Remodeling your home is an exciting time. You get to reimagine your living space in a new light— whether you’re planning an extensive remodel or changing up smaller details like your cabinets or flooring.

There are numerous options to choose from when you want new flooring, including:

  • Carpet
  • Real hardwood
  • Vinyl
  • Ceramic tile
  • Laminate
  • Natural stone
  • Reclaimed wood
  • Resin or concrete

Today we’re taking a closer look at reclaimed wood vinyl plank flooring. It’s a bit of a mouthful of a name, and some people may recognize that “reclaimed wood” and “vinyl” in the same name is an anomaly. Let’s debunk some myths and get to the bottom of what reclaimed wood vinyl plank flooring really is.

reclaimed wood vinyl plank flooring selection

The Story Behind Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Reclaimed wood is one of the most special and unique materials in the world. Reclaimed wood flooring consists of wood that was previously used elsewhere.

A lot of reclaimed wood is sourced from places like:

  • Old barns
  • Factories
  • Shipyards
  • Railroad trestles
  • Warehouses

Reclaimed wood has an unmatched rustic style because most of the wood is between 100 and 300 years old! Reclaimed wood flooring is actually often cut from old planks and beams rather than other old flooring.

Wood used to be much more abundant and accessible in the United States, but that’s not the case anymore.

✅ Pros of Reclaimed Wood Flooring

  • Eco-Friendly: Since reclaimed wood essentially recycles wood and gives it a new use, it’s very environmentally friendly. Using reclaimed wood saves forests from getting chopped down to use for new hardwood flooring. Plus, processing reclaimed wood is less environmentally demanding than processing new wood.
  • Rustic, Unique Style: Reclaimed wood is incredibly unique, as it comes with knots, saw patterns, and beautiful weathering. Newly-manufactured products can try to imitate the rustic beauty of reclaimed wood, but there’s simply nothing else like it.
  • Less-Common Flooring Wood Species: With reclaimed wood, you can get your hands on wood species that aren’t commonly used in the modern flooring industry, like heart pine, chestnut, and American elm.
  • Very Durable: Reclaimed wood comes from very old wood that has been weathered for hundreds of years. Plus, it comes from virgin growth timber, which grows slowly and produces wood with a dense grain. Because of these two details, reclaimed wood is very sturdy.

❌ Cons of Reclaimed Wood Flooring

  • Higher Price: Even though reclaimed wood can be more affordable than brand-new hardwood, it is often more expensive than budget materials like linoleum.
  • Limited Supply: You need to get reclaimed wood flooring from specific suppliers like Manomin Resawn Timbers. If there isn’t a supplier near you, you may need to order the reclaimed wood online, which can increase costs.

? The average cost of reclaimed wood flooring: Depending on the wood species, quality, and cut, reclaimed wood flooring can run anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot.

reclaimed wood vinyl plank flooring room

What Traditional Vinyl Flooring Is

Vinyl is a popular flooring material because it’s affordable, low-maintenance, and easy to install. Vinyl is a synthetic flooring material that’s often confused with other synthetic types like linoleum or laminate.

You can find vinyl flooring in many colors, designs, and shapes. You can even find a more premium version of vinyl called “luxury vinyl plank” (LVP).

✅ Vinyl Flooring Pros

  • Affordable
  • Water-resistant (great for laundry rooms and bathrooms)
  • Available in many colors and styles
  • DIY-friendly
  • Stain-resistant

❌ Vinyl Flooring Cons

  • Synthetic material is not eco-friendly
  • May off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds) after installation
  • Low or no ROI (return on investment)
  • Can mimic real wood, but it’s hard to achieve the same look and feel of real wood

? The average cost of vinyl flooring: Vinyl flooring is usually $1-$3 per square foot. Luxury vinyl plank can cost between $3-$12 per sq. ft.

Can Flooring Really Be Reclaimed AND Vinyl?

Now, to debunk some myths. ?️‍♂️

After reading about what reclaimed wood flooring and vinyl flooring are, “reclaimed wood vinyl plank flooring” might feel like a made-up concept!

Well, even though reclaimed wood and vinyl are quite different materials, there still is a world where they cross over. “Reclaimed wood vinyl plank flooring” can mean one of three things:

  • Reclaimed wood with a vinyl coating
  • Recycled vinyl flooring
  • Luxury vinyl plank designed to look like reclaimed wood

The most common occurrence out of these three is the luxury vinyl plank. This higher-end vinyl flooring material can be designed to mimic rustic reclaimed wood. Many homeowners opt for this material because it offers a similar look to reclaimed wood, but it is very affordable and easily accessible.

Where to Find Luxury Vinyl Plank

Earlier, we noted that real reclaimed wood needs to be purchased from specialty suppliers. But luxury vinyl plank is more easily accessible, which is why a lot of homeowners have it on their radar. You can find LVP at retailers like:

  • Lowes
  • Home Depot
  • Wayfair
  • Menards
  • Local flooring companies

reclaimed wood vinyl plank flooring placement

Is Vinyl Reclaimed Wood or Real Reclaimed Wood Best for You?

If money and convenience are the most important considerations for you, then luxury vinyl planks that mimic reclaimed wood are your best bet.

However, if you care more about the environment and your health, you’re better off opting for true reclaimed wood. Real reclaimed wood flooring is much more eco-friendly than the synthetic materials that make up luxury vinyl flooring. Plus, vinyl flooring can off-gas VOCs, which can present health issues like:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Allergic skin reactions
  • Nose and throat discomfort

Additionally, if you want to have a truly unique floor that cannot be found (or perfectly replicated) anywhere else, real reclaimed wood is the best option. If you opt for reclaimed wood flooring, your home instantly becomes a statement piece. It has a rustic, timeless beauty that comes in many colors, textures, and sizes. Wide plank reclaimed wood flooring is one of the most luxurious and eye-catching options on the market.

Your Go-To Reclaimed Wood Supplier

If you think reclaimed wood flooring is a better option for you than luxury vinyl plank, then you need to find a high-quality supplier you can trust. Luckily, Manomin Resawn Timbers has an infallible process of restoring and distributing reclaimed wood. Pairing modern technology with antique wood ensures you get a stunning, unique result.

Contact MR Timbers today to get a free quote for reclaimed wood flooring!