The Cochran’s Process: Planing, Ripping, Molder Blanking, and Tongue & Groove

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Welcome to our video series on the manufacturing process of reclaimed wood flooring! We are proud to complete every stage of the process in Berryville, Virginia, and believe that the care we take in manufacturing produces a superior product. 

In this series, we will be taking a detailed look at how reclaimed wood is sourced, processed, and transformed into beautiful and durable flooring for homes and businesses. We will explore the different techniques used to bring out the natural character and patina of the wood, as well as the modern technologies used to ensure the stability and longevity of the final product. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or simply interested in sustainable building materials, this series is sure to provide valuable insights into the world of reclaimed wood flooring.

In the Shop

After the wood leaves the kiln, its first stop will be at the planer. A planer is a machine with two parallel blades on either side that trim the board to a chosen thickness. In many cases, boards will be warped or twisted, so the planer is an essential step in making sure we have consistent, straight boards. 

A rip saw is also a great tool for us when we’re prepping the wood. We find the widest two parallel lines in the lumber and cut down the length of the board.

When working with old or reclaimed wood, it is not uncommon to find uneven or irregular boards. By using a rip saw, we can easily cut the panels to the desired size and shape while keeping as much of the original wood as possible.

Finally, the boards go through the molder and get “tongue and groove” cut into them. Tongue and groove are the notches cut along the edges of the board that allow them to be installed tightly and closely together. They serve as a way to join two boards together quickly and easily. Many problems such as shrinking, loosening, and warping, can all be minimized with a tongue-and-groove connection that essentially locks two boards together.

Cochran’s Lumber, Inc. is proud to be the leading provider of spectacular floors for homes, offices, and retail spaces across America! Our showroom was thoughtfully designed to make the selection of flooring and finishes exciting and simple. We feature a variety of new and reclaimed flooring products and many new and unique finishes. 

We are proud to offer an inviting space where customers can come and get a clear vision of the many types of hardwood flooring options that we offer, and feel comfortable at the same time.

Visit our showroom today in historic Berryville, VA (only 50 miles west of Washington D.C.), or give us a call at 1(877) 297-8331.

Check out our Houzz® page for Inspiration and Design!