Tom Ourada of Ourada Designs has spent decades mastering the art of hardwood flooring, and his latest creation is a testament to his skill, creativity, and resourcefulness. Located in a hexagonal room, this 112-square-foot floor is a project 18 years in the making – a stunning culmination of meticulous craftsmanship and a unique artistic vision.
With spare time at his disposal, Ourada revisited a long-overdue personal project, using materials he had collected over the years. Much of the wood came from unexpected sources, including a salvaged tree stump found along a roadside and another from a rotted stump discovered on a walk. The only purchase he made for the project was $150 worth of wengé; every other piece was salvaged or stored in his shop, waiting patiently for its moment to shine.
“The project was all about problem-solving,” says Ourada. “I looked at what I had and tried to incorporate it all in a way that made sense. It was a matter of finding balance – both in shape and color.”
With that in mind, he crafted a design carefully that draws the eye toward the center of the room. The centerpiece is an impossible triangle motif – a bold choice that adds a sense of intrigue and depth to the already intricate floor. Geometric elements and live-edge wood combine seamlessly, creating a design that challenges traditional ideas of hardwood flooring.
Ourada was highly intentional about the floor’s color and shape. “I wanted the floor to feel balanced and harmonious,” he explains. “The center serves as the focal point, with all the elements radiating outward. From there, I focused on creating cohesion in the background.”
The project showcases a wide range of wood species, including walnut, fir, alder, maple, wengé, Brazilian cherry, birch, honey locust, purpleheart, black locust, and ponderosa pine. Each piece was selected carefully and placed, with Ourada paying close attention to the interplay of textures, grains, and colors. The final step involved gluing down sections of the design before applying an oil-based polyurethane finish to achieve a semi-gloss sheen.
“Everything was glued down section by section,” says Ourada. “I tried to make it all flow naturally, with each element complementing the others. The result is something that feels complete and cohesive.”
Beyond its functional purpose, the floor is a work of art that reflects Ourada’s commitment to sustainability and creativity. By using materials that might have otherwise gone to waste, he transformed the room into a vibrant display of hardwood’s beauty and versatility.
“Hardwood flooring can be so much more than functional,” he adds. “It’s an opportunity to create something truly unique – a canvas for artistic expression.”
Featured Category
Best in Marquetry/Inlay
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.
Installation Method: Glue Down
Flooring Finish: DuraSeal, Semi-Gloss
Species: Walnut, Fir, Alder, Maple, Wengé, Brazilian Cherry, Birch, Honey Locust, Purpleheart, Black Locust, Ponderosa Pine
Pattern: Hexagonal
Square Feet: 112