Pandemic Update - Vintage Lumber Is Open For Business

Considering continuing Covid 19 concerns, we ask that you call the office to schedule a visit to the showroom.

Please call 301-845-2500

We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Hope to hear from you soon.

Vintage Lumber

Established in 1973 by Alex Grabenstein, Vintage Lumber's objective was to reuse old wood obtained from dismantled derelict barns and other agricultural buildings in central Maryland. Well before the "green movement," Alex determined that reclaimed lumber provides a high quality and cost effective resource of building materials for new construction. Originally intended for use structurally, it was quickly discovered that this historic material had more widespread appeal as functional but decorative antique wood flooring and beams.

Our early customers used the weathered beams and barn siding "as is" for the rustic "clubroom" look, but soon the interest expanded to a more finished product, random width wide plank wood flooring. In 1978, a 5000 square foot flooring mill was built on the farm where Alex grew up. Our upgraded production facility allowed us to service a growing and sophisticated clientele. New wood flooring—American Country Collection-- with character that complemented the antique reclaimed flooring was introduced and allowed our customers to add rustic patina to their homes and businesses at a lower cost than most reclaimed species.

By the 1980's there was an increase in demand and the establishment of a sawmill on the farm allowed Vintage Lumber to produce boards from large beams recovered from the dismantled buildings. As our market grew to be national, the flooring production mill was moved to its present location in Woodsboro, MD in 1992, with a total equipment upgrade in 1999. With an antique and new lumber inventory of over one million board feet, Vintage has the capacity of 20,000 square feet of flooring per week. While recent construction slowdowns have required us to reduce our output, our hard working employees continue to maintain Vintage Lumber as one of the largest and most respected manufacturers of antique re-milled and rustic new wood flooring in the country. Still owned and operated by Alex, with an average employee tenure of over 10 years, Vintage Lumber's uncompromising commitment to quality, value and service is the hallmark of our business.

ALEX GRABENSTEIN

Owner

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LUCY GRABENSTEIN

Sales and Marketing

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lumber family

The Process

At Vintage Lumber, our lumber most frequently reaches us via "pickers" who scour the countryside searching for derelict buildings. Lumber we use is delivered or picked up in vehicles ranging in size from pick-up trucks to tractor-trailers. The material we obtain ranges in dimension from 1"x 4" to 12"x12" and larger, and can be of any conceivable eastern domestic species in a condition from sublime to ridiculous.

Metal detection and removal is the first step in the process. The process is labor intensive and crucial for the survival of our machinery. After metal removal, old beams are sawn into boards, and end-trimmed. Boards are then stacked into uniform length bundles with sticks between each layer-- ready for the kiln. Kiln Drying is necessary to reduce and equalize moisture content and to kill insects and mold. After kiln drying, the boards are unstacked, metal detected again, restacked without the sticks, and stored indoors.

Boards are transported to the flooring mill in 10,000 to 15,000 bd ft quantities to be:

  • Planed flat
  • Laser straight-lined
  • Trimmed of end and edge waste (up to 40% is lost).

The material is then is milled into tongue and groove flooring on a high-speed molding machine. Finished flooring is then stored in our heated/humidity-controlled warehouse, until it is counted out into orders, wrapped, and shipped/delivered to you! For more information about our process or about our nationwide reclaimed lumber products, send us a message from our contact us  page or call us at 301-845-2500.

 
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Step 1

De construction of barn or derelict building

Deconstruction is “the process of removing a building by taking it apart in the reverse order of construction.”  It involves the skillful removal of valuable building materials and the gentle salvage of rich architectural history.  Homes and other structures can be deconstructed partially or completely.  This represents a cost-effective method of waste and material recovery. Deconstruction also provides a much needed alternative to harmful methods of building consumption and disposal.  Unlike landfills and incineration processes, the practice of reclaiming, recovering and reusing building materials is ecologically sustainable and environmentally sound.

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Step 2

Metal detection

Before any cutting can be performed inside the mill, all nails and other metal must be extracted and set aside for recycling. This process contributes to the safety of the machine operators and adds to the aesthetics of the finished products. It's a hard job.

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Step 3

Metal Removal

Before any cutting can be performed inside the mill, all nails and other metal must be extracted and set aside for recycling. This process contributes to the safety of the machine operators and adds to the aesthetics of the finished products. It's a hard job.

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Step 4

Sticking up to be kiln dried

We gently kiln dry our boards down to a uniform moisture content. This process ensures stability of the final product and adds to the overall quality. As an added bonus, it also sterilizes the wood so that any of the critters it may have collected along the way are killed off.

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Step 5

Dried at kiln and re stacked for production

Upon the return of the kiln dried wood it is then down sticked and dead stacked indoors to wait on the process of milling to begin.

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Step 6

Chopped through for defects and widths

Boards are trimmed to length on the chop saw and the ends squared up. Measured for size and re stacked accordingly.

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Step 7

Planed

Boards are ruff planed to consistent thicknesses tho enhance the precision milling in the molder.

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Step 8

Measured for thickness using a micrometer

Micrometers provide very accurate measurements. Micrometers measure thickness up to one thousands of a inch. This step is a quality control check that is repeated throughout the milling process.

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Step 9

Laser straight lined ripped double edger

Guided by lasers, this rip saw cuts both sides of the board in one pass, which allows us to get maximum usage of each piece milled in the shortest amount of time.

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Step 10

Marked for defects

As a board exits the planer and edger, it passes through the hands of some of the most experienced guys in the shop. These artisans assess each board and mark for defects according to our specific grade specifications.

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Step 11

End cut through the dimter machine

This state of the art machine laser measures and recognizes the marks made by the technician for removal. The machine end cuts and defect cuts for the different grades.

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Step 12

Stacked on cart for best face and best edge

Important step for the molder to be creating the best possible product. Watch your fingers :)

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Step 13

Put through the Molder (Tongue and Grove)

Our Weing high speed molder precision mills top, bottom and tongue and grove edges of the flooring.

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Step 14

Grade slection

As a board exits the molder, it is again graded for the finial defects before the end matching.

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Step 15

End Matched

The end matcher is the finial step the in the milling process. It cuts the tongue and grove into the end of the board.

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Step 16

Bundled for shipment

Each width of the flooring is packaged by hand into nested bundles (random length 2'-10') to both ensure protection during shipping and ease of handling at the job site.

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Step 17

Stored in our climate controlled warehouse

When the wood is packaged into bundles it is then stored at our 13,000 square foot climate controlled warehouse. We'll ship anywhere in North America, as well as overseas. Our shipping department has the  experience to facilitate delivery and favorable freight rates.

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Services

 With our on-site milling operation, Vintage Lumber is capable of creating many different surface appearances on our recycled wood products including planing, wire brushing, broom brushing, sanding, sawing, and edging. Please direct your questions regarding products, availability, lead time and pricing to our sales office. Contact us here.

 

Our 50'' circlesaw sawmill gives us the ability to cut a wide variety products ranging from board stock to very large, long timbers. We typically use this machine to “top-cut” or split timbers that will be installed up to a ceiling or wall. The cut side will ensure a nice flat and straight side to help expedite installation. We can also resize reclaimed, dimensional timber to something smaller producing a straight, precision sized timber with a circle sawn surface. If you prefer a different surface appearance, we can then take the timber and produce the appearance which works best in your architecture. With our large sawmill, we have the capacity to produce up to a 25″x35″x 27′ dimensional timber.

Sawmill

Our resaws are primarily used to split material rapidly and with great accuracy. It is typically used to split 2″ thick reclaimed lumber into two individual 3/4″ pieces each with one old face. In essence, you create double the amount of coverage for one face applications such as roof decking and cabinet stock. With a minimum thickness of about 3/8″, we can also set the saw up to thickness gauge material at whatever thickness you wish.

ReSaw and Bandsaw

Our  SL Rip Saws produce straight edged boards up to 15″ wide and 2-1/2″ thick. Since each board may vary in exact width and not be perfectly straight, this is a great option to rip material to straight, uniform widths. This is a great tool when the application calls for a rustic face board which butts directly up to another with no void in between boards such as in ceiling and wall applications looking for tight joints or fine millwork such as furniture and cabinets manufacturing.

Straight Line Rip Saw

Our planers create the standard surfaced appearance characteristic of most contemporary lumber stock. Vintage can plane material up to 24″ wide and 8″ thick. One note of caution… knots on seasoned dry material have a tendency to fall apart during the planning process. Saw sizing then surface sanding is a better option for most reclaimed seasoned material.

Planing

We offer  milling services of customer's lumber from log/lumber to milled flooring—de-nail, re-saw, kiln dry, mill as specified, and packaging.. If you have the wood and would like it turned into tongue and grove flooring we can help you. Price is per square foot. Generally expect about a 50% yield—gross to net.

Molder

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We understand that the investment of flooring or any home improvement is a well thought out process. Here at Vintage Lumber we will try to answer any question you have. Weather it is a barn wood accent wall in your living room or a whole house of flooring we are the experts so let us know how we can help.

Contact us at 1-800-499-7859 or click here.

How do I place an order?

Please contact us today and one of our friendly & knowledgeable team members will be glad to discuss your needs. Contact us.

How is the wood priced?

Our Reclaimed and Rustic flooring is priced by the Square Foot and is determined by the species, grade, specifications, and quantity of the order. Feel free to call or email us with any questions. 1-800-499-7859 or 301-845-2500. Beams are priced by the board foot, and/or lineal foot. Click here.

Is there a minimum purchase quantity?

No project is too big or too small. Contact us today to discuss. 800-499-7859 or 301-845-2500 Or click here.

What is a Square foot? Board foot?

Square foot: Square footage is a measurement of surface area. To find the square footage -- or the area -- of the space, multiply the length times the width, just as you would do with any rectangle. Board foot: A board foot is a measure of volume. By definition a board foot is one square foot one inch thick. How to measure: Width in inches x Thickness in inches x Length in Feet ÷ 12

Do I need an appointment? What are your hours of operation?

Appointments are recommended. We want to make sure someone is in the showroom to provide you with answers to all your questions. Showroom appointment hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM-6 PM, Saturday: 9AM-2PM. Please call 1-800-499-7859 or 301-845-2500 Or click here.

What is the lead time?

Lead time varies—usually no more than 30 days. Custom orders may take longer. All products are made in house in Woodsboro, MD. Most flooring is in stock. Beams and Mantels are 10 +/- days. Barn Siding and Paneling typically in stock.

How long can I store my order before picking it up?

For a non-refundable deposit of 25% we will store your product in our climate controlled warehouse for 6 months. If additional storage is required, we will certainly try to accommodate.

What is the return policy?

Within 30 days you may return any unopened, undamaged bundles of flooring for a full refund, less any return freight charges. Returns beyond 30 days may be accepted subject to a restocking fee. Custom orders are usually not returnable.

Do you install?

We do not install but we will provide a list or our preferred installers. Some will travel to jobs others are area specific. There is a world of difference between a trained, reliable installer with the proper licensing and insurance and day laborers who lack the experience and training necessary to do a professional job. Contact the National Wood Flooring Association (nwfa.org) for more information.

Do you build doors or furniture?

We make barn style doors. Please contact to discuss specifics of your requirements.

Are there bugs in the material?

Our products are either kiln dried or BoraCare treated for the removal of insects and mold. Flooring, Barn Siding, and ornamental products including box beams are kiln dried. Solid Beams and mantels are power washed to remove debris and BoraCare treated for the removal of insects. BoraCare is a no-toxic borate salt applied to all surfaces of the beam. BoraCare prevents any wood boring insects from entering the beam and kills any insects that may emerge. Beams and mantels can be kiln heat treated upon request if a longer lead time is acceptable.

Blog

Mar 12 2019

Hardwood Floors for the win!

The Many Advantages of Hardwood Flooring

timeless design

Timeless

Hardwood flooring transcends time, offering ageless beauty. That’s what makes this type of flooring so popular with many homeowners. Hardwood floors add warmth and beauty, giving lasting value to your home.
durable

Durable

You may be surprised to know that hardwood flooring is notably durable. Depending on the species you buy, hardwood floors can handle a pretty good beating. Dense wood, such as Oak and Ash, Hickory, Hard Maple and Cherry make great choices for high traffic areas.
floor refinishing

Able to be Refinished

Even after decades of use, hardwood floors can still be restored to look brand new. They offer superior design flexibility and can be custom stained or finished to existing flooring.
tissues

Allergy-Friendly

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you will be happy to know hardwood flooring repels most allergens. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America even recommends hardwood flooring for those who have asthma.
increase home value

Ups the Value of Your Home

Not only is hardwood flooring cost-effective, but it will add value to your home shall you decide to sell. That’s right, a beautiful wood floor could help you command higher listing fees!

Oct 11 2017

Wood Floors and Winter

PROTECTING YOUR WOOD FLOORS

As we approach the dry winter months, we’d like to remind all our friends, clients, and partners of the importance of monitoring the interior environmental conditions in your home, office, and retail spaces—specifically the temperature and relative humidity levels.

Natural expansion and contraction of wood can be caused by insufficient or excessive relative humidity.  So, to reduce the chance of damage to your wood floors, the National Wood Flooring Association recommends a climatic temperature of 60 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 – 50% relative humidity.

EASY TIP FOR PROTECTING YOUR WOOD FLOORS THIS WINTER

This winter, we encourage you to closely monitor the conditions of your space and strive to create a comfortable environment for both you and your wood floor. So, here are four easy ways to protect and maintain your floors…

  1. Purchase an indoor thermometer / humidity monitor (online or from a local hardware store),
  2.  Install monitor and keep an eye on the indoor conditions during winter months,
  3. Maintain an interior temperature of between 60 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit,
  4. Maintain an interior humidity of 35 – 50%,
  5. Enjoy your wood floors for decades to come!

The link below has some best practices on how to cut down on some of the winter shrinkage.

httpss://www.woodfloorbusiness.com/installation/how-to-prevent-wood-floor-gaps-in-winter.html