2025 WFOY: Best in Circles/Curved/Bent Wood

J.L. Vivash Custom Wood Floors Ltd. | Paris, Ontario, Canada

CATEGORY DETAILS:

Entries in this category include any hand-cut circular shape within a flooring system, such as circles, ovals, curves, or bent material.

WHAT MAKES THIS FLOOR UNIQUE:

J.L. Vivash Custom Wood Floors Ltd. in Paris, Ontario, Canada, crafted a central rotunda that earned the Best Circles/Curves/Bent Wood award. The client wanted the 14-foot-wide, 12-sided rotunda to be the focal point of their hallway, a space designed to capture attention upon entry. The company achieved this vision by installing boards in four quadrants, using a circle jig to cut segmented curved borders that encase a chevron design, accented by stainless steel inlays chosen over brass for a contemporary look.

Functionality played a key role in the design. A removable center section, equipped with an electrical outlet, allows the space to accommodate a Christmas tree, reflecting the client’s appreciation for the holiday season. The project presented several challenges, including achieving a light gray tone through a custom mix of reactive stains and natural white oil to complement the steel, which was difficult to bend and sand due to its hardness. The rotunda’s imperfect symmetry also required careful adjustments to align the borders with walls and baseboards.

After fine sanding and wire-brushing, the team applied a custom Ciranova Pretone mix followed by two coats of Loba Impact Oil in a transparent and white blend, ensuring a seamless finish. The result is a refined rotunda that enhances the home’s aesthetic, showcasing the company’s ability to navigate technical and design complexities with precision. This project stands as a testament to the artistry achievable in wood flooring.

Installation Method: Nail Down
Flooring Type: Engineered
Flooring Finish: Ciranova Reactive Pretone, Loba Impact Oil
Finish Sheen: Matte
Species: White Oak
Mixed Media: Stainless steel 1/4” inlays in the border, marble medallion
Pattern: Chevron in hallways with a 14” border and 1/4” stainless steel inlay; segmented curved border in the rotunda with curved metal inlay
Square Feet: 4,500