2024 WFOY: Best in Marquetry/Inlay

Ourada Designs | Nine Mile Falls, Washington

CATEGORY DETAILS:

Entries in this category include any hand-cut marquetry/intarsia, or inlay featured within a wood floor as a stand-alone feature, inlaid into the floor, or throughout the entire project.

WHAT MAKES THIS FLOOR UNIQUE:

Renowned for his artistry in hardwood design, Tom Ourada of Ourada Designs unveils a masterpiece that epitomizes creativity and planning. Spanning 18 years in the making, this 100-square-foot floor in a hexagonal room is a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty and human ingenuity.

With spare time at his disposal, Ourada embarked on a project long overdue for completion, integrating spare parts from previous projects and found materials into a tapestry of wood.

Nature played a pivotal role in shaping this masterpiece, with wood sourced from unexpected places – a salvaged tree stump from the roadside and another from a rotted stump discovered during a walk.

Despite initial doubts about its reception, the floor is a testament to Ourada’s vision and commitment to creativity. Drawing inspiration from geometric designs and live edge pieces, he meticulously crafted a floor that pushes the boundaries of conventional hardwood flooring.

Each element contributes to the floor’s rich texture and depth, featuring species ranging from walnut and fir to maple and wenge. He carefully laid out the design, gluing sections in place before applying a finishing touch of oil-based poly to achieve balance and cohesion.

In the hands of Ourada, hardwood flooring exceeds its functional role, becoming a canvas for artistic expression and a testament to the beauty of nature’s bounty.

Installation Method: Glue Down
Flooring Finish: DuraSeal
Finish Sheen: Semi-Gloss
Species: Walnut, Fir, Alder, Maple, Wenge, Brazilian Cherry, Birch, Honey Locust, Purple Heart, Black Locust, Ponderosa
Pattern: Hexagonal
Square Feet: 112