Hand-scraped hardwood flooring is an increasingly in vogue style; however, not all hand-scraped floors are created equal. At Rehmeyer Wood Floors, we use the term “hand” quite literally, when we use it to describe our hand-distressed flooring. While each of our floors is created carefully and artistically (see Part 1), each of our collections utilizes unique types of workmanship to arrive at a particular look and feel. All of them are truly hand-styled works of art, and we want our customers to understand exactly what makes each collection distinct from the others.
Old Trail Collection
This collection combines hand-distressing techniques with application of an Accent Color to achieve the look — but not the feel — of time-worn flooring. While the face remains flat, expert craftsmen apply a penetrating pre-stain in a color chosen by the customer. They then use vintage hand tools and other elements to distress the wood, adding extra character to the natural character inherent in the lumber. After the distressing, the sanding process removes the Accent Color from the face, leaving it to highlight both natural and additional character marks, such as knots, grain, scrapes, and gouges.
Authentic Hand-Scraped Collection
This increasingly sought-after flooring series begins the same way as the Old Trail Collection. Instead of sanding, though, a 3-inch hand-held scraping tool is used to remove the Accent Color from the surface of the boards. The scraping technique we use simulates a gently worn, aged appearance that penetrates the surface and creates the feel of a floor with history. The sanding process we use is distinctive in that it does not flatten out the face. Since one man can scrape only 50 to 60 board feet per day, making this flooring collection is the most labor-intensive option that we offer. The attention-to-detail shows, however, and our customers are never disappointed.
For those desiring pegs for their Hand-Scraped flooring, we use Time-Worn Pegs, which are raised and shaped. As with the Old Trail Collection, we use a mortiser to create peg holes and then glue each hand-shaped peg in place by hand.
The Legacy Collection
While many people are initially drawn in by our Authentic Hand-Scraped Collection, some find it cost prohibitive. As a result, we developed our Legacy Collection, which also begins with application of an Accent Color. The same 3-inch hand-held scraper blade is used to begin the distressing, but then a hand-held power tool is utilized to help develop the foot-worn appearance. The 3-inch scraper is used again before the sanding process, which ensures that the face retains the foot-worn feel. While labor and cost are lower, the basic appearance of our Legacy Collection flooring is quite similar to our Authentic Hand-Scraped floors.
Rehmeyer Wood Floors
Rehmeyer Wood Floors offers a full range of custom milled and stock wide plank hardwood flooring. Rehmeyer’s flooring is all 3/4″ solid hardwood and sold unfinished, prefinished, or completely custom finished to suit your project.
Call Rehmeyer Wood Floors today toll free at (888) 474-4047 or visit their website at RehmeyerFloors.com to learn more about their custom flooring services. Rehmeyer Wood Floors ships nationwide.
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