Recommended Questions Consumers Should Ask Their Wood Flooring Manufacturer

How do you grade your flooring?

It is important to understand how your flooring is graded. Your wood flooring manufacturer should be able to clearly outline and define their grading standards.

Goodwin has always prided itself on its thorough and rigorous grading standards and processes. We are committed to relying on the last codified grading rules for the two species in which we specialize; long leaf heart pine (pinus palustris) and bald heart cypress (taxodium distichum).  Respectively, these rules were published in 1924 and 1904; the last time these species were commercially available.  From the molder operator to the packing crew, our tongue and groove flooring is graded three separate times before shipping to your project.

What is the average number of growth rings of the logs you use?

Growth rings are used to determine the age of the tree when it was cut. The older the tree, the richer, stronger and more beautiful the wood. Your wood flooring manufacturer should be able to tell you the minimum number of growth rings required to meet their grading standards.

Goodwin’s highest grades of River-Recovered heart pine has at least eight (8) growth rings per inch.  Our highest Legacy grades (building reclaimed) are a minimum of six (6) growth rings per inch.  Although in the highest grades of our River-Recovered heart cypress you should expect to find a minimum of eight (8) growth rings per inch, often times 20 or more can be found.  The Character grades of our species will reveal more variable growth rings.

When I order a heartpine floor, is it all heart?

Not all heart pine is 100% heart.  It is important to know and understand the difference.

The highest grades of Goodwin’s River-Recovered heart pine will reveal a 100% heart face.  You can expect to find 95%-100% heart face in our highest Legacy grades (building reclaimed). Our highest grades of River-Recovered heart cypress are 100% heart face.  Character grades of these species will reveal more variation in heart content, ranging between 75-100%.

How many years have you been in business?

It seems many companies claim they are “experts” in reclaimed wood.  Don’t take their word for it. The truth is, comprehensive knowledge of these woods takes time to learn and fully understand. Be sure to thoroughly investigate each company’s reputation, experience and credentials.

Since 1976 Goodwin has been milling the finest in antique River-Recovered heart pine, heart cypress and building reclaimed heart pine flooring and paneling.  Our founder, George Goodwin, is considered the pioneer of the River-Recovered process. Thanks to our many loyal customers, we celebrated our 40^th year in business in July 2016.

What are some of your most notable projects?

It is important to know what types of work your wood flooring manufacturing company has been trusted with, including well-known projects. 

Goodwin has had the distinct pleasure of milling antique heart pine and heart cypress flooring and paneling for many notable projects including: the Texas governor’s mansion in Austin, Texas; the Eleanor and Nicholas Chabraja Visitor’s Interpretive Center at Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida; the Alexander Discovery Center at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida; the Menil Collection Museum and Menil Drawing Institute in Houston, Texas; the University of Florida’s Dasburg President’s house in Gainesville, Florida; the Otis Hawkins Center for Academic and Personal Excellence at the University of Florida; the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center at Stetson University in Deland, Florida; The Lexus Lounge at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida; and, the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement in St. Petersburg, Florida.