Engineered wood is often mistaken for “fake” wood, but that’s not really the case. In fact, both engineered wood and “solid” hardwood, as naturally cut hardwood is called, are made with real wood. The difference is that engineered wood is made with several layers of wood stacked on top of each other, rather than maintaining the natural solid thickness of the wood.

 

While there are pros and cons to choosing solid hardwood or engineered hardwood, we’d like to throw another option into the mix: reclaimed wood. Solid hardwood that has been reclaimed from past uses, such as that of cargo boxes or railcars. Here are a few reasons you might have for choosing reclaimed wood over engineered wood.

The Eco-Friendly Option

When it comes to environmental impact, reclaimed wood beats out both engineered wood and solid hardwood. It takes less effort and energy to be manufactured than engineered wood, but unlike both engineered wood and solid hardwood, it also doesn’t require any raw materials. You’re simply using wood that has been cut years ago and remains in good condition for a new purpose. This will cut down on deforestation and reduce your own environmental impact.

The Durability of Solid Hardwood, Tested

Reclaimed solid hardwood is still solid hardwood, and you can enjoy all of the benefits of that. It can be sanded numerous times and refinished to stay looking beautiful for years to come. Engineered wood, on the other hand, can only be sanded a few times. Better still, reclaimed hardwood has already proven its durability time and time again and remains in beautiful condition to become a part of your home.

Unique Character

Engineered wood is, by its nature, rather streamlined. That can look clean and neat, but if you want the beauty and character of hardwood floors, you need solid hardwood. Better yet, you need reclaimed hardwood. Our reclaimed hardwood has been used over decades, as cargo boxes or railcar planks, and all of that gives it a unique character that you can’t find with standard hardwood floor — and certainly not with engineered hardwood.

Added Value

Hardwood floors are a popular home flooring option, so your flooring needs to have something that sets it apart in order to really add value to your home. Rare woods thrive when it comes to adding value through your hardwood floors, and when you choose reclaimed wood, you know you’re getting a truly unique wood. There are no other hardwood planks that have the same history and the same character. These floors will look beautiful and add value as well as enjoyment.

Looking for the perfect reclaimed wood to use in your new hardwood flooring? Reclaimed Wood Solutions offers beautiful reclaimed wood that ships anywhere within the United States. Contact us today to learn more about our reclaimed wood selection or to order some reclaimed wood planks of your own.