When Chris Haight of Pure Floors Inc. first learned about renovations at the Portland International Airport, he had no idea of the scope of the project. The plan involved more than 70,000 square feet of custom wood flooring and a vision to make the airport an ode to the Pacific Northwest. For Haight, a second-generation hardwood flooring professional, this was not just another job – it was a chance to work on one of the most innovative airport designs in the country.
“All the wood for the flooring needed to be locally sourced, FSC-certified, and sustainably harvested within a 100-mile radius,” explains Haight. “This wasn’t just about creating a beautiful space; it was about reflecting the identity of Oregon and its relationship with the natural world.”
The locally sourced white oak came from Zena Forest Products, a family-owned mill committed to sustainable forestry. The wood was milled into edge-grain (quartersawn) tiles, each measuring 7 1/2” by 15”. The edge-grain design not only offered enhanced stability in the face of Portland’s fluctuating climate, but also aligned with the airport’s seismic engineering requirements. “Edge-grain flooring expands and contracts primarily in its thickness, rather than its width, making it more stable,” he says. “That was critical for a project of this scale.”
The renovations at the Portland International Airport involved more than 70,000 square feet of custom wood flooring and a vision to make the airport an ode to the Pacific Northwest, with wood used extensively throughout the terminal – from the flooring to the ceiling beams.
The installation process was no small feat. Coordinating with multiple trades working simultaneously in the new terminal core, Haight and his team had to tackle sections of 1,000 to 1,500 square feet at a time. “We’d get wood delivered three weeks to a month in advance so it could acclimate properly,” recalls Haight. “But space was tight. Sometimes we’d have to move the wood multiple times to keep it out of the way of other trades.”
Preparing the subfloor was one of the most labor-intensive aspects of the job. The team implemented moisture mitigation strategies and poured self-leveling concrete across every inch of the hardwood installation area. Once the surface was ready, they used adhesive to install the wood tiles – a process that required extreme precision. “These weren’t your typical planks,” he says. “Each edge-grain tile was like a mini mosaic, and we had to ensure everything aligned perfectly, especially where the wood met other flooring materials like terrazzo.”
The team faced additional challenges where the flooring intersected with the building’s seismic expansion joints. These metal tracks allow the concrete to shift during an earthquake without compromising the structure. Haight’s team had to install wood pieces that fit seamlessly into the tracks, ensuring the design flowed uninterrupted. “It was unlike anything we’d ever done before,” he recalls. “We had to create a system where the wood could move with the building without breaking.”
Finishing the floor required careful planning. The team used Pallmann Magic Oil, an environmentally friendly finish that aligned with the project’s sustainability goals. “The finish was a natural fit,” Haight says. “It’s durable, beautiful, and aligns with the ecological vision of the space.”
The sanding process posed unique challenges, especially where the wood met other materials. “Most of the hardwood didn’t terminate at a wall,” Haight shares. “Instead, it butted up against other flooring materials. That required an incredible amount of precision to avoid damaging anything during sanding.”
The airport’s design is a celebration of the Pacific Northwest, with wood used extensively throughout the terminal – from the flooring to the ceiling beams. “This project wasn’t just about the floor,” Haight says. “It was about creating a space that feels like Oregon, a place where travelers immediately connect with the region’s natural beauty.”
Despite the challenges, Haight looks back on the project with pride. “This was one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever worked on,” he says. “From the locally sourced wood to the cutting-edge design, everything about it felt special. It’s not every day you get to be part of something this meaningful.”
Nice work Chris!!