Went through something similar recently with reclaimed barn wood flooring. Here's what I learned:
- Definitely underestimated the prep work. Removing old nails, sanding uneven surfaces, and dealing with warped boards took way more time than expected.
- Found that sorting materials carefully upfront saved headaches later. Tossing out questionable pieces early on prevented bigger issues down the line.
- Renting professional-grade tools (like a drum sander) made a huge difference. DIY-level equipment just wasn't cutting it for tougher reclaimed materials.
- Budget-wise, it wasn't cheaper than new flooring once labor and tool rentals were factored in. But honestly, the character and uniqueness of the finished floor made it worthwhile for me personally.
Would I do it again? Probably—but I'd be way more realistic about timelines and costs next time around. There's definitely value in reclaimed materials beyond just dollars saved, but it's not a shortcut by any means...
