Virginia is home to some of the most significant historical architecture in the United States. From the stately Georgians of Richmond's West End to the historic farmhouses dotting the Charlottesville countryside, the "soul" of these homes is often found in their original hardwood floors. However, restoring a 100-year-old floor is vastly different from installing a new one. It requires a deep respect for the materials of the past and the advanced technology of the present. Southern Hardwood & Floor Supply specializes in providing the expertise and specialized materials needed to breathe new life into Virginia's historic treasures.
The Rarity of Old-Growth Timber
The hardwood found in homes built before the mid-20th century is often "old-growth." These trees grew slowly in dense, competitive forests, resulting in much tighter growth rings and a higher density than the "plantation-grown" wood common today. This density makes old-growth wood incredibly durable and gives it a unique "patina"—a depth of color and character that only comes with a century of use.
When restoring these floors, the primary goal is preservation. Every time a floor is sanded, a small amount of that precious old-growth wood is removed. This is why the sanding and refinishing floor expertswe supply use precision machinery that removes only the necessary amount of wood, preserving the "wear layer" for future generations.
Matching the Unmatchable: The Art of Wood Sourcing
One of the biggest hurdles in restoration is finding wood that matches the original. Over the last century, milling standards have changed. A "2-inch" board from 1910 might actually be slightly different in width or thickness than a modern "2-inch" board. Furthermore, the grain patterns—such as Rift and Quartered—must be matched to ensure the repair is invisible.
Our motto, "if you can’t find a product, we will!", is put to the test every day in the world of historic restoration. We work with specialized mills to source reclaimed wood or custom-milled planks that match the species, grain, and dimensions of Virginia’s historic homes. Whether you are dealing with heart pine, chestnut, or rare species of oak, we have the connections to find your match.
Addressing Structural "Character": Squeaks, Gaps, and Leveling
Historic homes have "settled" over the decades. This settling leads to the common issues of squeaky boards and wide gaps. In a modern home, a gap might be a defect; in a historic home, it is often part of the story. However, structural stability is paramount.
The "Lacing" Technique: When a section of floor is beyond repair, we recommend "lacing" or "weaving" in new boards. This involves removing damaged planks in a staggered pattern so the transition between old and new wood is seamless.
Modern Sundries for Old Floors: We provide high-tech adhesives and molding and equipment that allow contractors to stabilize historic subfloors from above, silencing squeaks without damaging the original aesthetic.
Choosing a Period-Correct Finish
The "plastic" look of high-gloss polyurethane often clashes with the muted, dignified aesthetic of a historic home. For restoration projects, we often recommend:
Satin or Matte Waterborne Finishes: These provide modern protection while maintaining a soft, natural look.
Hardwax Oils: These are very popular in Charlottesville and Richmond renovations. They penetrate the wood fibers rather than sitting on top, allowing the natural texture of the old-growth grain to be felt underfoot. They also age gracefully, developing a rich patina rather than showing scratches.
Preservation as an Environmental Act
Restoring an original floor is the ultimate act of "green" building. You are keeping high-quality materials out of the landfill and avoiding the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting new materials. A restored historic floor is a testament to the quality of Virginia’s past and a commitment to its future.
At Southern Hardwood & Floor Supply, we are proud to be a locally owned and operated business that understands the value of Virginia’s architectural heritage. We provide the highest quality products and services to ensure that the history under your feet is preserved for the next hundred years.
Are you ready to restore the original beauty of your historic home? Schedule your accurate and professional in-home flooring estimate with Southern Hardwood & Floor Supply today and let us help you preserve your piece of Virginia history.
