When restoring a period property, few elements carry as much visual and historical weight as the floor beneath your feet. Reclaimed flooring is the natural choice, not only for its aged beauty, but for its story, sustainability and strength.
What is Reclaimed Wood Flooring?
Reclaimed wood flooring is salvaged from historic buildings, barns and factories. Every plank holds a rich narrative, visible in its worn grain, nail holes and naturally weathered look.
Beyond its undeniable charm, reclaimed flooring is:
- Eco-conscious: It reduces demand for newly harvested wood
- Character-rich: Unique marks of time make no two boards alike
- Resilient: Often denser than newer timber due to its age and origin
Why Period Properties Deserve Reclaimed Flooring
Your period home was built in an era of craftsmanship and heritage. It deserves flooring that complements, not competes with, its legacy.
Here’s why reclaimed flooring is a great choice:
Visual Continuity
Original floors in period homes often featured oak, pine or elm. Reclaimed versions of these materials blend seamlessly with existing architectural features such as beams, fireplaces and windows.
Aged to Perfection
New wood simply doesn’t mimic the depth of tone, movement or grain variation of reclaimed wood.
Built to Last
Timbers used decades or centuries ago came from slow-grown, old-growth trees. This makes reclaimed wood incredibly durable and stable.
How to Choose the Right Reclaimed Flooring
When choosing reclaimed flooring, several key factors ensure you get both beauty and performance.
Match the Style of your Home
Different eras featured different flooring aesthetics. Choosing the right reclaimed flooring starts with knowing your home’s heritage.
- Victoria Homes: Wide, dark-stained pine or oak boards
- Georgian Homes: Elegant, narrow oak boards with minimal knots
- Tudor and Elizabethan Properties: Irregular timber with visible grain
Choose the Right Wood Type
| Wood Type | Appearance | Best For |
| Oak | Golden to deep brown, visible grain | Timeless appeal and heavy foot traffic |
| Pine | Pale, rustic and soft grain | Cosy cottages and traditional rooms |
| Elm | Unpredictable grain, warm hues | Feature flooring, historic accuracy |
Decide on Finish and Texture
Reclaimed flooring can be delivered unfinished or pre-finished.
- Unfinished: Allows you to choose your own oil, stain or wax
- Pre-Finished: Quicker installation, less mess
- Hand-Finished: Offers an artisan touch for bespoke projects
Texture matters too. Some boards are wire-brushed for extra grain depth, while others are planed smooth for a refined finish.
Maintenance Tips for Reclaimed Flooring
Reclaimed flooring is durable, but it still needs care:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent grit scratches
- Avoid harsh chemicals and use wood-specific cleaners
- Use felt pads under furniture
- Top up the protective finish every few years
These simple steps help your reclaimed flooring retain its richness and character over time.
Choose Cawarden for your Reclaimed Flooring
Choosing reclaimed flooring for your period property isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about preservation. It is a decision that aligns with history, sustainability and quality. Whether you’re restoring a Georgian manor or reviving a Victorian terrace, the right reclaimed wood flooring will ground your space in authenticity.
Explore our collection at Cawarden and bring timeless craftsmanship into your home.