Reclaimed Antique Flooring FAQs

Our solid wood floors arrive unfinished and are sanded and finished on site. Our Entique^™ line of flooring is pre-finished with a seven coat aluminum oxide process.

Can I get long boards?

Comparatively speaking, reclaimed wood flooring is usually much longer than its new growth, newly cut counterpart. We typically offer long lengths up to 16' with average lengths from 5' to 7'. Remember that this is after we have graded the wood to its final specified form. There are companies that tout longer lengths, but in fact the installer has to carefully look at every board and cut out defects on the jobsite. This approach not only produces shorter boards, there is increased waste and it takes longer which increases your installation costs.

Can I get samples?

Certainly. Our sample kits are designed to accommodate three sets of three different wood types, or nine individual boards. We will provide the first box at no charge. Custom made samples are also available for a nominal fee. Of course, when you purchase your flooring we will deduct the cost of any samples for which you may have paid.

Can I get wide boards, and will they cup?

As our raw materials permit, we can make widths up to 14". When buildings were originally constructed, the largest carrier beams were as large as 15"x15"; it is from these that we cut our widest boards. Due to our professional kiln drying and quality control processes these wider boards will not cup if the site conditions and installation are properly prepared and executed.

Can I install it over radiant heat?

Absolutely, see our radiant heat section of our website.

Do you have a minimum order?

No, we welcome any size order!

Do you have a showroom?

Yes we do, and you are always welcome to visit us. We are open from 8:00am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. We will even make a Saturday appointment if that is your preferred time. Link to our Directions page to find our location.

Does your wood have any contamination?

No, we are very careful in our buying process and rule out any wood that could have harmful contaminants. We never purchase from buildings such as tanneries or fertilizer plants where heavy chemicals were used. Not only that, all of our materials go through a multi-step inspection process where each board is scrutinized before it leaves our plant; this ensures our motto, "every board every time".

How long should the flooring be in the house before I install it?

This is a very important question that does not have a standard answer. The amount of time that wood should be properly stacked in a particular environment before it is ready to be installed is commonly referred to as the acclimation period. The time frame will depend on job site conditions and climate at the time of delivery. The goal is to ensure that the moisture content of the wood approximates that of your living conditions and remains consistent, which is generally a 30-50% humidity level and 60-80 degree temperatures. It is important to remember that change in moisture is what causes wood to move. With wood dried to 6- 9% moisture content and the site conditions at the aforementioned ranges, our flooring will be at equilibrium and will only experience little if any expansion or contraction. Wood is a live resource, and minimal gaps that change with the seasons only add to the charm of an antique wood floor. Please call us to talk more about your unique situation.

How much does your flooring cost?

It's no hidden secret that reclaimed wood costs more than commodity or strip-flooring , but the difference in the cost of material may be offset by a more efficient installation with our longer and wider boards. So, when you compare the total finished costs it's not as expensive as you may think. Additionally, we have a variety of products that fit a wide range of budgets. We'll help you find the perfect floor and one that will work for your price range.

How much extra should I order?

Under normal circumstances we suggest a 3- 5% overage to accommodate cutting boards around the perimeter of the room. If you have an odd shaped room or if you are installing the floor diagonally or in a special pattern you will want to allow for more. It is always best to check with your installer before ordering as they may have insights that affect the amount you will need. We encourage you or your installer to call us to help you determine the correct amount.

Is there any place near me where I can see your products?

Our products are installed in many public places. Please see the list on our website.

Is there tongue and groove on the ends?

Yes, this is known as end-matching and it is as precise as the rest of our milling. Our floors are ready for installation at your site – this is just another time saving feature that we offer and part of our commitment to best-in-class millwork.

Is your flooring difficult to take care of? How long will it last?

No, it is not difficult to take care of our flooring. In fact, reclaimed wood flooring will last lifetimes with minimal care. Please take a look at our care and maintenance section for more information about how to extend the life and appearance of your flooring.

Should my builder order the wood? Will he get a better price?

Ordering is as simple as a phone call directly to us, and our consultants will help you through the process. We work directly with the homeowner, builder, architect, and designer – the choice is up to you, and the pricing is the same to whoever places the order. We are familiar with architectural drawings and construction documents, and we are able to help you consider different flooring options for your project.

What is reclaimed wood?

Mountain Lumber rescues valuable, unique and formerly used wood resources from structures that are no longer in use and gives it a new life. The cycle can span as long as 600 years, from an original tree, to a building, to the floor that graces your home. It's more than just reclaiming wood, it's preserving history and continuing the legacy.

Where does reclaimed wood come from?

We find our wood all over the world and from a variety of sources, such as cotton mills and warehouses, rural American barns and other farm structures, turn of the century French box cars, forgotten Russian railroads, English cider and Irish ale vats, and ancient Chinese temples. Who knows where we will find it next – call us to learn about our most recent timber purchases.

Who can I get to install my flooring?

If you or your builder do not already have an installer, we will be happy to recommend someone in you area.

Why do you call yourself Mountain Lumber Company™?

In 1974, responding to a request from a builder and friend, Willie Drake went into the West Virginia Mountains in search of American chestnut (lumber from the mountains). His successful trip not only yielded the chestnut he was looking for, but gave him the vocation he has been engaged in ever since and a company name to commemorate that fateful adventure; Mountain Lumber Company™ was born.

Why do you kiln dry wood that is already old?

Some believe that old equals dry, but that is actually not the case. Wood is hygroscopic (sponge-like) and depending on the climate, it may absorb more moisture than it releases over the years. Also, even if the timbers are from the same structure or area, they will retain different levels of moisture due to the variation in grain structure. We dry ours to a uniform 6% to 9% moisture content which insures consistency and stability in a properly conditioned living space. Another compelling reason to kiln dry is to make sure that all insect larvae are killed. The same wood boring insects that impart some of the character that we seek need to be eradicated before shipping the flooring to you. Therefore, it is essential to operate a kiln at temperatures sufficient to slowly raise the core temperature of the wood to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A good question to ask any supplier is, "how do you dry your wood"? You may be surprised by the answers.

Will you run out of this material?

Sure, by definition each of our sources provides a limited amount of wood that we can transform into flooring. However, we are constantly in search of new, different and exciting products. We are also committed to finding new ways to reduce our waste and find new technologies to maximize the resource.