Top 5 Alternatives to Oak Flooring

07/19/2023

By John Nevadomski

Oak Alternatives — Pioneer Millworks Reclaimed Teak Flooring & Paneling | Rugged Patina

When it comes to modern interior design the enduring popularity of reclaimed and sustainable Oak flooring is undeniable. Oak is durable, versatile, widely available, and never quite seems to go out of style. But what about those who dare to be different and design against the grain?

Reclaimed options like Teak, Hickory, Ash, Elm, and Heart Pine offer responsibly sourced unique alternatives to Oak in a wide variety of finish options that can fit within any design aesthetic.

If you are remodeling, redecorating, or building a new home and considering an alternative to Oak flooring, we have put together our top 5 reclaimed options to give you some ideas to help inspire your next project.

1: Reclaimed Ash

Reclaimed Ash is beloved for its neutral color tones and ability to take a stain without losing its character. Durable and with a distinctive grain, not too red or yellow, Reclaimed Ash is known for its cooler tones and occasional knots, nail holes and insect marks.

2: Reclaimed Hickory

Dramatic contrasting knots and sapwood are the hallmarks of our reclaimed Hickory, typically salvaged from barns. It’s the hardest of our domestic species and is extremely durable. Expect chocolate and vanilla color tones, swirling grain, limited nail holes, and occasional insect marks to create a distinctive pattern.

3: Reclaimed Elm

Our native Elm has been decimated over the last century by Dutch Elm Disease, but we still find Grey and Red Elm when we salvage old barns, making our reclaimed Elm something rare and special. With a delicate and distinctive grain, along with cool and creamy colors, this species looks stunning in any setting— classic to contemporary. Like most reclaimed hardwoods, you can expect occasional nail holes, insect marks, and small dark knots.

4: Reclaimed Heart Pine

Coming straight from the heart of Longleaf Southern Yellow Pine timbers used in industrial construction, this reclaimed wood is a classic. Its high resin content means it’s hard & durable and gives Heart Pine its characteristic deep amber grain. Available only as a reclaimed option, Heart Pine offers durability, character, and history all at once.

5: Reclaimed Teak

Tight grain makes Teak strong and durable, able to withstand the wear and tear of shoes, animals, and weather. Natural oils make it resistant to rot, insects, and fungi. Thanks to its water-resistant nature, consider including the warm tones and texture of Teak in place of tile in places like kitchens and baths. Add a color finish to customize your hue, use it indoors or outdoors, on vertical or horizontal surfaces—the versatility of teak makes it a valuable addition to any design toolkit.

This extremely versatile species is reclaimed from non-Burmese sources and is socially responsible—currently, 1% of our teak sales are donated to the Borneo Project in their fight to end the loss of habitat for the indigenous peoples of Indonesia.