contracting, reclaimed wood has less moisture and will not warp or bend out of shape like new wood does.
SALVAGING A SUSTAINABLE
SOLUTION As well as locating reclaimed wood from a supplier, it is also possible for contractors to source their own wood. Just remember, the goal of salvaging is trying to reduce the amount of waste that will end up in a landfill. The majority of reclaimed wood comes from old barns and homes, but can also be sourced from ship yards, renovation sites and demolition sites.
Before installing any reclaimed wood, it is important to consider the previous application of the wood. Any previous wood infestation or chemical contamination will weaken wood’s durability and make it unsuitable as flooring. Alternatively, palettes that have been used to transport food run a higher risk of having bacteria manifested into the wood grain, making them unsuitable for internal use. To help contractors buy and supply the best wood, reclaimed timber is given three grading classes: low, medium, and high. Any reclaimed wood that comes into contact with humans requires a high grade classification.
REDUCE, REUSE,
RECLAIM
Steve Grimwood, Managing Director at Osmo UK, discusses the benefits of using
reclaimed wood in projects and offers his insight on the process.
The trend for using reclaimed wood is increasingly popular as more and more people look to green solutions for their businesses and homes in order to reduce their carbon footprint. However, this rise in popularity is not just due to the wood being a sustainable solution, but due to the wood’s unique physical and aesthetic structure that cannot be mimicked.
It is estimated that the process for restoring reclaimed wood uses 13 times less energy that it takes to process new wood. Unlike new wood, reclaimed wood tends to have a tighter grain structure, and therefore is more stable and durable. In addition, due to years of expanding and
30 | WOOD & LAMINATE
THE RESTORATION PROCESS Unknown to many, one of the most effective and common methods of restoring wooden floor is simply reviving the surface. Worn wood can be sanded, cleaned and re-finished to present a fresh canvas with an as-new appearance. Once cleaned, it is important to examine the wood closely to see if there are any scuffs which need to be repaired. If there are any dents or small scrapes, use a wood filler product to even out the damaged wood surface.
To finish, it is recommended to use a high-quality product that is compatible with your specified finish. This will ensure that once the wood flooring has been cleaned, sanded and the final finishing treatment is applied, the repaired surface will be camouflaged against the rest of the wood without leaving unsightly marks. The natural features of wood can be enhanced with a clear protective finish or can be individualised with colours and different textured finishes.
THINGS TO CONSIDER Before buying reclaimed wood, it is important to know what the source of the wood is, and if the wood has been treated. First off, make sure that the seller of the wood is reliable. Some people are trying to make some quick money; beware of sellers who lack professionalism, have unrealistic prices, or cannot guarantee their products.
Heat-treating reclaimed wood is the safest method to ensure the flooring is suitable for internal use. Heat-treated wood, or kiln dried wood, can be used for high-quality parquets or can be installed in rooms exposed to high-moisture levels, including saunas, bathrooms and external use. Due to the heat-treated wood’s enhanced structural properties and durability, heat-treated reclaimed wood can also be used in rooms intended for commercial use, which endure greater loads or which have strict non-flammable regulations.
www.osmouk.com
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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