BobVila.com

Recycling a Hardwood Floor

Bob visits with Leo Boudreau to learn how to recycle hardwood flooring from one room to another on a remodel project. First the floor must be salvaged. To do this a pry bar is use to lift and remove the wood piece by pieces in the opposite direction of installation. Then the wood is separated in grades depending on what shape the tongue and grooves are in or if they are there at all. From an economic standpoint, if the old floor was in good shape and the homeowner likes the look it makes sense, even in Boston’s high cost labor market. Leo shows how the old flooring is installed as if it were new flooring. Ryley shows Bob how to attach two groove ends together by using a spline. More information