PRECISION PATTERNS: MEDALLIONS
This two-day in-person course is designed for experienced wood floor professionals. Led by Lenny Hall, NWFA Regional Instructor and owner of Endurance Floor Company, attendees learned to produce a variety of medallion styles by hand, including symmetry of medallions, mosaics, and other decorative elements that become the focal point of the flooring design.
Hall says the class included how to build sleds, swing arm set ups to cut curved pieces of wood, and an introduction to round medallions. Attendees were taught how to use calipers for measuring and the precision that is involved with cutting pieces of wood to thousandths of an inch so there is no need to use putty or filler.
“I think one of the aspects everyone got out of the class was that they can make some really beautiful pieces of art out of some of the most basic tools and basic woods they have access to back home,” says Hall. “You are creating one-of-a-kind elements with these skills. People can order medallions online from different manufacturers and that’s fine, but the reality is that if you have a client who wants to be truly unique, you are able to create that element of design and style in their home that nobody else can.”
Vincenzo Cicala, owner of Artisan Parquet in Australia has been working in the industry for 20 years. “The reason I traveled such a long way is the idea of giving more service options and being creative with clients. Sometimes you have clients who are willing to spend money if they can have something different because we work in a custom environment,” he says. “Value is the most important thing we have in our hands and skills and knowledge. You can make a difference in your business just standing out from the crowd.”
Tim Mitchell with Mitchell’s Hardwood Floors in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, says he would attend the Precision Patterns course multiple times because he learns something different each time.
“This class is unbelievable, like the class before and the class before that. Having teachers like Lenny Hall and Mike Dittmer doing the things that they do, expanding and sharing their knowledge is priceless,” shares Mitchell. “Being able to do things so precise and learn from genius minds like that is unprecedented. The sky isn’t the limit at that point, it’s beyond. Learning how to adjust things to a thousandth of an inch or even perfect like a machine is actually gratifying. To be able to do it with your hands is unbelievable.”
Hall adds, “Get this skillset in your toolbox. You will never regret it and will be surprised what you do with it when you get back to your business.”
NWFA hands-on courses provide the opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills, master innovative techniques, and network with industry leaders. You’ll learn from NWFA Regional Instructors and manufacturer representatives showcasing cutting-edge products and expertise.
Get in the classroom! To view the schedule of events and enroll, visit NWFA.ORG/HANDS-ON-TRAINING.
