Barnwood has a history and texture that’s easily seen in the planks, which means floors made of this material will have a beauty and depth not found in other materials. Check out these five reclaimed barnwood flooring design ideas for inspiration on incorporating this unique material into your home.
Increased Texture
One of the most noticeable features of reclaimed barnwood flooring is the wood’s pronounced, textured appearance. This is what gives barnwood its signature rustic aesthetic.
Reclaimed barnwood flooring stands out for its distinctive texture. The wood planks were weathered from years of exposure to the elements in barns, stables, and agricultural buildings. This gives barnwood an uneven, varied texture and a patina that new wood flooring can’t replicate.
When installed in your home, a barnwood floor will add visual interest and character to any room. The varied colors and textures make an ideal backdrop for rustic cottage decor and modern industrial spaces. Barnwood brings life to sterile, uniform flooring types like laminate.
Rich Patina
In addition to pronounced texture, many homeowners prize reclaimed barnwood for its rich, nuanced patina. Patina refers to the change in color and sheen as wood ages. Sun, wind, rain, and humidity impact the original wood grains and tones over decades of exposure. This maturing process gives antique barnwood a deep, saturated patina unachievable with new wood boards.
The wood often takes on soft grayish-brown hues flecked with original undertones. The natural patina makes the flooring look centuries old — when installed in your home, the barnwood patina adds heritage and character to any space. The natural patina provides visual interest, blending with design motifs from modern to traditional.
Shifting Tones
The specific conditions inside a barn, such as sunlight exposure, ventilation, and humidity levels, all contribute to how the wood ages over time.
Within a single reclaimed barnwood floor, you’ll likely find planks with noticeably different tones and grains. This color variation comes from factors like plank age, tree species differences, and barn location.
Northern barn walls get less light, resulting in a lighter patina over time than southern walls. Wood reclaimed from different barns and regions also has distinct weathering patterns based on climate. When installed, these shifting tones add depth and appeal. The contrast showcases the authenticity of reclaimed wood compared to uniformly manufactured planks.
Unique Character
Given the range of source materials and weathering processes, no two reclaimed barnwood floors will look identical — each floor displays a unique charm. You might find errant nails, rough saw marks, cracks, knots, mineral streaks, and other details speaking to the wood’s history. Every plank tells its own story.
While manufactured wood flooring aims for uniformity, barnwood celebrates idiosyncrasies, giving each floor a one-of-a-kind character. This makes reclaimed barnwood ideal for you if you want a special floor. Even with the same tree species, no two reclaimed floors will be identical — the planks form a distinctive tapestry in your home.
Old-Growth Appeal
Some of the most sought-after antique barnwood comes from old-growth forests logged in past centuries. Old-growth wood has qualities lacking in newly harvested wood. The trees matured over hundreds of years, resulting in wood with more character, tighter grain patterns, and greater structural integrity. Old-growth wood also boasts a richer patina from more years of exposure.
While new wood flooring uses common fast-growing species, reclaimed barnwood preserves the legacy of vintage forests. Your home can have flooring from wood that no longer exists in such maturity and abundance. This connects your space with the quality and authenticity of previous eras.
So, Is Reclaimed Barnwood Flooring Right for Your Home?
Ultimately, reclaimed barnwood flooring is fantastic if you value the heritage, uniqueness, and character it provides. The complex patina, vintage source, and one-of-a-kind details make this flooring feel special compared to manufactured alternatives. Barnwood injects rustic warmth into any space with a natural texture.
However, sourcing and installing reclaimed barnwood takes more time, effort, and expense than new flooring. It also has natural imperfections some may not find appealing. If you prefer modern, uniform floors with little variation, barnwood may not fit your vision. Weigh your style preferences and budget to decide if this rustic flooring suits your home goals.
Read also: The Homeowner’s Guide to Pallet Flooring
FAQs About Reclaimed Barnwood Flooring
How durable is barnwood flooring?
Reclaimed barnwood is a very durable, long-lasting flooring. The dense old-growth woods with tight grain patterns can withstand decades of foot traffic. Proper installation and finishes guarantee a long life span.
Does barnwood flooring smell?
Freshly milled reclaimed barnwood may initially have a strong scent. Off-gassing and curing for two to four weeks typically removes odors — good ventilation accelerates the process. Unpleasant smells can also indicate moisture issues.
Is barnwood flooring expensive?
Due to specialized sourcing and milling, reclaimed barnwood costs $4 to $12 per square foot installed, two to four times more than oak or pine. However, the investment is worth it for those seeking a unique floor.
How do you clean and care for barnwood floors?
Use a damp mop for regular cleaning — harsh chemicals can damage the patina. Refinishing may be needed less often than other wood flooring types. Talk to your installer about the best care methods.
Can you install barnwood flooring over concrete?
Yes, you can install barnwood flooring as a floating floor over concrete. This involves gluing and anchoring the planks over a moisture barrier and foam underlayment once the concrete is smooth, clean, and dry.