Tag: Engineered Hardwood Floors

Luxury Living: Take a Virtual Tour of a Los Angeles Mansion

Pictured: Trentino (Left),  Zanzibar (Right)

Los Angeles, California is home to some of the most extravagant and opulent homes in the country and today we are shining the spotlight on one of its finest. Step inside this 20,000+ square foot mega-mansion where modern flair meets timeless style.

Constructed in 2019, this sprawling home features 7 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and a vast landscaped lot including a lavish pool off the terrace in the beautifully landscaped back gardens.

If the front view of the home was not enough to take your breath away, the first thing you see upon entering the massive double doors is a stunning bifurcated staircase. Large checkerboard marble adorns most of the first floor and leads to the European oak Trentino on the palatial stairs.

Splashes of vibrant color accent the stark black and vibrant white color palette of the spacious chef’s kitchen.

Villa Caprisi: Trentino

The incredible onyx planks of the European oak Trentino are featured all the way up the luxurious staircase leading to the second level.

Each 9.5″ wide plank is constructed using genuine character grade European oak. This results in hardwoods that are not only highly durable, but that stand unrivaled as magnificent works of art.

This incredible home does not shy away from the use of bold color. Appropriately dubbed the “Pink Room”, this beautiful and bold bedroom is fit for a princess.

Just next door lies the playroom of children’s daydreams. A grand pink sofa, daring wallpaper, and a grand chandelier come together to create the perfect space for imaginative play.

Rest in style in the large guest sleeping quarters down the hall, more comfortable and beautiful than the most luxurious hotel.

Timbertop Chevron: Zanzibar

Of course, we have reserved the best for last. The premium European oak Zanzibar adorns the expansive primary suite. The light blond color of the Zanzibar is reminiscent of fine white sand beaches and brings to mind the luxury of a quiet retreat.

Through the doorway of the lush primary bedroom is a bathroom that is, in a word, absolutely extravagant.

We hope you enjoyed your virtual tour of this incredible space! Love what you see here? View more details on the Trentino and Zanzibar on our website or click here to be connected with an Urbanfloor retailer nearest you.

 

10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor | Pt. 2

We are back with another installment in our current blog series – 10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor! In case you missed it our last post, click here to read more about the first two items on our list – Aesthetic & Price.

To review, here is the list of considerations we think will be most helpful in your flooring purchase:

10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
  1.    Aesthetic
  2.    Price
  3.    Width
  4.    Texture
  5.    Finish
  6.    Wear Layer
  7.    Species
  8.    Installation Method
  9.    Lead Time
  10.    Sustainability

Today we are going to dive into another two important aspects of hardwood flooring selection: width and texture!

Pictured: Grigio

2. Width

It’s no secret that wide plank hardwood is leading in current design trends, but is it right for your space? Classified as 5” wide and greater, wide plank flooring is gorgeous, timeless, and it is clear that this stunning style is here to stay!

For those who love a rustic or traditional design style, wide plank flooring is a fantastic option. With the wider planks, there is more room to showcase the natural beauty of real wood. These charming and distinctive elements (such as knots, splits, and sapwood) add a sense of heritage, warmth, and unique character. For those who prefer a more refined aesthetic and a contemporary or more modern design style, Select Grade wide plank floors have very few knots and feature a cleaner grain. Lighter toned wide plank floors are especially popular in these design styles.

Pictured: Ravenna

In large spaces and smaller spaces alike, wide plank flooring can make the space airier and feel more open. This is especially true with lighter toned flooring. The wider the plank, the fewer seams between boards. This means fewer interruptions in the pattern of your flooring and in the natural lines of the room.

It is important to note that the wider the plank, the more susceptible the plank is to seasonal expanding and shrinking. While this is normal and to be expected of hardwood floors, engineered floors help to minimize these seasonal changes with an extraordinarily stable multi-ply, cross-grain core. With each layer of wood reinforcing the next, the beautiful aesthetic of wide plank flooring can also be dimensionally stable.

For more information on how to maintain the right environment for your floors, click here.

Pictured: Lambrusco

4. Texture

Genuine hardwood comes in a wide variety of textures. Something as simple as the texture can completely alter the look and overall feel of hardwood flooring. The three main textures you’ll come across in your flooring search are likely to be 1) smooth, 2) wire-brushed, and 3) hand-scraped.

Pictured: Matisse

A smooth texture is sleek and elegant. Many traditional hardwoods feature smooth texture, though this style also pairs well with lustrous modern designs. A smooth hardwood floor captures the beauty of each species’ natural grain without added textures by hand or machine.

Pictured: Debussy

A wire-brushed texture is created when actual wires are brushed across the surface of the wood by hand. This careful process removes the softwood from the top layer of the floor and creates a beautiful and hardwearing texture and enhances the natural beauty of the woodgrain.

Pictured: Brindisi

Hand-scraped hardwoods offer a sculpted and time-worn appearance. Utilizing historic methods, each plank’s surface is shaped by hand to create an entirely unique floor that is full of charm and character. Heavy-scraped floors take the hand-scraping process a step further, creating deeper grooves and a more heavily sculpted surface.

Come back to the blog and join us again for another installment as we tackle the next two topics on this list – Finish and Wear Layer!

10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor | Pt. 1

You have made the decision! You have decided to go with hardwood floor over tile, SPC, or carpet. However, the tough decisions don’t end there. New questions pop into your mind: What kind of engineered flooring is right for you? What color tone, texture, wear layer, finish, etc. is right for your home?

Pictured: Grigio

Let’s dive into 10 important aspects of engineered hardwood flooring selection you need to know so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for your family and your unique space.

10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
  1.    Aesthetic
  2.    Price
  3.    Width
  4.    Texture
  5.    Finish
  6.    Wear Layer
  7.    Species
  8.    Installation Method
  9.    Lead Time
  10.    Sustainability

As we have so much information to share, we’re going to tackle this important list over the coming weeks. Today, let’s dive into the first two items – Aesthetic and Price!

1. Aesthetic

While there are a multitude of differing aesthetic options available in the realm of hardwood flooring – from cool and warm undertones – it all boils down to one essential question: light or dark? When it comes to flooring selection, there is no one-size-fits-all. What is best for your space will largely depend on the size, style, amount of natural light, furnishings, etc. Your flooring choice will cover one of the largest surface areas in your home so it is important to select a floor you know will both compliment your design aesthetic and stand the test of time.

Pictured: Ravenna

Light Flooring

Light hardwood floors have a very distinct advantage when it comes to cleaning and care over darker floors. With their lighter color, they are especially easy to keep clean as they mask dents, scratches, and scuff marks. They also tend to show less dirt and less pet hair (for those with furry family members) than darker stained hardwood. Natural expansion, however, may be more prominent with a lighter hardwood as it shows the shadows of the expansion gaps more. This natural expansion and contraction, however, can be minimized with proper environmental controls by keeping your home between 60ºF to 80ºF, and humidity levels between 30%-50%.

For more information on proper environmental conditions, click here.

Pictured: Dolcetto

Selecting a light hardwood floor will brighten your interior as the light, fresh color opens up the space, making smaller rooms appear larger. Lighter floors tend to accentuate the amount of natural light that comes into the room and give your home an airy, bright feel. If you are a fan of contrast but don’t want a smaller room in your home to perhaps appear smaller with a dark hardwood, go with a lighter floor and bring in contrast with paint, furniture, and other décor.

Dark Flooring

Whereas light flooring may have the advantage when it comes to cleaning, darker floors bring an unrivaled rich, dramatic aesthetic. Dark stained floors embrace the natural beauty of wood and tend to lean toward a more traditional or rustic design. Dark hardwoods also tend to absorb more light, whereas light hardwood reflects it. This means that dark hardwoods are less prone to fading and sun damage than their lighter counterparts. The result is a floor that retains its deep, rich color longer.

Pictured: Brindisi

Given their deep tone, dark hardwoods tend to show scratches easier. Light colored debris (fuzz, dust, or pet hair) will also show more prominently against the dark surface. However, with regular cleaning and proper flooring care, these are not a concern for those who love the added depth and warmth of a dark toned floor. After all, isn’t your dream design worth a bit of extra vacuuming?

Pictured: Savona

2. Price

Engineered hardwood comes in a range of prices. The plank width, thickness of the wear layer, finish type, species, and more all contribute to how much a given flooring will cost. A general rule of thumb is that the wider the plank and the thicker the wear layer, the more expensive a flooring will be. We utilize a four-point scale to give you an idea of our flooring will cost in relation to other collections on our site.

For more detailed pricing information, click here to be connected to your local Urbanfloor retailer.

 

Stay tuned for another installment as we tackle the next two topics on this list – Width and Texture!

New in Timbertop

Extraordinary, exclusive, and in a class of its own.

We have added four new beautiful selections to the premium Timbertop collection! Gorgeous 9 1/2″ wide European oak is on display, featuring stunning new color tones we know you will love!

Absolute

The European oak Absolute boasts elegant warm, honey-toned neutral colors on each 9 1/2″ wide plank. Beautiful grain patterns are complemented with a smooth, modern matte finish and filled knots and splits add elements of character and charm.

Lucca

Steeped in rich history and abounding in old-world charm, Lucca is one of the most beloved cities in the region of Tuscany. Inspired by the charming culture of its namesake, the European oak Lucca brims with character and style.

Each 9 1/2″ wide plank is carefully brushed to accentuate the natural wood grain and complemented with a modern matte finish.

Savona

The port city of Savona, Italy boasts both views of mountain and sea. This beautiful city combines old-town charm and the modern buzz of urban life. In the same way, time-honored style meets modern techniques in the European oak Savona.

Its multidimensional, rich brown stain brings depth and warmth wherever it is installed. Each 9 1/2″ wide plank is carefully brushed to accentuate the natural wood grain and complemented with a modern matte finish.

Treviso

The hidden gem of Italy’s Veneto region, Treviso is a quiet town brimming with culture and charm. Inspired by its rolling vineyards and elegant stone porticoes, the European oak Savona brings the beauty and heritage of its namesake to your home.

Rich, deep color tones are complemented with a smooth texture and a modern matte finish, all displayed on each stunning 9 1/2″ wide plank.

View the entire Timbertop Collection here.

Featured Floor: Chevron Zanzibar

What do you get when you combine time-honored chevron style with modern colors and finishes? The beautiful European oak Zanzibar!

AESTHETIC & STYLE

The chevron Zanzibar is crafted using European oak. Its bold chevron pattern has the perfect light and neutral tones. Featuring a smooth surface and an elegant matte oil finish, the Zanzibar combines the best of bold, modern design and timeless color tones to provide a showstopping, statement making aesthetic wherever it’s installed.

STRENGTH & DURABILITY

The Zanzibar’s planks are constructed with a durable 5.5mm wear layer that is further bolstered with a robust cross-finger core, bringing the overall thickness to 3/4”. Traditional chevron flooring installation is painstaking and labor intensive, but 11 1/2″ wide, 57” long preassembled planks ease the time and cost of installation. This engineered construction enables the floor to be structurally stable and minimizes the expected seasonal expansion and gapping in hardwood floors.

The Timbertop collection is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 35-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Zanzibar with confidence that its striking aesthetic will endure for years to come.

SAFETY STANDARDS

We ensure cleaner air for your family. In step with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. FloorScore tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.

You can read more about FloorScore certification here.

 

Click here to view the Zanzibar!

Photos courtesy of:
Spazio LA  –  Website | Instagram & THELIFESTYLEDCO  –  Website | Instagram

Featured Floor: European Oak Ravenna

Say ‘hello’ to your new favorite hardwood floor – the European oak Ravenna!

AESTHETIC & STYLE

The European oak Ravenna has the perfect light and airy color tones. Each 9 1/2″ wide plank features a beautiful wirebrushed finish that accents the natural grain of genuine European oak. Minimal color variation and a modern matte finish create the perfect canvas for a multitude of design styles. With elegant neutral tones, a luxurious texture, and a scratch-resistant surface, the resulting combination is a floor as beautiful as it is durable.

The airy color of the Ravenna works with nearly any design style, wall color, or furnishing. Incredibly versatile, the pale tones of this wide-plank floor will brighten any space and make it appear larger.

STRENGTH & DURABILITY

The European oak Ravenna’s 9 1/2″ wide planks are constructed with a durable 4mm wear layer that is further bolstered with a multi-ply, cross-grain engineered core. This engineered construction enables the floor to be structurally stable and minimizes the expected seasonal expansion and gapping in hardwood floors. The Villa Caprisi collection is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 35-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Ravenna with confidence that its timeless aesthetic will endure for years to come.

SAFETY STANDARDS

We ensure cleaner air for your family. In step with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. FloorScore tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.

You can read more about FloorScore certification here.

Click here to view the Ravenna and order a sample!

Want to see more of this beautiful home? Follow @jaci.daily on Instagram!

Featured Floor: European Oak Naples

Aesthetic & Style

The largest city in southern Italy, Naples is known for its art and culture – often being referred to as an open-air museum on account of its many monuments and historic sites. Inspired by the beauty of this great city, the European oak Naples in our Timbertop Lifestyle series is sure to leave you in awe.

With its classic light color and beautiful smooth matte finish, the Naples can withstand medium foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for small families.

Strength & Durability

The European oak Naples’ strong 9 1/2″ wide planks are constructed with a durable 3.2mm wear layer that is further bolstered with a strong cross-finger engineered core. The Timbertop collection is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 35-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Naples with confidence that its elegant style will be around for years to come.

Safety Standards

We ensure cleaner air for your family. In accordance with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. It tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.

You can read more about FloorScore certification here.

-This bedroom features a feature wall installation of the European oak Zanzibar–

 

Love what you see and want more information? Click here to get connected with your local Urbanfloor retailer!

Photos courtesy of Spazio LA. View more of their work on their Instagram!

New Floors for 2021!

Happy New Year!

2020 is out and we all breathe a collective sigh of relief for 2021. On account of all the excitement of the new year upon us, we are happy to introduce SEVEN new European oak colors in our popular Chêne collection! So, read below to get the first look on the two new 7.5″ wide colors and the lineup of five new 6″ wide colors!

Dolcetto | CHE-642-DLC | 7.5″ Width

Each 7.5″ wide plank of the Dolcetto is delicately wirebrushed to enhance its natural grain and finished with a beautiful, light stain. In addition, its soft neutral color creates an organic and airy aesthetic, brightening and uplifting the space where it is installed. Each European oak plank is completed with a modern matte finish and charming character. With unique knots and swirls, all elements come together to create a floor that will be a stunning showpiece in any design.

Champagne | CHE-643-CHM | 7.5″ Width

The European oak Champagne strikes the perfect balance between modern trends and timeless style. With a contemporary matte finish on each 7.5″ wide plank, the Champagne features stunning warm, neutral color tones and elegant grain patterns accented with unique character elements. Suited for a range of design styles, the Champagne is certain to take center stage with its charming, vivid color tones and long elegant planks.

Amarone | CHE-644-AMA | 6″ Width

The honey tones of the European oak Amarone seem to emit light and warmth from within. The Amarone’s sophisticated aesthetic is made complete with stunning natural character and a beautiful, neutral stain. Lightly brushed to accentuate the natural grain, each plank is finished with a modern matte lacquer coating that both beautifies and protects this one-of-a-kind floor.

Avesso | CHE-647-AVE | 6″ Width

The light and airy tones of the Avesso provide a relaxed, inviting ambiance wherever they are installed. The Avesso features subtle character and light wirebrushing to showcase the stunning natural grain of European oak. Each 6″-wide plank is sealed with a UV protective lacquer, providing superior protection and a gorgeous, modern matte finish.

Brunello | CHE-646-BRU | 6″ Width

With varied and dimensional color tones ranging from light, creamy neutrals to hues of rich espresso, the European oak Brunello is brimming with character and warmth. Each 6″ wide plank is lightly brushed to accentuate the natural grain and finished with a protective modern matte lacquer coating to ensure its beauty for years to come.

Marsanne | CHE-648-MAR | 6″ Width

The Marsanne provides a welcoming, warm ambiance with a rich, neutral stain. Lightly wirebrushed to accentuate natural grain, each plank has the distinctive character only found in genuine European oak. With a modern matte finish and a protective UV lacquer, the Marsanne’s natural beauty will endure for years to come.

Verdiso | CHE-645-VER | 6″ Width

The Verdiso has an elegant array of color tones, ranging from warm umber to light honey. Brimming with character and charm, the distinctive planks of the Verdiso come together to create a truly captivating floor. Finished with a modern matte UV lacquer that both protects and beautifies, the European oak Verdiso’s lasting style is matched with enduring construction.

Want to see more of our fresh lineup for 2021? Check out the four new STUNNING selections in our premium L’artiste collection HERE.

New in L’artiste

The crazy year that has been 2020 is now coming to a close. We are celebrating the coming of the new year with the launch of four new, stunning wide plank European oak colors in our premium L’artiste collection. Read below and you’ll see exactly why we couldn’t wait until 2021 to share these floors!

ANTIGNA

The depth of color and feeling of Alexandre Antigna’s compassionate works of art is mirrored in the multidimensional color of the European oak Antigna. The smooth texture of natural grain is like brush strokes on each beautiful 8 5/8″ wide plank. Its neutral tone, created using state of-the-art reactive staining techniques, creates color and character from naturally occurring components of the wood and is unmatched by traditionally stained floors. With a durable 6mm wear layer and strong cross-finger core, the Antigna matches its beauty with an enduring construction.

BELLINI

The wide planks of the European oak Bellini are the perfect canvas to showcase its unique, warm, multidimensional color tones created using state-of-the-art reactive staining techniques. Each smooth plank brings a richness and a warmth wherever it is installed. Completed with a hard-wearing UV lacquer finish, the Bellini is an investment in both quality and beauty.

LORRAIN

The paintings of French artist, Claude Lorrain, seem to emanate light from within. For decades, his sweeping landscapes with glowing, multidimensional light have transfixed the masses. This incredible use of contrast and the talented capture of elusive light inspired the European oak Lorrain. A rich, depth of color is displayed on each wide plank. Delicate grain and a smooth texture provide the ideal surface to showcase a stunning reactive stain that creates an aged aesthetic right out of the box. With a cross-finger core and strong wear layer, the Lorrain is an excellent choice for those who are seeking durability as well as finesse.

MATISSE

Henri Matisse had a fondness for bright and expressive color. His works are bursting with a vibrance seldom replicated in other works. This love for rich, bold color is embodied in each plank of the European oak Matisse. This unique floor is neutral and yet exorbitantly rich in color. Beautiful, natural variation is complemented with reactive stain technology, creating a one-of-a-kind floor with unapologetic beauty.

 

Click here to view the entire L’artiste collection!

Featured Floor: Hickory Tumbleweed

Natural flooring tones are back in a big way!

With the rise in popularity of bohemian and organic design aesthetics, neutral tones and natural flooring hues are back in the spotlight. The Hickory Tumbleweed’s timeless, soft stain shows of the intrinsic beauty of American hickory. It is the perfect fit for modern trends and, with its subtle character and rustic charm, ensures a lasting aesthetic that will continue to elevate your home no matter where design trends may go in future.

AESTHETIC & STYLE

The Hickory Tumbleweed is constructed using American grown and harvested hickory wood, carefully selected for its rustic character and natural beauty. Each 6”-wide plank offers an organic, inviting ambiance with its creamy color tones and stunning natural variation from plank to plank. With a defined grain that is more visible than maple and more subtle than Oak, the Hickory strikes the perfect balance. The Hickory Tumbleweed has a dimensionally stable engineered core and durable wear layer. Its strong construction makes it the perfect choice for those who love an airy, relaxed aesthetic and need their hardwood floors to stand up to the rigors of day-to-day life!

STRENGTH & DURABILITY

The Hickory Tumbleweed’s durable 6”-wide planks are able to withstand heavy foot traffic. Hickory is the hardest North American flooring option, having an impressive Janka hardness rating of 1820 (see more on the Janka Hardness Test). Since Hickory is so durable by nature, it makes it a fantastic option for households with children and pets. The Hickory Tumbleweed is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 30-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Tumbleweed with confidence that its elegant style will be around for years to come.

SAFETY STANDARDS

We ensure cleaner air for your family. In accordance with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. It tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.

You can read more about FloorScore certification here.

Love what you see? For more details on the Hickory Tumbleweed, click HERE!