Design Hardwoods
Reclaimed Hardwood: Great For The Environment, But Is It Great For You?
Last year I was attended NEOCON in Chicago. This is an interior design industry event that brings together various (hundreds, in fact) manufacturers and allows them to strut their stuff for three days. This event is, for the most part, commercially focused, but there are always some products that will cross over to the residential realm.
NEOCON is held at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago right on the river. The building is massive! I have heard that it is the largest building (by mass) in the US, but I am not sure if I believe that or not. Anyway, my firm gave all of us the challenge this particular year of going out in the Mart and finding the best ‘nugget’ we could. This artifact could be anything from a new type of seating, a new furniture system or a decorative finish. My love that day became a reclaimed wood manufacturer and refinisher.
I found Terra Mai tucked away with some other small companies on the 8th floor. I was awe struck by the rich tones and beauty of their wood samples lay over the carpet. I was thinking they were exotic red woods until I learned that they were all reclaimed species. Some of the materials and varieties available were old bleachers from high school gymnasiums. Another, which I fell in love with, was a series that gathered old fishing industry shipping crates, deconstructed them, cleaned, refinished and then resold the flooring. They called the product line “fishtail oak.” I cannot even describe how beautiful this was. It was as if every wood tone became compiled into one floor. There were hints of orange, red slices and yellow highlights. Absolutely gorgeous!
The pricing for such material is comparable to buying new hard wood at a premium. They have to cover the cost of collection, refinishing and shipping. It is also good to keep in mind that the inventory fluxes with what is found or available. There is a constantly updated website that allows for ease of shopping.
Do you think this is gross or something to be celebrated? I like the idea of my floor having a story. So if someone asks, there is a little more to say other than, “I bought it at Home Depot”. You can’t really recreate aged beauty, so why not let your floor have a few words of wisdom?
About the Author
www.design-sherpa.com
Kings Custom Hardwoods Inc Wilmington NC