Reclaim wood floors

One of the best ways to recycle is to reuse. And when it comes to wood floors, that means choosing wood that already has lived a lifetime or two—in another house, a factory or even a barn. “Reclaimed wood floors are in their third life,” says John Williams, senior sales rep at Mountain Lumber (mountainlumber.com), a company that specializes in reclaimed antique wood flooring. “If this material wasn’t reused, it would find its way to a landfill.” Here, Williams tells us what to look for:

Check that it’s certified by a reputable source, like the Forest Stewardship Council.

Make sure it wasn’t exposed to toxic substances. Find out where the wood came from and what type of structure it was used in.

Reject any wood that was ever treated with lead paint.

Ask the flooring company to share its environmental policy. Request documentation.

Find out if the company controls the chain of custody, from raw materials to finished goods—so you know the business knows exactly where the reclaimed wood has been, and when.