2023 WFOY: Best in Colors, Finishes, and Textured Wood

Floor Master Company | Crystal Lake, Illinois

CATEGORY DETAILS:

Entries in this category include all types of applications of dyes, reactive conditioners, layered color systems, faux finishing, or other finishing systems, as well as textured wood flooring surfaces such as hand-scraped, wire-brushed, distressed, sculpted, or any surface that is not traditionally flat.

WHAT MAKES THIS FLOOR UNIQUE:

Floor Master Company’s Matthew Szyszka truly has outdone himself with this year’s Wood Floor of the Year winner for Best in Color/Finish and Textured Wood. Tasked with creating a unique floor for a designer he had worked with previously, Szyszka sourced wood from Top Quality Hardwood Flooring from three different manufacturers, blending character grade and #1 common plain sawn white oak to achieve the desired effect.

Covering approximately 2,700 square feet, this installation features 8-inch solid white oak in two mixed cuts – rift and quartered and #1 common plainsawn, along with 250 square feet of #1 common plainsawn. The designer’s vision for 45-degree angled bevels on all sides initially was met with resistance from the manufacturer, but undeterred, Szyszka and his team took matters into their own hands, setting up router stations to create bevels themselves. This labor-intensive process took more than a week, but resulted in a look that emphasizes the distinct pattern of each board.

The finishing process required equal attention to detail, as the homeowners had specific color preferences based on prefinished floor samples they had seen. The designer requested a cerused look, which Szyszka achieved by experimenting with various treatments. Ultimately, he used a reactive conditioner, “Fumed Light” by Rubio Monocoat, to create the desired effect. Once dry, the floor was coated with Rubio hard-wax oil “Oyster” for a stunning finish.

This winning wood floor is a testament to Szyszka’s dedication, skill, and ability to push the boundaries of conventional wood flooring design. The result is an awe-inspiring blend of patterns, textures, and colors that undoubtedly will leave a lasting impression on all who see it.

Installation Method: Glue Down
Flooring Type: Solid
Flooring Finish: Rubio Monocoat preaging “Fumed Light.” Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C “Oyster.”
Finish Sheen: Matte
Species: White Oak
Pattern: Herringbone
Square Feet: 250