Are reclaimed wood floors expensive?

Reclaimed wood floors can be more expensive than new hardwood floors, but the cost depends on several factors. In general, reclaimed wood is more expensive due to the labor involved in salvaging and preparing the wood. However, many homeowners choose reclaimed wood for its unique, rustic look and eco-friendly appeal despite the higher price tag.

What is reclaimed wood?

Reclaimed wood is lumber that has been previously used in structures like old barns, factories, and homes. The wood is cleaned, milled, and manufactured into new flooring planks. Unlike new hardwood, each reclaimed wood plank has a unique history and patina that adds rustic character to a space.

Why is reclaimed wood expensive?

There are several reasons why reclaimed wood floors tend to cost more than new solid hardwood floors:

• Labor-intensive sourcing – Finding, removing, and transporting reclaimed lumber from old structures requires more time and effort than purchasing new lumber.
• Inspection and sorting process – Each reclaimed wood plank must be hand sorted, examined for quality, and deemed structurally sound before being milled.
• Milling and finishing – Reclaimed planks need to be custom milled, sanded, and finished to ensure smooth surfaces while preserving the wood’s patina and character.
• Rarity – As more structures are demolished, high quality antique reclaimed wood becomes increasingly rare and valuable.
• Unique look – The rustic, weathered, and varied appearances of reclaimed wood floors is aesthetically desirable.
• Eco-friendly appeal – Using reclaimed wood prevents it from ending up in landfills and reduces reliance on new lumber.

These factors mean reclaimed wood floors require specialized sourcing, handling, and production compared to new solid hardwood, driving up the overall cost. So buyers are paying a premium for both the labor involved and the unique history behind each reclaimed floorboard.

How much more expensive is reclaimed wood?

On average, expect to pay $4-$12 more per square foot for reclaimed or antique wood floors compared to new hardwood floors. But exact costs vary significantly based on:

• Wood type – Rare and highly sought-after wood species like American chestnut and heart pine tend to be pricier than more readily available oak or maple.
• Age and condition – Older, weathered barn wood with nail holes, cracks, and unique patinas commands a higher price point than younger salvaged lumber in good condition.
• Color variation – A wider range of color variation between planks costs more than relatively uniform boards.
• Width of planks – Reclaimed wood as wide as 10 inches or more is harder to find and more expensive than standard 2 1/4 inch planks.
• Source location – Sourcing reclaimed wood locally versus importing it from another region impacts transport costs.
• Brand – Purchasing reclaimed wood from a top brand versus a lesser known company affects price.

Here is a price comparison for 3/4 inch thick, 4-5 inch wide reclaimed wood flooring from a major supplier:

Wood Type	Origin	Price per Square Foot*
Red Oak	Domestic	$9-$11
Heart Pine	Reclaimed	$10-$15
American Chestnut	Antique	$12-$18

*Prices vary based on specific grade, age, and condition

Cost factors to consider

Here are some additional cost factors to keep in mind with reclaimed wood floors:

Installation

Installation may be more expensive for reclaimed wood compared to new engineered hardwoods. The irregular shapes and thicknesses of reclaimed planks takes more time and expertise to properly install. Expect to pay $3-$8 per square foot for installation.

Finishes

The finish applied to reclaimed floors also impacts cost. Matte finishes are lowest cost while higher-end options like distressed hand scraping or timeworn finishes add to the overall price.

Adhesives

Natural adhesives without VOCs tend to cost $2-$3 more per gallon than standard glue. They are required by some homeowners seeking reclaimed wood’s eco-friendly benefits.

Subfloor prep

Reclaimed wood’s irregular thickness may require more subfloor preparation to ensure a smooth surface for installation. Any needed sanding, patching, or leveling will add to costs.

Cost comparison to new solid hardwood

To highlight the cost difference, here is a comparison of reclaimed wood floors versus new solid oak hardwood floors for a 500 square foot room:

Floor Type	Material Cost*	Installation Cost*	Total Cost
Red Oak Reclaimed	$5,500	$2,500	$8,000
Red Oak New	$2,750	$2,000	$4,750

*Estimated costs based on average national prices

This breakdown shows how reclaimed oak floors may cost around $3,250 more for materials and installation compared to new oak floors for a 500 square foot installation. The premium pays for the reclaimed wood’s unique look and eco-benefits.

When does reclaimed wood make sense cost-wise?

While reclaimed floors come at a higher upfront cost, there are situations where they make sense financially:

• Long term investment – Reclaimed wood floors can increase a home’s resale value and retain its value well over time.
• Durability – Properly installed reclaimed wood lasts longer than many new engineered floors.
• Using salvaged materials – Taking advantage of reclaimed wood from old barns or buildings on your property saves sourcing costs.
• DIY installation – Installing reclaimed wood yourself significantly cuts labor costs.
• Unique source – Securing reclaimed wood straight from a local source can mean better prices.

While not inexpensive, reclaimed wood floors provide lasting value through their longevity, unique appearance, and environmental benefits that appeal to many homeowners.

Tips for keeping costs down

If your heart is set on reclaimed wood floors, here are some tips for keeping costs down:

• Choose medium tone oak, hickory, or pine rather than expensive exotic woods
• Opt for a simple, low-cost matte finish
• Shop for cheaper salvaged planks instead of antique woods
• See if any flooring shops offer reclaimed wood package deals
• Install the floors yourself if possible
• Purchase locally sourced reclaimed wood if available
• Consider DIY-friendly reclaimed wood tiles instead of planks
• Refurbish existing wood floors instead of fully replacing them

Are reclaimed wood floors worth the cost?

Reclaimed wood floors typically provide unique value in terms of look, feel, and character that new floors cannot replicate. The eco-friendly story behind the wood and its durability also appeal to many homeowners. For these reasons, reclaimed wood floors are often viewed as a worthwhile investment and long term asset despite the higher initial price. Going the reclaimed route is ultimately a personal choice based on your priorities and budget.

The bottom line

Reclaimed wood floors require more intensive sourcing and preparation compared to new solid hardwood, making them cost $4-$12 more per square foot on average. But many homeowners feel the higher cost is justified by the floor’s one-of-a-kind patina, architectural salvage backstory, and environmental benefits. Those seeking reclaimed floors for their unique personality rather than cost savings are unlikely to be deterred by the premium price. And smart shopping can help keep costs reasonable for bringing the rustic appeal of reclaimed floors into your home.