We call this product antique, but ancient could be a more accurate description; the original timbers were milled from trees likely 400 years old; these timbers provided the structure for warehouses, factories or textile mills for the next 100-150 years before we got our hands on them; a quick calculation reveals that the trees from whence this wood sprang were likely seedlings when Columbus dropped his foot on our shores; while the history is great, the wood is even better; the ExposedGrain product will have tight growth rings, high heart content and few character marks; while the grain is very distinct, it flows smoothly from one board to another; the color is a bit bold, but the warm glow from the red and amber hues is incredibly inviting.