Usually when you buy something, the newer it looks the better. But that’s not always the case with finished hardwood flooring. Many people want their finished hardwood flooring to look old.
It’s the same personal taste that causes some people to love antiques. They’re different than what most people have, they’re visually interesting because of their uniqueness, and they’re comforting because of their ties to the past.
This doesn’t mean that people want hardwood floors that look neglected and worn out. But with the right finishing techniques, finished hardwood floors can look old and fresh at the same time. They’re like a pristinely restored car—it’s obviously old, but the care gone into preserving its beauty is obvious.
To get hardwood floors that look aged, you have three basic choices.
1. Reclaimed Wood
If you want your hardwood flooring to look old, what better way than to use old wood! Many manufacturers mill wood reclaimed from old barns, factories, and other sources. Even after milling, this wood still shows nail holes, gouges, saw marks, stains, and other signs of its history.
2. Distressed on Site
Wood that’s been recently harvested and milled can still be made to look old by “distressing” it once it’s installed (before it’s finished). Techniques such as wire brushing, hand scraping (to mimic the hand-scraping methods of the 19th century) and hand distressing (making marks and dents) can provide the texture and character of reclaimed wood. An advantage of this option is that you have more control over the “defects” than with reclaimed wood, so you can get just what you want.
Unless you really know what you’re doing, it’s not a good idea to do this distressing yourself, otherwise you might end up with a seriously damaged floor rather than one that just looks pleasingly old. Let pros handle this job.
3. Pre-finished Distressed
Manufacturers also produce pre-finished hardwood flooring that has been distressed in the factory. As with any pre-finished hardwood flooring, make sure you select a product that’s been manufactured to high standards. You can work with your hardwood flooring company to find the best products to give you the character you’re seeking without sacrificing durability and performance.
Conclusion
Particularly for people aiming for a rustic interior design, having a floor with “character marks” is preferable over a floor that’s completely unblemished. This texture makes each floor unique, creates a homey feel, and can be more stimulating to the eye.
