2024 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:

Matthew Szyszka of Floor Master Company is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of wood flooring design. For his home’s main room, he embarked on a quest to create something extraordinary.

Dubbed the “blue wave,” this floor is a testament to Szyszka’s ingenuity and passion. The floor features “blue” panels made of quartersawn white oak, interspersed with multi-species squares and a handmade border inspired by ancient Greek patterns.

Szyszka’s attention to detail extended to every aspect of the floor, from the individual finishing of all 103 squares to creating the “blue” panels. Using a reactive stain finished with a hardwax oil, Szyszka achieved a multi-tone blue color that evolves with changing light conditions.

The creation of the border pushed Szyszka to his limits, with more than 2,600 hand-cut elements arranged to form three intertwining lines. The maple border was finished with a beveled French bleed technique to accentuate the pattern, adding depth and dimension.

Ultimately, Szyszka’s “blue wave” floor transcends the boundaries of conventional wood flooring, serving as a testament to his commitment to innovation and excellence. As friends and family marvel at the finished masterpiece, it becomes clear that Szyszka’s vision has been realized and surpassed, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity and craftsmanship.

Installation Method: Glue Down
Flooring Type: Solid, Engineered, Parquet
Flooring Finish: Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging “Fumed Intense,” Rubio Monocoat Hardwax Oil “Midnight Indigo,” “White,” and “Walnut.” Loba Water-based 2K Supra, Loba Water-based 2K Invisible Protect
Finish Sheen: Matte
Species: White Oak, Black Walnut, Maple, Bubinga, Wenge
Pattern: Basketweave
Square Feet: 380