Reclaimed wood flooring has a character and story that new materials just can’t match. From the rich patina to the preserved history of every board, it brings warmth and authenticity to any space. But how much does reclaimed wood flooring cost?
Let’s break down the price ranges, what factors influence cost, and why reclaimed flooring generally costs more than newly milled alternatives.
Reclaimed Wood Flooring Cost: Price Ranges
In general, reclaimed wood flooring starts at around $6.00 per square foot and goes up from there. Pricing depends heavily on a few key elements, especially board width, quantity, species and available inventory.
Species plays a big part in determining the cost of the flooring. For instance, reclaimed oak typically starts around $9.00 per square foot while reclaimed chestnut starts at $12.00 per square foot.
If you’re looking for wider planks, expect to pay more. Wider widths are in higher demand and harder to source in reclaimed materials, making them more expensive. On the other hand, narrower boards may offer more budget flexibility.
While $6.00 per square foot is a starting point, it’s not uncommon for premium reclaimed flooring—especially in wide widths or specific styles—to reach higher price points depending on availability.
What Affects the Cost of Reclaimed Wood Flooring?
Several factors can influence the final cost of your reclaimed flooring. These include:
1. Inventory Availability
Our pricing can vary depending on the amount of reclaimed wood we have in stock. When we have an abundance of a particular species or size, we’re often able to offer additional discounts. Limited inventory, however, can drive prices higher.
2. Width of the Boards
Wider boards are more expensive, both due to their popularity and the challenge of sourcing wider reclaimed material. A 10″ wide plank costs more per square foot than a 4″ plank, even if they’re from the same source.
3. Quantity Ordered
Large orders often come with more flexibility in pricing. If you’re ordering a large quantity, we may be able to offer a better rate per square foot compared to smaller quantities.
Why Does Reclaimed Wood Flooring Cost More?
Reclaimed wood flooring often comes with a higher price tag compared to new flooring. Here’s why.
1. High Waste in the Milling Process
One of the biggest cost drivers is waste. From the time raw reclaimed lumber enters our shop to the point it becomes flooring, we lose about 50% of the material. That’s because we go through a rigorous defecting process to ensure only high-quality boards make the cut.
Defects we remove include:
- Cracks
- Unsound knots
- Rot
- Heavy insect damage
- End splits
These are carefully cut out during milling, significantly reducing usable yield from each board.
2. Time-Intensive Processing
Reclaiming wood isn’t as simple as just cutting boards to size. We carefully inspect, clean, and mill every piece. Nails are removed. Boards are kiln-dried to ensure stability. Everything is processed with precision to create high-quality, long-lasting flooring.
This level of labor adds to the cost but ensures you receive flooring that’s both beautiful and structurally sound.
What’s Not Considered a Defect?
Part of the charm of reclaimed wood lies in its imperfections—features that tell the story of its previous life. Many of these elements are intentionally preserved because they add character and visual interest. These include:
- Saw marks from the original milling process
- Nail holes from past use
- Mineral streaks that add natural variation
- Color variation from age and exposure
- Surface checking (small surface cracks that don’t affect stability)
- Tight knots that add rustic appeal
These features make reclaimed wood unique, and they’re typically embraced rather than removed.
Is Reclaimed Wood Flooring Worth the Investment?
Although reclaimed wood flooring costs more upfront, many homeowners and designers find it well worth the investment. The character, sustainability, and history built into each plank offer something truly one-of-a-kind. Plus, reclaimed wood is environmentally responsible—reusing valuable materials instead of cutting down new trees. Reclaimed wood flooring can also add to the value of your home.
Whether you’re creating a rustic farmhouse feel or adding warmth to a modern interior, reclaimed wood provides a timeless look with enduring value.
Request a Custom Quote
Because reclaimed wood flooring can vary so much in pricing depending on width, inventory, and quantity, we recommend requesting a custom quote. We’ll work with you to provide accurate pricing based on your specific project needs.
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