Just saw something infuriating on, of all things, "Modern Marvels."

[MindPilot]

11. Look into reclaimed lumber flooring

It is generally sourced from old barns, various other wood structures, and it is strikingly beautiful. Also pretty expensive, but you get real old-growth wood without hurting a tree. Plus it has the patina and character that only comes with age. Personally I wouldn't want to stain any reclaimed wood, the natural colors are the best.

A lot of reclaimed wood is also coming from logs that sank during the years when rivers were the primary method of transporting timber.

http://www.vintagetimber.com/

When George Lucas built Skywalker Ranch, he also bought an old railroad trestle bridge, and most of the interior woodwork is from that reclaimed lumber. I have been told, but I can't find a verification, at the peak of construction, there were as many as 25 finish carpenters living on the job site.