LUMBERMinneapolis
Reclaimed Flooring

Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring That Tells a Story Underfoot

Tongue-and-groove flooring milled from antique hardwoods salvaged across Minnesota. Heart pine, white oak, maple, walnut, and hickory in custom widths from 3 inches to 10 inches. Patina, nail holes, and character marks that no factory can replicate.

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Species Selection

Choose Your Hardwood

Each species brings a different color palette, hardness rating, and grain character to your floor. All species are milled in-house to your width and profile specifications.

Most Requested

White Oak

Janka Hardness

1,360 lbf

Color Range

Warm honey to golden brown

Character

Pronounced grain, ray fleck on quarter-sawn faces, occasional mineral streaks

Price Range

$8 - $14 per sq ft

Best For

Living rooms, dining rooms, high-traffic commercial spaces

Widely Available

Red Oak

Janka Hardness

1,290 lbf

Color Range

Pinkish to reddish-brown

Character

Strong cathedral grain pattern, open pore structure

Price Range

$7 - $12 per sq ft

Best For

Bedrooms, hallways, traditional interiors

Premium — Limited Stock

Heart Pine

Janka Hardness

1,225 lbf

Color Range

Deep amber to reddish-orange

Character

Dense resinous heartwood, tight growth rings, nail holes and patina from age

Price Range

$12 - $22 per sq ft

Best For

Feature floors, historic restorations, high-end residential

Good Availability

Hard Maple

Janka Hardness

1,450 lbf

Color Range

Creamy white to light tan

Character

Subtle fine grain, occasional bird's eye or curly figure

Price Range

$9 - $15 per sq ft

Best For

Modern interiors, studios, kitchens, light-filled spaces

Premium — Seasonal

Black Walnut

Janka Hardness

1,010 lbf

Color Range

Rich chocolate brown to purplish-black

Character

Dramatic sapwood contrast, flowing grain, occasional burl

Price Range

$14 - $24 per sq ft

Best For

Luxury residential, executive offices, feature rooms

Good Availability

Hickory

Janka Hardness

1,820 lbf

Color Range

Blonde to medium brown with dramatic variation

Character

Extreme color variation board-to-board, rustic grain, very hard

Price Range

$8 - $14 per sq ft

Best For

High-traffic areas, rustic interiors, commercial installations

Prices reflect installed material cost per square foot. Actual pricing depends on grade, width, finish level, and order volume. Request a detailed quote for your specific project.

Dimensions

Widths, Thicknesses & Profiles

We mill reclaimed flooring in-house, which means you get exact specifications rather than settling for stock sizes. Standard thickness is 3/4 inch with tongue-and-groove profiling, but we also offer 1/2 inch for renovation overlays.

Standard Profile — 3/4" T&G

3/4" thick tongue-and-groove with micro-bevel edges. Face-nail or blind-nail installation. The standard for new construction and full renovation.

Overlay Profile — 1/2" T&G

1/2" thick tongue-and-groove for installing over existing subfloors with minimal height gain. Ideal for renovation projects where door clearance is a concern.

End-Matched — T&G on All 4 Sides

Tongue-and-groove on all four sides for minimal waste and faster installation. Allows end joints to fall anywhere, not just on joists. Available on request.

Ship-Lap Edge (for Wide Plank)

Overlapping rabbet joint for extra-wide planks (8"+) where tongue-and-groove may cause installation difficulty. Face-nail installation. Period-correct for historic restorations.

Square-Edge (Custom)

No tongue or groove — boards are glued down edge-to-edge for a contemporary look. Requires glue-down installation on a perfectly flat subfloor.

Width Options

3"Traditional strip

Classic look, fastest installation, minimizes waste in narrow rooms

4"Standard plank

Versatile width that works in both traditional and transitional interiors

5"Wide plank

The most popular width — balances visual impact with material efficiency

6" - 7"Extra wide plank

Opens up floor visually, showcases grain patterns and character marks

8" - 10"Barn board plank

Maximum visual impact, best with heart pine and oak. Limited availability due to source material

Mixed widthRandom width

A mix of 3 or more widths for an authentic, period-correct installation

Finish Options

Floor Finish Comparison Guide

Your choice of floor finish affects appearance, durability, maintenance, and indoor air quality. Here is a detailed comparison to help you choose the right finish for your space and lifestyle.

Hardwax Oil

SheenMatte to satin
Coats2-3 coats
VOC LevelZero to very low
Dry Time24-48 hours between coats
Best For

Residential living spaces, bedrooms, dining rooms

Durability

Good — repairable spot treatment

Maintenance

Recoat high-traffic areas every 2-3 years

Advantages

Easy to repair, natural look, enhances grain, food-safe options available

Considerations

Less resistant to standing water than polyurethane

Oil-Based Polyurethane

SheenSatin to high gloss
Coats3-4 coats
VOC LevelModerate to high
Dry Time8-12 hours between coats
Best For

High-traffic commercial, kitchens, entryways

Durability

Excellent — hard surface film

Maintenance

Full sand and recoat every 7-10 years

Advantages

Maximum durability, excellent water resistance, long recoat intervals

Considerations

Ambering over time, difficult to spot-repair, higher VOC

Water-Based Polyurethane

SheenMatte to semi-gloss
Coats3-4 coats
VOC LevelLow
Dry Time2-4 hours between coats
Best For

Light-colored woods where ambering is undesirable

Durability

Very good — clear surface film

Maintenance

Full sand and recoat every 5-7 years

Advantages

Fast dry time, minimal color change, low odor

Considerations

Slightly less durable than oil-based poly, may raise grain on some species

Paste Wax

SheenLow satin
Coats2-3 applications
VOC LevelVery low
Dry Time1-2 hours
Best For

Low-traffic rooms, historic restorations, period-correct finishes

Durability

Moderate — soft protection

Maintenance

Reapply every 6-12 months

Advantages

Authentic historic look, very easy to apply, deepens patina over time

Considerations

Requires frequent maintenance, not suitable for high-traffic areas

Unfinished

SheenNatural wood surface
CoatsN/A
VOC LevelNone
Dry TimeN/A
Best For

Custom color matching, on-site finishing by professionals

Durability

None — raw wood

Maintenance

Must be finished on-site

Advantages

Maximum flexibility for custom staining and finish selection

Considerations

Requires professional finishing on-site, adds to project timeline

Budget Planning

Flooring Cost Estimator

The total installed cost of reclaimed hardwood flooring includes material, milling, delivery, installation labor, and finish. Here is a detailed breakdown by species to help you budget accurately.

SpeciesMaterialMillingDeliveryInstallationFinishTotal Installed
White Oak$5 - $8/sqft$1 - $2/sqft$0.50 - $1/sqft$3 - $5/sqft$1.50 - $3/sqft$8 - $14/sqft installed
Heart Pine$7 - $12/sqft$1 - $2/sqft$0.50 - $1/sqft$3 - $5/sqft$1.50 - $3/sqft$12 - $22/sqft installed
Hard Maple$5 - $9/sqft$1 - $2/sqft$0.50 - $1/sqft$3 - $5/sqft$1.50 - $3/sqft$9 - $15/sqft installed
Black Walnut$8 - $14/sqft$1 - $2/sqft$0.50 - $1/sqft$3 - $5/sqft$1.50 - $3/sqft$14 - $24/sqft installed
Hickory$5 - $8/sqft$1 - $2/sqft$0.50 - $1/sqft$3 - $5/sqft$1.50 - $3/sqft$8 - $14/sqft installed
Red Oak$4 - $7/sqft$1 - $2/sqft$0.50 - $1/sqft$3 - $5/sqft$1.50 - $3/sqft$7 - $12/sqft installed

Costs are estimates for the Twin Cities metro area and vary based on grade, width, order volume, subfloor type, and installer rates. Material-only pricing is available for DIY installations. Request a detailed quote for your specific project.

Finish Selection

Finish Comparison Matrix

Six finish options compared across eight criteria. Your choice of finish affects appearance, durability, repairability, indoor air quality, and long-term maintenance cost.

Oil-Based Polyurethane

Cost: $$

Durability: Excellent
Repairability: Poor - full sand required
Sheen Options: Satin, Semi-Gloss, High Gloss
VOC Level: Moderate-High
Dry Time: 8-12 hrs/coat
Maintenance: Low - recoat every 7-10 yrs
Best for Reclaimed?

Yes - best water protection, but ambering enhances warm tones

Water-Based Polyurethane

Cost: $$

Durability: Very Good
Repairability: Poor - full sand required
Sheen Options: Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss
VOC Level: Low
Dry Time: 2-4 hrs/coat
Maintenance: Low - recoat every 5-7 yrs
Best for Reclaimed?

Good for light woods (maple) where ambering is undesirable

Hardwax Oil

Cost: $$$

Durability: Good
Repairability: Excellent - spot repair
Sheen Options: Matte, Satin
VOC Level: Zero-Low
Dry Time: 24-48 hrs/coat
Maintenance: Moderate - maintain every 2-3 yrs
Best for Reclaimed?

Ideal - enhances grain, easy to repair, preserves character

Tung Oil

Cost: $$

Durability: Good
Repairability: Good - spot repair possible
Sheen Options: Matte, Low Satin
VOC Level: Zero
Dry Time: 24-72 hrs/coat
Maintenance: Moderate - reapply annually for high traffic
Best for Reclaimed?

Traditional choice - deepens patina beautifully

Paste Wax

Cost: $

Durability: Moderate
Repairability: Excellent - easy reapplication
Sheen Options: Low Satin
VOC Level: Very Low
Dry Time: 1-2 hours
Maintenance: High - reapply every 6-12 months
Best for Reclaimed?

Perfect for historic restorations and period-correct aesthetics

Unfinished

Cost: $

Durability: None
Repairability: N/A
Sheen Options: Natural wood surface
VOC Level: None
Dry Time: N/A
Maintenance: Must be finished on-site
Best for Reclaimed?

Maximum flexibility for custom color and finish matching

Acoustic Performance

Sound & Acoustic Properties

Reclaimed wood flooring affects room acoustics differently than carpet or tile. Wood floors reflect sound waves rather than absorbing them, creating a brighter, more open acoustic profile. The density of old-growth reclaimed hardwood provides better sound isolation than modern plantation-grown boards of the same thickness.

For multi-story buildings, condominiums, and commercial spaces where sound transmission matters, the choice of underlayment beneath reclaimed flooring significantly impacts acoustic performance. Below are common assemblies with their sound ratings.

Reclaimed 3/4" hardwood over 3/4" plywood subfloor

STC Rating

STC 38-42

IIC Rating

IIC 28-35

Standard assembly. Acceptable for single-family homes. Not recommended for multi-family without additional sound treatment.

Reclaimed 3/4" hardwood + cork underlayment (3mm)

STC Rating

STC 42-48

IIC Rating

IIC 48-55

Cork adds significant impact sound reduction. Recommended for second-floor installations and condominiums.

Reclaimed 3/4" hardwood + rubber underlayment (6mm)

STC Rating

STC 48-52

IIC Rating

IIC 55-62

Best sound isolation for residential. Meets most condo HOA requirements. Slight spongy feel underfoot.

Reclaimed 3/4" hardwood + acoustic mat + concrete slab

STC Rating

STC 52-56

IIC Rating

IIC 50-58

Commercial-grade assembly. Suitable for offices and retail over occupied spaces below.

STC = Sound Transmission Class (airborne sound). IIC = Impact Insulation Class (footfall noise). Higher numbers are better. Most condo associations require IIC 50+ for hard-surface flooring.

Installation Guide

Installation Methods

Reclaimed hardwood flooring can be installed using any of the three standard methods. Your choice depends on your subfloor type, flooring thickness, and project requirements.

Nail-Down

The traditional and most common method for reclaimed hardwood flooring. A pneumatic flooring nailer drives cleats through the tongue at a 45-degree angle, securing each board to the subfloor. This method provides the most solid feel underfoot.

Subfloor

Plywood or OSB (3/4" minimum)

Flooring Thickness

3/4" flooring

Advantages
  • Most secure attachment
  • Best for 3/4" solid flooring
  • No adhesive mess or cure time
  • Industry standard — any flooring contractor can install
Considerations
  • -Requires wood subfloor (not concrete)
  • -Pneumatic nailer rental or purchase
  • -Some species require pre-drilling near ends

Glue-Down

Full-spread adhesive bonds flooring directly to the subfloor. The best option for concrete slab installations where nailing is not possible. Creates a very quiet floor with minimal hollow spots.

Subfloor

Concrete slab, plywood, or existing hard surface

Flooring Thickness

1/2" or 3/4" flooring

Advantages
  • Works on concrete slabs
  • Quieter — no hollow spots
  • Works with thinner 1/2" stock
  • Good for radiant heat systems
Considerations
  • -Messy installation process
  • -Adhesive adds cost
  • -Difficult to remove later
  • -Moisture testing of concrete is critical

Floating

End-matched flooring laid over a foam or cork underlayment without fastening to the subfloor. The floor "floats" as a single unit. Less common with solid reclaimed hardwood but possible with end-matched profiles.

Subfloor

Any flat, clean surface

Flooring Thickness

1/2" or 3/4" (end-matched required)

Advantages
  • Fastest installation method
  • No nailing or gluing required
  • Easy to remove and reinstall
  • Works over radiant heat
Considerations
  • -Requires end-matched boards
  • -May feel less solid underfoot
  • -Not ideal for very wide planks
  • -Expansion gaps required at all walls
Subfloor Preparation

Subfloor Requirements

A proper subfloor is the foundation of every successful flooring installation. Here are the requirements for each subfloor type.

Plywood (3/4" CDX or better)

Compatible Methods

Nail-down or glue-down

Notes

The preferred subfloor for reclaimed hardwood. Must be securely fastened to joists with no squeaks or flex. Check flatness — max 3/16" variation over 10 feet.

OSB (3/4")

Compatible Methods

Nail-down or glue-down

Notes

Acceptable subfloor but plywood is preferred. OSB holds nails less well than plywood. Ensure all seams are tight and the surface is clean.

Concrete Slab

Compatible Methods

Glue-down only (or floating)

Notes

Must be fully cured (minimum 60 days), clean, flat, and dry. Moisture test with a calcium chloride kit — maximum 3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft per 24 hours. Apply moisture barrier if needed.

Existing Hardwood

Compatible Methods

Glue-down with 1/2" overlay

Notes

Sand existing floor to roughen the surface for adhesion. Ensure the existing floor is stable and not cupping. Height transitions at doorways may require adjustment.

Radiant Heat System

Compatible Methods

Glue-down or floating

Notes

Turn off the system 24 hours before installation. After installation, gradually increase temperature by no more than 2 degrees per day until reaching operating temperature. Maximum surface temperature 85 degrees F.

Room-by-Room Guide

Recommendations by Room

Every room has different demands. Here are our expert recommendations for species, width, and finish based on the specific requirements of each space.

Living Room

Species

White Oak or Heart Pine

Width

5" - 7"

Finish

Hardwax oil (satin)

Notes

The showcase room. Wide planks in premium species make the biggest impression. Hardwax oil enhances grain while allowing easy spot repairs.

Kitchen

Species

White Oak or Hickory

Width

4" - 5"

Finish

Oil-based polyurethane

Notes

Needs water resistance and durability. Harder species and a protective polyurethane film handle spills and foot traffic. Avoid walnut — too soft for kitchens.

Bedroom

Species

Any species

Width

5" - 8"

Finish

Hardwax oil or paste wax

Notes

Low traffic allows softer species like walnut and pine. Wide planks add warmth. Natural oil or wax finishes keep the room free of chemical off-gassing.

Bathroom

Species

White Oak (quarter-sawn preferred)

Width

3" - 5"

Finish

Oil-based polyurethane or marine-grade oil

Notes

Only water-resistant species should be used. Quarter-sawn white oak contains tyloses that block moisture. Narrow widths minimize expansion. Seal all edges.

Entryway / Mudroom

Species

Hickory or White Oak

Width

4" - 5"

Finish

Oil-based polyurethane

Notes

The highest-wear area in most homes. Choose the hardest species available and the most durable finish. Consider character-grade material where scratches blend in naturally.

Office / Study

Species

Black Walnut or Hard Maple

Width

5" - 7"

Finish

Hardwax oil

Notes

A chance to use a premium species that makes a statement. Walnut for warmth and richness, maple for bright modern spaces. Chair mats recommended for rolling casters.

Commercial Space

Species

White Oak or Hickory

Width

4" - 6"

Finish

Commercial-grade polyurethane

Notes

High traffic demands the hardest species and most durable finish. We recommend a minimum of 4 coats of commercial-grade polyurethane. Character-grade material hides wear patterns.

Before Installation

Acclimation Instructions

Proper acclimation is critical for a successful reclaimed flooring installation. Follow these steps to ensure your flooring performs perfectly for decades.

Deliver to the Installation Space

Have the flooring delivered directly to the room where it will be installed. Do not store in a garage, basement, or any space with a significantly different temperature or humidity.

Break Open All Bundles

Remove banding and spread boards loosely so air can circulate around each piece. Stack on stickers (thin wood strips) between layers to allow even air exposure on all faces.

Maintain Room Conditions

Keep the installation space at normal living conditions: 60-80 degrees F, 30-50% relative humidity. Run the HVAC system as you normally would. Avoid acclimating in an unheated or unconditioned space.

Allow 5-7 Days Minimum

Reclaimed flooring is typically at 6-8% moisture content, which is ideal for most interiors. However, 5-7 days of acclimation allows the wood to equilibrate with your specific room conditions.

Test Before Installing

Use a pin-type moisture meter to verify flooring MC (target: 6-9%) and subfloor MC (target: within 2-4% of flooring). If the difference exceeds 4%, continue acclimating.

After Installation

Maintenance Guide

Reclaimed hardwood flooring is remarkably durable, but proper maintenance extends its beauty for generations.

Daily Care

Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent grit from scratching the surface. Use felt pads under all furniture legs. Place mats at all exterior doors to catch dirt and moisture.

Weekly Cleaning

Damp-mop with a hardwood floor cleaner appropriate for your finish type. Never use a wet mop or steam cleaner — excess water is the enemy of all hardwood floors.

Seasonal Maintenance

Monitor indoor humidity — use a humidifier in winter (when heating dries the air) and a dehumidifier in summer if needed. Target 30-50% relative humidity year-round.

Hardwax Oil Floors

Spot-repair scuffs and wear patterns by lightly sanding the affected area and reapplying oil. Full maintenance coats every 2-3 years for high-traffic areas. No full sanding required.

Polyurethane Floors

Screen (lightly abrade) and recoat every 7-10 years depending on traffic. Avoid spot repairs — the entire floor should be screened and recoated uniformly.

Waxed Floors

Reapply paste wax every 6-12 months. Buff to desired sheen. Avoid water-based cleaners on waxed floors as they can leave a hazy film.

Planning

Before You Order Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have all the information we need to provide an accurate quote and avoid delays.

Measure total square footage (length x width of each room)
Add 10% for cutting waste and future repairs
Determine your preferred species (or top 2-3 choices)
Choose a board width (or decide on random-width)
Select your profile (standard T&G, end-matched, overlay, etc.)
Decide on finish level (unfinished, skip-planed, or pre-finished)
Identify your subfloor type (plywood, concrete, existing hardwood)
Determine your installation method (nail-down, glue-down, floating)
Check door clearance if using 3/4" flooring over existing surfaces
Confirm your project timeline and desired delivery date
If LEED project: request material documentation with your order
Radiant Heat

Radiant Heat Compatibility

Reclaimed hardwood flooring is compatible with radiant heating systems when installed and operated correctly. Here are the key requirements.

Installation MethodGlue-down preferred; floating acceptable
Best SpeciesWhite oak, hickory (most dimensionally stable)
AvoidWide planks (8"+) and softer species like pine
Max Surface Temp85 degrees F (29 degrees C)
Ramp-Up RateMax 2 degrees F per day after installation
Recommended Width3" - 5" (narrower boards minimize gaps)
Shutdown Before Install24 hours minimum
Samples

Order Flooring Samples

We provide 6 to 12 inch flooring samples in any species and finish combination. Samples are free for local pickup; a flat-rate shipping fee applies for mailed samples. We recommend ordering samples in your top 2-3 species choices for side-by-side comparison in your actual space.

Request Samples
Eco Impact

A Greener Floor, Literally

A typical 1,000 sq ft reclaimed hardwood floor saves 15 mature hardwood trees from harvest and prevents over 5,000 lbs of CO₂ emissions compared to new hardwood flooring — including the avoided emissions from landfill diversion.

15 trees

saved per 1,000 sq ft

5,000 lbs

CO₂ prevented

LEED Credit Eligible

Reclaimed flooring qualifies for LEED v4.1 credits under MR Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (sourcing of raw materials). We provide full documentation for LEED submittals.

Common Questions

Flooring FAQ

How much extra should I order beyond my measured square footage?

We recommend ordering 10% extra to account for cutting waste, irregular room shapes, and to keep spare boards for future repairs. For diagonal installations, order 15% extra.

Can reclaimed flooring be sanded and refinished?

Yes. Standard 3/4" reclaimed flooring can be sanded and refinished 3-5 times over its lifetime. Each sanding removes approximately 1/32" of material. Our 1/2" overlay profile can be sanded 1-2 times.

Will the character marks (nail holes, patina) disappear when sanded?

Light sanding preserves most character marks. Nail holes and deeper marks will remain visible. If you want to preserve maximum character, choose skip-planed or unfinished with on-site oil application rather than heavy sanding.

Is reclaimed flooring safe for children and pets?

Absolutely. The wood itself is completely natural and chemical-free. Choose a zero-VOC hardwax oil finish for the safest indoor air quality. Harder species like hickory and oak resist scratches from pet nails better than softer species.

Can I mix species in one installation?

Yes. Mixing species (for example, oak and walnut borders) is a classic design technique. Ensure all species are the same thickness and profile. Our team can help you plan a multi-species layout.

Our Promise

Warranty & Guarantee

We stand behind every board we sell. Our flooring comes with comprehensive quality guarantees designed to give you confidence in your investment.

Material Quality Guarantee

Every board is inspected and graded before shipping. If any board arrives with defects beyond the specified grade level, we replace it at no cost.

Milling Accuracy Guarantee

Tongue-and-groove profiles are milled to +/- 1/64 inch tolerance. If boards do not interlock properly due to milling error, we replace the affected material.

Moisture Content at Delivery

We guarantee flooring is delivered at 6-9% moisture content. If MC exceeds this range at time of delivery and causes installation issues, we will replace the material.

What Is Not Covered

Natural movement after installation due to environmental conditions, normal wear and patina development, damage from improper installation or maintenance, and color variation inherent to reclaimed wood.

Claim Process

Contact us within 7 days of delivery for material defects, or within 30 days of installation for milling issues. Provide photos and a description. Our team will inspect and resolve within 5 business days.

Ready to Order Reclaimed Flooring?

Tell us your species preference, square footage, desired width, and finish level. We will confirm availability, provide a quote, and schedule delivery to your Twin Cities job site.