Things to Consider

Taking Care of Your Wood Floor

Never use cleaners designed for other surfaces such as tile, linoleum, or laminate on hardwood — these will dull the surface or cause it to become overly slippery.
Sweep your floors regularly with a soft broom – this will not only keep them clean but also naturally buff the surface of the flooring and keep it from scratching – and use a dry towel whenever possible to wipe up messes and spills.
Do NOT use oil soaps because they will leave residue, build up, and eventually dull the surface, making refinishing difficult.
Remove solid material such as dirt, grit, sand as quickly as possible — their abrasive textures scratch and dull the floor’s finish.

Reclaimed wood often tells the story of its previous life with every nick, scratch and nail hole—all of which add charm, character and authenticity to new builds.
Because no two boards, bricks, or metal pieces are ever identical, there are no standard practices when it comes to using salvaged materials, which is what makes working with them so exciting, as well as challenging.
Using salvage requires planning, especially if the material will be used structurally and has to meet building code specifications.
Salvaged construction materials can save you money and contribute to a more environmentally-friendly build.

The natural stone, brick, or other hard construction materials used in a fireplace make it the perfect place to use a contrasting, organic material such as wood in a custom mantel.
A reclaimed wood mantel is an ideal, versatile feature that can complement virtually any style and decor. Antique wood that still shows the saw marks and nail holes of its original use has an authentically rustic appearance.
Original Milling Options:
Live edge: This term refers to an edge of the wood that has not been cut by a saw blade; this leaves an irregularly shaped edge that is unique to each piece.
Hand hewn: This old style of processing used hand tools such as an adze and slick (a kind of large chisel) that, in the old days, were the only way to turn a round tree into a square beam.
Circular sawn: The circular saw blades used to process lumber back in the day left a unique texture to the wood that we often reproduce on our classic plank flooring because some customers love the textured, old-fashioned look it creates.

Wood flooring for your kitchen is an opportunity to create a beautiful, durable, and reliable floor people will admire in what is probably the most popular room of your home.
Wooden kitchen floors can be purchased prefinished or unfinished and come in a wide range of colors and tones, making it easy to find a look that coordinates with any kitchen design.
Some of the many benefits of wooden kitchen floors include:
Design options multiple wood species, styles, and colors provide a wide range of choices and finishes to complement any kitchen.
Longevity Wood flooring is remarkably durable and can stand up to the high traffic of most kitchens for years.
Value Because it’s so durable, wood flooring can last for decades. Even when it’s finally showing some wear, it can often simply be refinished – no need to tear it up and replace it.
Easy maintenance Regular sweeping and damp mopping is usually all it takes to keep a wood floor looking its best.
Comfort Because wood is an organic material it’s easier on your feet and back than unforgiving tile or polished concrete. Wood is also warmer – a great benefit during New England’s cold winters.

Built-in Shelving
Built-in bookcases are not only practical by strategically using empty space, they also provide your home with a stately, formal appearance. You can also customize built-ins to your taste by choosing a particular lining and going with either a classic white paint or a deep stain.

Use Natural Materials
Materials like vinyl and laminate are practical and potentially more affordable, but they do add to the cookie-cutter vibe of new houses. Nothing beats the quality, durability, and longevity of wooden materials, and they give your home an older and more rustic feeling. You can also replace the plain cabinets with intricate doors and add antique knobs.

Use Reclaimed Materials
For any of these projects, it’s ideal to use reclaimed and salvaged wood to really give your new home that quality old look. Reclaimed wood provides a greater level of enrichment by bringing along its own history, with every mark and scratch adding to its story.