UK · Updated 2026 · Price comparison
Reclaimed vs New Reclaimed Floorboards in Brighton: 2026 Comparison
Should you buy new or reclaimed floorboards for your Brighton project? In 2026 the answer increasingly leans reclaimed — cost, planning acceptance and embodied carbon all favour it. Here's the head-to-head for South East buyers.
Cost comparison, 2026
| Grade | Reclaimed | New equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Job-lot | £38 per m² | £68 per m² |
| Standard | £79 per m² | £142 per m² |
| Premium | £120 per m² | £192 per m² |
Quality and spec differences
- Victorian pine, Georgian oak, industrial pitch pine all common
- Widths of 180–320mm impossible to buy new at sensible prices
- Character marks prized for period interiors
Carbon comparison
Reclaimed floorboards carries close to zero embodied carbon vs new manufacture. On a Brighton refurb, choosing reclaimed can offset 3–8 tonnes of CO₂e per property depending on scope.
Planning acceptance in Brighton
Brighton planning officers routinely accept and often require matching reclaimed stock inside conservation areas across South East.
Frequently asked questions
+Is reclaimed always cheaper than new in Brighton?
Almost always for standard grades. Premium heritage grades can approach or exceed new prices when new equivalents don't exist.
+Do reclaimed boards need machining?
Most yards offer denailing, T&G and thicknessing. Budget £8–£15/m² on top.
+Does reclaimed void manufacturer warranties?
New warranties don't apply. Ex-display and surplus stock retains full warranty when unregistered.