Custom Floors Unlimited | Houston, Texas
CATEGORY DETAILS:
Entries in this category include all types of applications of dyes, reactive conditioners, layered color systems, faux finishing, or other finishing systems, as well as textured wood flooring surfaces such as hand-scraped, wire-brushed, distressed, sculpted, or any surface that is not traditionally flat.
WHAT MAKES THIS FLOOR UNIQUE:
Custom Floors Unlimited in Houston, Texas, has secured the Colors/Finishes and Textured Wood award with a new construction project that showcases the enduring appeal of reclaimed wood. Covering 3,000 square feet, the floor is made from 150-year-old antique, original-face reclaimed oak, a material the company recognized as exceptional. Though it appeared unremarkable in its unfinished state, the team sensed its potential, shaped by decades of exposure to the elements, and was reluctant to part with it.
Preserving the wood’s character required expertise. The team cleaned each board by hand at their shop, a skill honed over years to ensure the rich patina remained intact without overstripping. With a focus on detail, they carefully selected each board, arranging them to highlight their unique character and spacing pieces to create a balanced visual effect, ensuring every view revealed a striking board. The wood then was glued to the existing subfloor, preserving its historical essence.
The team hand-sanded the floor for weeks, handling each board more than 100 times to achieve a smooth, splinter-free surface while retaining its texture, addressing the architect’s concerns about safety to the point where one could slide across it. Each board was stained individually and sealed with MilkWax for a matte finish that safeguards the oak’s story. The floor now seamlessly blends old and new, aligning with the interior designer’s vision of merging eras in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Installation Method: Glue Down
Flooring Type: Reclaimed
Flooring Finish: MilkWax
Finish Sheen: Semi-Satin
Species: 150-year-old antique, original-face reclaimed oak
Pattern: Plank
Square Feet: 3,000