Whether reclaimed or new, the choices one has when choosing flooring for a barn home are vast. Not only are phenomenal woods available, but the ways in which to lay out the patterns and utilize stains is almost endless. If you love wood but want to change it up a bit in bath or kitchen areas, I’ve got ideas for those rooms, as well. So forget the wall-to-wall carpet, make your floors take center stage with gorgeous woods.
I’ll begin with a few examples of rustic barn boards that have been reclaimed for use as interior flooring.
In this barn home, gray exterior barn board was used to bring the rustic feel of an old barn in, with elegant results.
In this home the barn board was sanded and stained but retains its rustic quality.
This bath owes its rustic feel entirely to the use of reclaimed barn boards.
This barn board is used as flooring in a commercial building; proof it will stand up to a great deal of wear.
Should you like the idea of wood flooring but rustic isn’t really your thing, then take a look at these next few pictures. Wood floors can be extremely elegant!
The designs and patterns possible with wood are only limited by one's imagination.
This parquet pattern is quite intricate therefore would look beautiful in an entrance foyer or a dining room.
Two more examples of possibilities for patterns for wood flooring.
Another often used style is the chevron. It strikes a perfect balance between rustic and formal.
Should you choose to “mix your mediums”, consider creating a floor using wood combined with brick, stone or tile. Again, the possibilities are only limited by your own tastes.
This combination of brick and wood is perfect for and entryway or enclosed sun room.
Finally, be creative with that old barn board you were going to send to the dump. Wood isn’t just for floors anymore!
Reclaimed barn board makes a gorgeous counter top, but be sure to apply MANY coats of polyurethane!
Thank you so much for sharing this great article on the different ways to incorporate hardwood flooring into a space. I agree with you, hardwood flooring really gives homes a rustic feeling, warm and inviting, and the examples of patters are wonderful. Specially liked the original combo of stone and wood. I am looking to re-do my home’s flooring, and my contractor has worked with different wholesale hardwood flooring companies. Do you recommend any?
Hi Andrew,
I do not have any wholesale flooring companies that I recommend. I, instead, recommend people find the wood(s) they love then hunt for the best price they can find. I notice your URL is prosourcefloors.com so I’m guessing you have your own thoughts on resources ;)
I have been doing some research of my own, comparing pricing and quality, just wanted to get your “expert advise” ;) thanks for sharing!
Hey Andrew,
No problem. My “expert advice” tends more toward the aesthetic with flooring. I’m admittedly a novice at the pricing end of things!
Good luck with your research and should you find a great resource, by all means, please share your information with us!
BeamBabe
Will do BeamBade! Thanks for the advice.
Any suggestions for pine flooring? Our home has pine flooring, ceilings, beams and paneling up to the chair rail. Even the large entertainment center is pine, resulting in a honey covered effect. What would you suggest to break up the honey hue? We have considered redoing the flooring in a darker tone to match the knots in the pine. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Tanya
Hi Tanya,
Wow, it sounds as though there’s a lot of honey going on in your home. Without seeing it, it’s a bit of a tough call for me, but here are a few thoughts that popped into my head immediately. 1) If your light source is really good (direct and/or bright light enters the room through out the day), then go ahead and use a darker stain to change the floor – I love Provincial, Early American, Puritan Pine and English Chestnut – all by Minwax. This will mean sanding and restaining as i’m certain your wood is sealed with something.
The other thought that came to mind was to leave the wood the honey color but to either 1) paint some of it a soft shade of white (Benjamin Moore has a large selection of whites – I used Elaphant Tusk) such as the ceilings and the paneling or 2) refer to my most recent post – The Current Trend of White On White: A Natural Fit For Post & Beam Homes. It discusses a number of ways whites and neutral shades create different looks for a home such as yours.
Good Luck – and please let me know how you make out! BeamBabe