early 1900’s. Before the species was devastated it was one of the most important forest trees growing throughout eastern North America. Today there are few, if any, mature specimens of the tree remaining. During the slow death of these trees they were often infested with small borers, which chewed pin sized holes in the wood, thus giving it the name “wormy chestnut.” American Antique Woods now reclaims this special wood from old barns throughout the eastern United States. With its subtle hues, worm holes, and random nail holes wormy chestnut has its own distinctive appeal admired by many.

What is meant by solid plank flooring?

Solid plank flooring refers to standard tung and groove construction. “Plank” flooring  indicates long lengths and wide widths.

What are relief cuts?

Relief cuts are vertical grooves running the length of the bottom-side of flooring. They add extra stability to the overall structural integrity of the floor.

What is de-nailing?

Since we reclaim this material from historic structures, there is a high potential for them to contain nails from previous use. We, of course, de-nail them, but they leave their "mark" in the process. Without a doubt, if you are drawn to the uniqueness of reclaimed antique heart pine, you will love the random nail holes which act as "footprints" to help tell its story.

What is kiln drying?

Kiln drying is a process of carefully heating wood to release excessive moisture within the wood. It brings the lumber down to uniform moisture content to ensure that the lumber and/or flooring remains stable for a lifetime. An added benefit is that is also ensures that any possible dormant insects remaining in the reclaimed wood are eradicated.

What is meant by rustic?

A rustic grade of lumber or flooring displays heavy character marks with an aged patina. The more rustic the grade, the more character-filled the wood.

What are Circle saw marks?

Circle saw marks are marks from the original “circle saw” that was used to cut it. Circle saws were used before the modern machinery we see today. Circle saw marks are a great way to test the antique age of a wood. 

What is meant by Distressed?

The term “distressed” refers to the original time-worn faces of our reclaimed timbers. A distressed wood is textured with natural patina, original circle saw marks, and other century-old characteristics.

What does Hand-Hewn mean?

Hand Hewn timbers are typically cut or shaped with hard blows of a heavy cutting instrument like an ax or chisel. The result is a rougher and more rustic look. 

What is meant by Original Face?

Original face refers to any reclaimed product that’s surface has not been altered, cut or changed by modern technologies. The result is a rustic, time-worn appearance.

What is meant by custom pre-finishing?

We are able to offer any of our solid plank or unfinished engineered flooring lines pre-finished to suit any décor or preferences.

What is meant by hand-scraping?

As the name implies, this type of flooring is literally scraped by hand to give an old-world, vintage look. There are many different degrees and styles of hand scraping. Please ask your American Antique Woods representative for more details. 

Why are there nail holes in your flooring?

Since we reclaim this material from historic structures, there is a high potential for them to contain nails from previous use. We, of course, de-nail them, but they leave their "mark" in the process. Without a doubt, if you are drawn to the uniqueness of reclaimed antique heart pine, you will love the random nail holes which act as "footprints" to help tell its story. 

What does FSC-certified mean?

FSC stands for “Forest Stewardship Council.” In many forests around the world, logging still contributes to habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous peoples, and violence against people who work in the forest and the wildlife that dwells there. Many consumers of wood and paper, and many forest products companies believe that the link between logging and these negative impacts can be broken, and that forests can be managed and protected at the same time. Forest Stewardship Council certification is one way to improve the practice of forestry. 

What does VOC stand for?

Volatile Organic Compounds are toxins released from compounds used in a variety of products. They have been proven to cause many detrimental health problems. One of the criteria in Green building is to test for and eradicate any VOC’s. American Antique Woods takes pride in using materials with low to no VOC’s. 

What kind of custom orders do you do?

At American Antique Woods, we aim to cover all of your green flooring needs. Please feel free to discuss your custom ideas with your American Antique Woods representative.

Do you ship nationwide?

Of course!

What is your typical lead-time for flooring orders?

The usual lead-time is three to six weeks, though we can often rush deliver if needed. 

What are your  payment terms?

We require a 50% (non-refundable) deposit to begin work and the final 50% when the order is ready to ship.

All American Antique Woods products are sold based on actual square footage. It is recommended that 6-9% be added to the total square footage of your order to compensate for the trimming necessary during installation.