The Advantages of Reclaimed Ash Flooring

21stCenturyHippy | Sep 7, 2010 |

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Ash is one of the most popular flooring types in the USA. Probably only oak is more popular than ash. The reason why ash is so popular is because it has a distinctive look and makes very hard and long lasting flooring, which unlike other hardwood floors is also shock resistant. Sadly however, the emerald ash borer is threatening to kill off the ash trees in America and Canada. For this reason it makes good environmental sense to but reclaimed ash flooring.

The emerald ash borer came over from Asia in imported wood at the end of the 1990s. So far it has spread over the mid West. Despite government precautions there is a strong possibility that this wood boring beetle could kill all 7 billion North American ash trees. In such a crisis it seems irresponsible to encourage the logging of healthy ash trees. It is much better to buy reclaimed ash products.

Reclaimed ash flooring and antique ash flooring has two important advantages over new ash flooring. The first is appearance. Over the years ash takes on a wonderful golden undertone that is not present in new ash flooring.

Secondly, new ash flooring is highly prone to shrinking and swelling caused by changes in humidity. New ash flooring can expand by as much as 7mm per square meter. Compare this to oak which moves only 3mm per square meter. In contrast reclaimed ash flooring is far more stable. It has been kiln dried twice and has had years to properly acclimatize.

Ash wood is famous for its shock resistance. Basically the wood can compact under pressure and spring back to shape. For this reason some cricket and baseball bats are still made of ash. Ash is also still used for tool handles. The shock resistance of reclaimed ash flooring makes it a great flooring to install in the kitchen. You need not fear if you drop a pot or pan that you will damage the hardwood flooring. Children's playrooms which see a lot of jumping around and rough and tumble are also excellent rooms for reclaimed hardwood flooring.

Reclaimed ash flooring has a Janka Hardness rating of 1,320 pounds force making it harder than white oak. The lighter color of ash flooring also makes a room feel brighter and bigger.

If light-colored flooring is not to your taste this is not a problem - ash is one of the best hardwoods for staining. It is a wood which is a joy to work with, and can take an even finish and a high polish. Furthermore, like all reclaimed hardwood flooring, reclaimed ash flooring is easy to maintain and clean and prevents the build-up of allergens in a room.

Finally reclaimed ash flooring and antique ash flooring are easy to install. You can glue or nail the flooring or do a floating installation. Reclaimed ash flooring is also suitable for radiant heating.

So if you look at the environmental benefits of recycling and re-using hardwoods and the necessity of trying to save the ash tree. And then you look at the beauty and strength of reclaimed ash flooring, it is easy to understand why it is such a popular flooring choice.