Companies who produce reclaimed hardwood flooring and other reclaimed wood products typically find reusable hardwoods like chestnut, hickory, cherry, and oak from  a variety of old structures. Most of the time these structures were set to be demolished and if not for the reclaimers, the wood would be destroyed. Sometimes natural sources like rivers and lakes are "mined" of their bottom contents where loggers way back when, let cut lumber go to the bottom and never retrieved it. This kind of lumber is re-milled and sold as reclaimed hardwood flooring and other reclaimed products. Several finishes can be applied from a roughed out rugged look to a smooth, sanded and varnished look.

There are also several methods of milling for installation including using the tongue and groove method that is common with modern homes and wood flooring.

Many vendors of reclaimed hardwood flooring have programs whereby only wood from buildings that cannot be repaired, have been abandoned or condemned and no longer usable or in such disrepair that the hardwood would be destroyed if not reclaimed. These vendors have respect for our culture and the environment by putting these programs into effect and even go so far as to have tree trimmers and landscapers participate using the wood they would normally shred or discard in a landfill.  Customers come back time and again after purchasing reclaimed hardwood flooring knowing that not only does it look great but they are doing their part for the environment.