When the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) moved into its new state-of-the-art headquarters, the team knew they needed more than just a workspace—they needed a place for connection, collaboration, and creativity. As part of this vision, they sought out a custom wooden table to serve as a focal point for the building. Positioned as a central gathering place, the table offers staff and students a space for impromptu meetings, quick lunches, and casual conversations.
The new NWFA headquarters, located in Missouri Research Park, serves as the central hub for technical training, industry events, and member activities. The facility is surrounded by scenic walking trails, the Missouri River, and local attractions like The Bluffs golf course and the Katy Trail, a 240-mile recreational trail popular for hiking and biking. The table itself adds to the welcoming, collaborative environment that defines the new space.
To bring their vision to life, NWFA staff turned to Real Antique Wood, a company with a longstanding relationship with the association. The partnership dates back to 2015, when Real Antique Wood won a Wood Floor of the Year award for a striking black walnut floor that showcased the beauty of live edge wood.
“The designer was thinking of black walnut, and it was right in line with a material that I love to work with,” says Anthony Saraceno, Master Craftsman at Real Antique Wood. “We went back and forth and ended up on the idea of walnut and black epoxy, which is just a winning combo.”
The project began with 14-foot-long kiln-dried live edge slabs of walnut. The team poured nearly 25 gallons of black epoxy, a process that required seven days to fully cure. After curing, the surface underwent four days of meticulous sanding, gradually working down to 320-grit for a perfectly smooth finish. To enhance and protect the wood, Saraceno applied his preferred finish, Osmo Polyx Hard Wax Oil 3043, which brought the walnut’s natural beauty to life with a rich, inviting luster.
“We like to think that the table is the icing on the cake and a beautiful talking point,” Saraceno says. “It’s more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a statement about craftsmanship and collaboration.”
While Real Antique Wood is known for creating custom furniture, their expertise extends far beyond tables. The small, close-knit team is passionate about repurposing wood from dismantled barns and historic structures, transforming the salvaged material into flooring, decorative trusses, and one-of-a-kind architectural elements.
“If you can make it out of wood, we’ll do it,” Saraceno says.
From the initial request to the final installation, the project took approximately six months, with an eight-week production timeline. The result is a table that not only complements the modern design of the NWFA building but also stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and versatility of wood.
For those who gather around it—whether for a brainstorming session, a quick lunch, or a moment of connection—the table represents more than just craftsmanship. It embodies the timeless appeal of wood, the artistry of its makers, and the continued growth of NWFA within its new space.”