Green building

Pioneer Millworks reclaims court flooring in Oregon

Pioneer Millworks, a manufacturer of reclaimed wood products with offices in Portland, Oregon, and Farmington, New York, has reclaimed decommissioned court flooring previously used by the Portland Trail Blazers and Portland Fire basketball teams. The hard maple flooring has original paint patterns, typography and other imagery.

“The hard maple used in gymnasium court floors is remarkably durable and has plenty of life left in it even after being salvaged from the Moda Center and Coliseum,” Elise Payne, design expert at Pioneer Millworks, says. “The decommissioned maple flooring is attached to plywood, so we’re selling it in 4-feet-by-8-feet sheets or cut-to-size.” The company says while quantities of the Blazers flooring are limited, other court flooring and bleachers are available.

As athletic facilities age and school designs are updated, many choose to replace their gymnasium, court flooring and bleachers. “In this case, the original finish of the flooring, complete with painted lines, typography and markings has been left intact to create a very unique appearance which varies from slab to slab,” Payne says. “If the desire is for a clean look though, we have other salvaged floors where the old finish can be carefully milled off revealing the bright, clear tone of the maple.”

Pioneer Millworks often sources from dilapidated factories and agricultural buildings. The company says it has reclaimed hard maple gymnasium and court flooring, plus bleacher boards in a mixture of pine, fir and mahogany from various locations. The company’s Sports Collection inventory includes original surfaces and athletic markings in a variety of colors.