2025 WFOY: Best in Historic Restoration

Universal Floors Inc. | Washington, DC

CATEGORY DETAILS:

Entries in this category include all types of restoration projects, replacements, or repairs, in either a residential or commercial application.

WHAT MAKES THIS FLOOR UNIQUE:

Universal Floors Inc. in Washington, D.C., has been awarded the WFOY Best Historic Restoration award for restoring the Anderson House ballroom, a National Historic Landmark built in 1905. The 2 1/4” strip white oak parquet floor, laid in a geometric pattern, had been overlooked for years, its surface marred by cracks, splits, and stains, as though the mansion’s caretakers had prioritized other elements of its upkeep. Industry peers recognized the company as the team capable of reviving this piece of American history, and its expertise confirmed their confidence.

The team relied on years of experience and a methodical approach, noting that formal training alone cannot prepare one for such a task. They conducted thorough testing with feeler gauges, choosing a gentle, passive sanding method to preserve the damaged floor, aware that harsher techniques would force a complete replacement. They sourced period-correct white oak from the early 1900s, replacing mismatched repairs from a decade earlier that had left newer wood noticeably out of place.

More than 80 Dutchmen repairs were completed, with damaged areas routed out and new surfaces inset to maintain the original boards’ integrity. A hard wax oil was burnished into the water-popped parquet, followed by a UV-cured finish, ensuring the active ballroom could withstand ongoing use while retaining its historic charm. The restored floor now reflects the elegance of 1905, a fitting tribute to the Anderson House’s legacy.

Installation Method: Nail Down
Flooring Type: Solid, Parquet
Flooring Finish: Professional Coatings Hardwax Oil, Sealer, RAD Coat UV System
Finish Sheen: Satin
Species: Rift/Quartered White Oak
Pattern: Custom Parquet pattern Circa 1905
Square Feet: 1,500