Hardwood Floors April/May 2025

APR/MAY 2025

PREVIEW EDITION ‘25 Go the Distance

HOW MANY TIMES CAN A WOOD FLOOR BE SANDED? MULTI-HEAD SANDERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Olde Wood L I M I T E D

ANTIQUE RECLAIMED | DOMESTIC HARDWOOD | EUROPEAN

INTRODUCING WHITE OAK SUPER PRIME

Discover the beauty of our White Oak Super Prime wide plank flooring meticulously graded for color and clarity. This exceptional wood showcases a modern, clean aesthetic with virtually no imperfections, making it the perfect choice for discerning designers and homeowners alike. Sourced from the pristine northern Appalachian Mountain range, our White Oak Super Prime is handpicked to ensure the highest quality. Its stunning grain patterns and rich, warm tones elevate any space, creating an inviting atmosphere that exudes sophistication. When crafting exquisite flooring, our White Oak Super Prime promises durability and timeless beauty. Experience the unparalleled quality and craftsmanship that comes with every piece of this extraordinary wood.

L UXURY W IDE P LANK F LOORS SOLID • ENGINEERED • UNFINISHED • PREFINISHED

NATIONWIDE SHIPPING | USA

866-208-9663 | OldeWoodLtd.com

PALL-X STEALTH SUPER MATTE FINISH HIDDEN FINISH, VISIBLE RESULTS.

NEW!

us.pallmann.net pallmannusa

THE RIGHT WOOD FILLERS FOR EVERY JOB

See us at NWFA Expo Booth #1405!

WOOD CARE PRODUCTS

Trusted by flooring professionals throughout North America, WOODWISE wood fillers are the gold standard for hardwood flooring applications and are supported by a full line of wood care products, tools and accessories. Make The Wise Choice. Find a Distributor near you on woodwise.com .

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Design Hardwood Products, Inc. Redmond, WA

PROFESSIONAL HARDWOOD FLOORING PRODUCTS

FEATURES

NWFA Wood Flooring Expo Preview By Libby White Johnston Find out how you can “Go the Distance” at the 2025 NWFA Expo. Make your plans now with the event schedule, exhibitor list, and product showcase. Since the show is in Charlotte, we’ll also introduce you to NWFA members from across North Carolina. ON THE COVER

‘25 Go the Distance PREVIEW EDITION

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How Many Times Can a Wood Floor be Sanded? By Brett Miller

Multi-Head Sanders: What You Need to Know By Wayne Lee Every floor sander has a different style, process, trick, and tool that they use. Picking the tool that fits our style goes back to how they cut, where they cut, scratch imperfection, and body fatigue. Features, benefits, scratch, and my all-time favorite question – how does this affect me?

Wood floors are a durable and renewable flooring option that can be refinished multiple times throughout their lifespan. However, the amount of material that will be removed and the number of times a floor can be sanded depends on several factors, including the type of wood, the thickness of the wear layer, the skill of the contractor, the flatness of the floor, and the equipment used to sand the floor.

PUBLISHING PARTNERS

CONTENTS

PUBLICATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Robert McNamara | Chair, Sheoga Hardwood Flooring Jason Elquest | Blackhawk Floors Inc. Steve Brattin | Chair Anita Howard | COO Brett Miller | VP, Technical Standards, Training, & Certification Stephanie Owen | Executive Director, NERF NWFA LEADERSHIP

Industry Insights

24 Government Affairs The Hardwood Federation Fly-In.

By Dana Lee Cole

28 Design Trends Real wood flooring for pet-friendly design.

By Steven Skutelsky

Business Best Practices

Lenny Hall | Endurance Floor Company Inc. Kevin Mullany | Benchmark Wood Floors Inc. Jim Schumacher

32 Legal Costly boilerplate provisions in contracts.

By Barbara F. Dunn

36 Finance Workers’ compensation insurance.

Libby White Johnston | Publisher | libby.johnston@nwfa.org Burt Bollinger | Editor | burt.bollinger@nwfa.org Brett Miller | Technical Editor | brett.miller@nwfa.org Rhonda M. May | Creative Manager | rhonda.may@nwfa.org Amy Burris | Digital Manager | amy.burris@nwfa.org Bridget Norlie | Engagement Manager | bridget.norlie@nwfa.org PUBLICATION TEAM

By Dana Rogers

40 Marketing Why your flooring website must be content-rich. 44 Special Content The blueprint to scale your flooring business. 48 Special Content Succession planning. At the Site 96 Sponsored Content Pivot time: A business reset.

By Welton Hong

By Justin Shaw

14 Research Park Drive St. Charles, Missouri 63304 P : 800.422.4556 Local : 636.519.9663 F: 636.519.9664 E: news@hardwoodfloorsmag.com W: hardwoodfloorsmag.com

By Doug Howard

By David Williams

108 Abrasives Grit sequence and the

By Jason Elquest

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Alford

effects on today’s finishes. 112 Tech Talk Resanding an old engineered wood floor. 114 Health and Safety Wiring essentials for wood flooring projects.

Wayne Lee Brett Miller

Jason Elquest Welton Hong Doug Howard Libby White Johnston Kyle Krueger

Burt Bollinger Steve Brattin Dana Lee Cole Barbara F. Dunn

Dana Rogers Justin Shaw Steven Skutelsky

By Kyle Krueger

118 WFOY Winner Spotlight Best Use of Technology: Czar Floors 121 Hardwood Hints Making custom transitions.

By Burt Bollinger

ADVERTISING SALES

Katie Schenk Advertising & Media Manager katie.schenk@nwfa.org | 636.736.5230

By John Alford

Product Focus

Hardwood Floors (Print: ISSN 0897-022X and Online: ISSN 2475-5125) is published on a bi-monthly basis, plus the Annual Industry Guide, by the National Wood Flooring Association and distributed as a membership benefit to its member companies and without charge upon request to qualified individuals throughout the wood flooring industry. Single copy price is $8, annual Industry Guide is $50. Subscriptions: $40/year (includes 6 issues and Industry Guide) in the U.S. and Canada. Publication office: 14 Research Park Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304. Phone: 800.422.4556. Printing office: Walsworth, 306 N. Kansas Ave., Marceline, MO 64658. Printed in the U.S. Periodicals postage is paid at Chesterfield, MO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Hardwood Floors, P.O. Box 9147, Lowell, MA 01853. Copyright © 2025 by the National Wood Flooring Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Hardwood Floors' subscription base is AAM audited. An AAM audit provides advertisers and agencies with assurance that what they choose to invest in does, in fact, reach target audiences for specific ads. The AAM audit also helps media companies by documenting the quality of their audiences.

122 Sanding Equipment/Abrasives

Also in this Issue

8 Chair’s Cut

By Steve Brattin

10 Business Briefs 16 Wood Stock

By Burt Bollinger

52 Company Profile: Olde Wood Limited 120 Special Content NWFA welcomes new Certified Professionals. 124 New Products 125 Overheard on NWFA Podcasts 126 Wood Talk: Paul Rezuke 127 Ad Index

2020 , 2022 , 2023 & 2024

Photo by Caroline Sharpnack

For premium solid and engineered flooring that exceeds your customer’s standards for quality, partner with Peachey and see why any other choice is a compromise. Visit us online for a closer look at available custom finishes and cuts, including rift & quartered, chevron, and herringbone. All handmade in the USA for America’s greatest homes. PeacheyHardwoodFlooring.com | 717.667.9373 Custom flooring for your most demanding customers.

HORIZON FOREST PRODUCTS

Find your local branch: HorizonForest.com/contact

22 LOCATIONS | 80+ YEARS IN BUSINESS | 1,000’S OF FLOORING PRODUCTS

Great People. Great Products.

Everything You Need to Get the Job Done Right.

Reach out today and discover how Horizon Forest Products can help you succeed.

You work hard to deliver the best results, and we’re here to make your job easier. At Horizon Forest Products, we provide everything you need to succeed—from premium hardwood flooring to high-performance tools and expert advice. Our team is dedicated to helping you tackle every project with confidence, offering top-quality products and personalized support to ensure your craftsmanship shines. Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered.

CHAIR’S CUT

Steve Brattin Chair, NWFA

Forty Years of NWFA When wood flooring professionals join together at the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)’s Expo, there is always a festive atmosphere. This year, that will be kicked up a notch as the association celebrates its 40th anniversary.

In 1985, the founders of the association did so because they realized changes needed to be made in the industry. The primary reason for creating NWFA was to educate the industry, ultimately leading to the creation of a path to certify and train wood flooring specialists. Each of the organization’s founding fathers shared a passion for wood flooring and a vision for the future. Their vision of bettering the industry has come to fruition. The very first Expo in 1986 had 170 attendees. In recent times, you will find more than 2,000 of your peers on the trade show floor. It’s an example of the comradery within this business, along with the growth of the many networking and education opportunities offered at Expo. During the past four decades, education has remained a priority with the development of technical publications, installation guidelines, schools at the NWFA headquarters, training events across North America, and the NWFA Certified Professionals program. All of these components help wood floor pros expand their knowledge, grow their skill set, and distinguish themselves from the competition. Last year alone, there were more than 600 attendees at NWFA schools. The NWFA’s mission also has evolved with the times. Forty years ago, no one could foresee the vital role the internet would play in our lives. Since the NWFA University was launched in 2016, nearly 15,000 users have earned more than 190,000 course achievements. All of which has been done online – allowing users the convenience of getting the training they need, when and where they want it. The 40-year milestone means success to me. The NWFA has achieved its goals throughout the years and has become the strongest organization in our industry.

We have a solid

foundation, but how can we build on

1985-2025 | nwfa.org

what has been accomplished? Let’s grow together. Bring in new members by telling others how the NWFA has benefited your business. Attend a training session to learn a new technique. Buy an all-access pass to NWFAU so your team can take online courses. Gain credibility, confidence, and exposure by becoming an NWFA Certified Professional. Getting involved helps the NWFA and the entire industry thrive. I hope to toast the NWFA’s 40th anniversary with you at the Expo in Charlotte. The acknowledgement of the past four decades will continue in 2025. Later this year, NWFA will release a special edition of Hardwood Floors magazine, which will honor the past and look forward to the future of wood flooring. You’re invited to share how NWFA has made a difference in your career as well as photos of your best NWFA memories to be included in this publication.

Visit hardwoodfloorsmag.com or scan the QR code to upload by April 30, 2025. We look forward to seeing your walk down memory lane! Share your memories!

SCAN HERE

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NEW

Bona RollGuard ™ Moisture Barrier Lay the Foundation for Excellence We are proud to introduce Bona RollGuard™ - the superior, silane-based moisture barrier that sets new benchmarks in efficiency, user experience, and environmental consciousness. With just one coat that provides maximum moisture protection, you can say goodbye to prolonged waits while saving on material and labor. GREENGUARD Gold certified, low odor and VOC free puts your health and safety first. JUST ROLL WITH IT

Key Features and Benefits

• Rapid Dry Time • One-Coat Coverage • Rollable Application

• Compatible with Bona System ® • GREENGUARD Gold Certified

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

Bona.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS

MANUFACTURER MEANDERINGS AHF PRODUCTS has announced the departure of Brian Carson, president and CEO, following a six-year tenure at the helm of the company. Brent Emore, CFO for AHF, has assumed the role of interim CEO. BELLA CITTA FLOORS has launched its newly rebranded website, bellacittafloors.com. BONA® has appointed CLAY COVINGTON as vice president of professional sales for North America. BJELIN GROUP has announced the signing of an agreement whereby funds managed by Strategic Value Partners LLC will make a €200 million preferred equity investment in Bjelin Group to facilitate its long-term growth.

Groundbreaking GEMINI INDUSTRIES, INC. broke ground on its new warehouse facility in El Reno, Oklahoma. Set to span 52,000-square feet, construction is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2025.

GUTCHESS LUMBER CO., INC. has released a new children’s book, THE HARDWOOD HEROES, to educate children on the role trees play in the world and the benefits of sustainable forestry on the environment. MAPEI CORPORATION has entered its second

KÄHRS AMERICAS has announced the retirement of BUD LOPEZ, a valued member of the team who joined the company in November 1997. Additionally, Kährs promoted Kevin Weinus to inventory and operations manager and Diane Marquardt to office and personnel manager. UZIN UTZ NORTH AMERICA INC. has appointed MARCO LUDWIG as president.

Bud Lopez

year of partnership with Andretti Global for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. MAPEI will serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 98 car that will be driven by Marco Andretti during the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2025. In Memoriam

Marco Ludwig

With sadness, we share that JOEL LEFKOWITZ passed away on January 16, 2025, at the age of 66. Lefkowitz was the former president of Hoboken Floors and later was the president of Allstate Flooring. He was the 2002 recipient of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Leadership Award.

Joel Lefkowitz

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RETAILER ROUNDUP FLOOR & DECOR has opened new locations in Littleton, Colorado; Pensacola and Venice, Florida; and North Seattle, Washington. LEAP TOOLS, maker of the ROOMVO room visualization platform, is joining forces with QFLOORS, an award-winning provider of business management solutions to the flooring industry. The companies say the newly unified platform enables dealers to influence the entire customer journey, eliminate operational inefficiencies, and reduce the dependency on multiple service providers. Chad Ogden founded QFloors in 1999 with his brother, Trent.

Gary Sinise Foundation The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 78th home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom,

specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for U.S. ARMY STAFF SERGEANT DENNET OREGON took place in Murrieta, California. Flooring for the project was donated by WD Flooring. To learn more about how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

MOISTURE METERS

WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.

Introducing the new Let the JX meters and EDGE™ App take you to the next level of pin meters for Lumber, Woodworking and Wood Flooring Professionals. JX-20 and JX-30

www.delmhorst.com 877-DELMHORST (877-335-6467) info@delmhorst.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Floor focus during former President Jimmy Carter's funeral UNIVERSAL FLOORS INC. worked inside the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., as part of the preparations for the funeral of former United States President Jimmy Carter earlier this year. The 39th president passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. SPRIGG LYNN says the core area on which the team worked is the entrance to the cathedral’s main altar, which features a wooden floor adorned with the Jerusalem Cross. It was a focal point during the funeral. “We had to utilize all of our expertise in recreating grain and filling and doing everything short of sanding it down to raw wood,” explains Lynn. “It was pretty beat up and

they didn’t have time to do a lot. We only had a couple of days to get in there and get it done.” In addition to the filling and repairs, they were tasked with touching up the wooden altars. Lynn notes that a team of four completed all of the incredibly detailed work in about 48 hours. “This is probably the most picturesque and humbling setting that we have worked in because it’s such a sacred

place,” says Lynn. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

To be included in the Business Briefs section of Hardwood Floors magazine, please send your happenings to libby.johnston@nwfa.org. Get in the news!

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LOBA COLORATION SYSTEM

Lasting Color, Effortless Installation, Timeless Beauty - For Wood Floors

Transform wood floors with LOBA Stain , LOBA 2K ImpactOil Color and LOBA PreTone — three products designed for both beauty and durability. LOBA Stain offers easy installation with a fast one-hour drying time, making your flooring project quick and hassle-free. Meanwhile, LOBA 2K ImpactOil Color penetrates deeply into the wood, providing exceptional wear resistance and a long-lasting finish. To intensify light colors with the ability to create custom colors under oxidizing oils, use LOBA PreTone prior to the application of LOBA 2K ImpactOil Color to enhance the natural beauty of your wood floor. Available in a wide range of colors, these products ensure your wood floor not only looks stunning but stays protected for years to come.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

CONTRACTOR CORNER

The Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), a division of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has announced RALPH FALAVINHA’S appointment as its new executive vice president. Falavinha succeeds WFCA COO Steve Abernathy, who has served as interim executive director for CFI.

THE WORLD FLOOR COVERING ASSOCIATION (WFCA) has acquired Flooring Consultants & Inspection Training Services (FCITS), a certification body for flooring inspectors.

Ralph Falavinha

DISTRIBUTOR DOINGS

CORUS FASTENING, a distributor of industrial fastening solutions and pneumatic tools, has been acquired by LINC Systems, a Center Rock Capital Partners, LP (“Center Rock”) portfolio company.

LANHAM HARDWOOD FLOORING DISTRIBUTOR has entered a partnership as the exclusive distributor of Superior Hardwood Flooring in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

WOODWORKING INNOVATIONS: VERSATILITY. EFFICIENCY. PRODUCTIVITY.

The NBS 300 uses CNC technology to grind the blades, providing for an accurate and precise sharpening of the profile on the bandsaw blades. The grinder comes with an integrated grinding wheel dressing attachment which will dress the grinding wheel automatically while the machine is running.

Thin-Cutting Frame Saws from Ogden cut thin veneer slats from solid wood blocks with minimal waste from saw kerf. Multiple saw blades as thin as .036” produce a smooth finish ideal for gluing. Applications include flooring, windows, doors, an d furniture.

Manufactured for the flooring industry, the PUR Continuous Roll Feed press is a fast and economical method for laminating the top wear layer onto a plywood substrate. The system can be manufactured with an automatic in-feed system. Also available with optional cut off saw.

Ogden Group • 1320 Industrial Drive • Matthews, NC 28105 USA Tel 704-845-2785 • Fax 704-845-1023 • e-mail: sales@ogden-group.com

www.ogden-group.com

WE’VE GOT UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Bruce ® , the preferred partner in hardwood, now offers Bruce Unfinished ™ hardwood—available in solid white and red oak, as well as a diverse range of unfinished engineered options. Made in the USA, Bruce hardwood floors have been trusted by trade professionals for over 150 years. • Select Grade • Square edges and ends for a seamless site finish • Precision milled for a fast, easy installation Bruce - the #1 most trusted name in hardwood

MADE IN THE USA with U.S. and Global Components

See us at the NWFA Expo Booth #605

*See warranty for additional details ©2025 AHF, LLC. All trademarks are owned by AHF, LLC, or its subsidiaries or affiliates. www.bruce.com | 1-855-243-2521

Wood Stock

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUGGINS WOOD FLOORS

By Burt Bollinger Joe Avila of Huggins Wood Floors, based in Westfield, New Jersey, undertook a project that blended precision craftsmanship with extraordinary material demands. The project was commissioned for Rare Violins of New York, located in the iconic Carnegie Hall Tower, and involved a flooring installation as unique as the space itself. Rare Violins serves as a haven for world-class violinists, many of whom have a deep familiarity with wood and its subtleties. From tone to grain, every detail mattered. “These clients know wood,” Avila explained. “They deal with wooden instruments every day, so they were hypercritical of every aspect – color, texture, and grain.” Extraordinary Chevron Floor RARE VIOLINS’ Crafting Elegance:

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Avila first learned of the project when Alan Lindenfeld, a high-end architect in New York City, reached out for assistance. Lindenfeld explained that his clients were seeking a special type of wood, one with a distinctive natural color and grain. They were introduced to African Doussie, a rare species offered by Italian mill Listone Giordano. The clients immediately fell in love with its rich reddish orange tones, soft brown hues, and the way it patinas into a warm brownish-red. “When you see this wood, there’s no mistaking it,” Avila noted. “You can’t replicate colors like that – it’s truly unique.” Sourcing the African Doussie came

which served as both a moisture barrier and an acoustic layer. “The adhesive was critical in ensuring the longevity and performance of the floor,” Avila said. Avila’s team had prepared detailed CAD drawings to guide the installation process, ensuring that every plank aligned perfectly. “Chevron patterns are unforgiving – you have to get the angles and lines just right,” he noted. One specific challenge involved coordinating the chevron pattern with a yet-to-be installed sliding door. “We had to loose lay the boards in that area and adjust the pattern carefully so it would align perfectly once the door was installed.” Even with meticulous planning, challenges arose. The chevron pattern

“When you see this wood [African Doussie, a rare species], there’s no mistaking it. You can’t replicate colors like that — it’s truly unique. ... Every project teaches you something new. This one taught us the importance of patience and precision. When you’re working with wood this rare, you can’t afford to rush.” — Joe Avila, Huggins Wood Floors

required exact precision, and minor adjustments were necessary to ensure perfect alignment. Additionally, the natural variation in African Doussie’s color and grain posed difficulties when repairing minor damage after installation. “They wouldn’t accept a partial repair,” Avila explained. “Everything had to be perfect. We brought in a specialist to mix custom paints and dyes for touch-ups, which added another week to the project.” Beyond technical execution, Avila emphasized the importance of working with reputable suppliers and brokers when dealing with rare or regulated wood species. “A good importer is essential when working with a species that is listed in the CITES appendices,” he advised. “They understand the nuances of the process and can help prevent costly delays. The NWFA is also a great resource for guidance.” Despite the hurdles, the finished floor exceeded expectations. “The clients were thrilled,” Avila said. “Honestly, I’m not usually a fan of red or orange tones, but in this space, it just works. The floor feels luxurious and perfectly complements the entire color palette of the room.” The Rare Violins of New York project showcases the beauty and challenges of working with unique materials in high-profile settings. For Avila and his team, it was a reminder that great craftsmanship requires both skill and adaptability. “Every project teaches you something new,” he reflected. “This one taught us the importance of patience and precision. When you’re working with wood this rare, you can’t afford to rush.”

with its own challenges. The species is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), meaning its trade is strictly regulated. “CITES-listed wood requires meticulous paperwork for export and import,” Avila explained. “Every detail has to be in order when it goes through customs. We worked with a specialized broker to make sure the process went smoothly.” Even with these precautions, customs delays still added complexity to the project. “A lesson learned? Order 20 percent extra instead of 10. Running out of wood mid-project meant waiting weeks for additional material to clear customs.” The flooring itself included 3,500 square feet of solid planks, primarily laid in a striking chevron pattern. The planks measured 5” wide and 3/4” thick, with lengths ranging from 4’ to 12’ for the straight-laid areas and 30” lengths for the chevron design. Prefinished with a lacquer finish, the wood’s natural color remained consistent. This was a key consideration for the clients, who wanted to avoid the challenges of matching colors during future sanding or refinishing. “Stained floors are beautiful,” Avila explained, “but nothing beats the authenticity of Mother Nature’s palette. This wood’s natural tone was the perfect fit for the space.” The installation took place over a concrete subfloor that previously had supported LVT. Fortunately, the subfloor was already level, allowing the team to focus on sealing the concrete and using Bona 851 Quantum adhesive,

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Wood Stock

ART OF CRAFTING The a Custom White Oak Floor

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MSCS INC.

By Burt Bollinger

When Mike Somodean of MSCS Inc. in Roswell, Georgia, took on a kitchen renovation project for an interior designer’s personal home, he knew the stakes were high. Having worked with this client before, he understood her expectations for excellence. “She sent us inspiration photos to get started,” Somodean explains. “It had to stay in tune with the rest of the house, where she already had some existing 3¼” white oak.” From there, Somodean and his team brought her ideas to life, creating a custom patterned floor that seamlessly integrated with the home’s aesthetic.

Somodean emphasizes the importance of preparation. “Abraham Lincoln often is quoted as saying, ‘If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.’ That’s really the trick,” he says. “Whether it’s setting up your jig or prepping the subfloor, the groundwork is everything. The more time you spend upfront, the smoother the rest of the process will be.”

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The process began with a vision and evolved into a carefully crafted design. The chosen pattern, inspired by one of the client’s references, featured 27-inch square tiles installed on a diagonal. Each tile was framed by a stretcher board along its perimeter, with four triangles meeting at the center to create a striking geometric effect. Somodean and his team fabricated the tiles in their shop, using solid 3¼” white oak milled to random lengths. “We created a sled for the table saw to mill the individual triangles and boards,” he says. “Everything was joined together with tongue and groove, and we had to cut new grooves for each piece.” Achieving the required precision was a meticulous process. “We had to be accurate to within 1/32”,” Somodean recalls. “Most of the time went into setup – dialing in the jig, making trial runs, and ensuring everything

controlled basement, but it had settled over time,” he explains. “We had to level it, patch old vent holes, and sand the surface to ensure it was clean and flat.” The team then applied a liquid moisture retarder from Loba-Wakol and used a full-spread adhesive for installation. “We made sure the moisture retarder and adhesive were from the same manufacturer to avoid any adhesion issues,” Somodean adds. With the subfloor ready, the installation began. The large-scale tiles allowed for a straightforward process, guided by snapped chalk lines. Still, the team maintained vigilance, double-checking alignments to ensure a flawless finish. Moisture readings were taken throughout the process, as the wood – though locally sourced and acclimated – required careful monitoring to prevent future movement. The project extended beyond the new kitchen flooring, incorporating 1,300 square feet of existing flooring to create a cohesive look throughout the home. For the finishing touches, Somodean collaborated closely with the homeowner to achieve the desired color. “We did several color sessions,” he recalls. “She wanted a medium-to-light brown without too much yellow, so we used a two-step process with Rubio Monocoat products.” The first step involved Rubio’s Pre-Aging No. 5, followed by a hard wax oil in White 5 percent. “I am very happy with how it turned out. Every time you use a pre-aging or some sort of pre-treatment product, the results are spectacular compared to a regular stain and finish, so I am always partial to multi-step process coloration systems.” Reflecting on the project, Somodean emphasizes the importance of preparation. “Abraham Lincoln is often quoted as saying, ‘If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.’ That’s really the trick,” he says. “Whether it’s setting up your jig or prepping the subfloor, the groundwork is everything. The more time you spend upfront, the smoother the rest of the process will be.” For Somodean, the project was a success on multiple fronts. “We exceeded her expectations,” he says. “Seeing the client’s reaction when everything came together made all the effort worth it. That’s what it’s all about.”

fit perfectly. When you’re making the same cut hundreds of times, the slightest error can compound across the project.” The team also encountered challenges with material consistency. Boards varied nearly 1/8” in width, a discrepancy that could disrupt the uniformity of the tiles. Having faced a similar issue on a previous project, Somodean was prepared. “We culled the boards more aggressively this time,” he notes. “Even a hairline difference can add up when you’re dealing with multiple rows.” Once the tiles were fabricated, Somodean’s team turned their attention to the jobsite. The existing kitchen floors were removed, and the subfloor underwent extensive preparation. “The subfloor was plywood over a climate

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Wood Stock

By Burt Bollinger Spaces SHAPING Melissa Tressler and Andrew Wilkinson of Looking Glass Floors in St. Louis recently worked on a hardwood flooring project that gave them the chance to do something unique. What started as a straightforward flooring installation turned into a creative blend of patterns and materials, thanks to the homeowners’ interest in exploring design possibilities and the team’s ideas. The project began with a plan to install they reached out to us for the flooring after seeing some of our previous work,” Wilkinson explains. “Initially, it was going to be mostly straight lay flooring, but they mentioned wanting something different for the dining room. That’s when the idea for a herringbone pattern came into play.” During a discussion about the dining room, the team noticed the potential in a nearby breakfast nook, which had an octagonal shape. “The homeowners hadn’t considered doing anything special in that space,” Tressler says. “But when we stood in the room and looked up, we saw the beams on the ceiling coming together in a central point, and that inspired us. Why not reflect that design on the floor?” The team developed a custom wagon-spoke pattern for the nook, taking the geometry of the beams and mirroring it on the floor. “We went through six or seven sketches before landing on the final red oak flooring in most of the home. “One of our guys had a friend who was hiring another company for renovations, and

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOOKING GLASS FLOORS

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design,” Wilkinson says. “The homeowners loved the idea of using some of the existing red oak we were pulling out, combined with new wood for the spokes.” The design was intricate, with each spoke made from quartered white oak, ripped down the middle and bookmatched. “We folded the boards open like a butterfly and doweled them together,” Wilkinson says. The spokes radiated outward from a Bolivian walnut centerpiece, which was cut precisely using a jig. A maple cross and white oak petals surrounded the center, creating a clean, detailed look. “We worked from the center outward, making sure every piece was cut to fit perfectly,” Wilkinson explains. The entire floor was prebuilt in their

workshop to ensure accuracy. “We drew the design to scale on 4x8 sheets of plywood,” Tressler says. “Laying it out in the shop was essential – we didn’t want to leave anything to chance.” Once on-site, the team prepped the subfloor with a liquid moisture barrier and used Wakol glue to secure the pieces. “We squared the space with a laser level and aligned everything to the ceiling beams,” Wilkinson adds. “The pre-planning made the installation much smoother, even when we needed to make minor adjustments.” Attention to detail was critical, especially with the tongue-and-groove work. “We grooved all the pieces in the shop,” Wilkinson notes. “Having everything grooved allowed for a tighter fit, which made a big difference during installation.” The installation itself took a day and a half. Sanding and finishing followed, with the team drum-sanding the floor flat and using a multi-disc machine for the final passes. The homeowners chose a darker stain – Bona Cocoa – finished with ProCoat. “The dark finish looks great and matches the home perfectly,” Tressler says. “Although some of the wood details aren’t as visible, the floor ties the whole space together.” The homeowners were thrilled with the finished floor and have even started looking for a glass-top table to make sure the design remains visible. “They told us the floor has become a centerpiece for the home,” Tressler says. “Hearing that makes all the planning and hard work worthwhile.” For Tressler and Wilkinson, the project was a chance to take a standard installation and turn it into something personal and distinctive. “Having clients who are open to new ideas really makes a difference,” Wilkinson reflects. “And when it all comes together, it’s a win for everyone.”

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

THE HARDWOOD FEDERATION FLY-IN Join Us in D.C. and Make Your Voice Heard

ADOBESTOCK ©

An advocate is defined as a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. Advocates also are known, in government and politics, as lobbyists. Whether you call it advocating or lobbying, the goal is still the same: to educate or persuade members of the government, including members of Congress, to enact legislation and policies that benefit their group. Advocacy can take place at any level of government. Have you ever disputed a parking ticket? Signed a petition for a new stop sign? Met with a school principal about the bully that pushed your child during recess? What about applying for and defending a permit for your business? You are an advocate for yourself and for things you care about: your family, your community, and your business.

The annual Hardwood Federation Fly-In to D.C. is quickly approaching. This year we will meet in Washington, D.C. from Tuesday, May 13 through Thursday, May 15 to take our story to the Hill. Make your plans now to join us as we advocate for the U.S. hardwood industry.

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By Dana Lee Cole

As the level of government moves up, the role of the advocate becomes more important. The higher the office…local to state to federal… the more issues elected officials and full-time government workers must deal with on a daily basis. Not only are there more matters to consider, but they also become increasingly complex the closer to Washington one gets. Trade associations, like the Hardwood Federation, are important to the business community because they are able to focus day in and day out on a specific set of problems and can consistently communicate with and educate policy makers on the impacts proposed legislation and regulation can have on employers and employees in their communities. Trade associations also develop consistent messaging that represents general industry agreement on important issues. In a perfect world, everyone in the industry can deliver the same message

and strengthen the argument to make policy that best supports hardwood businesses. Your day-to-day focus is on business, not on politics. The Hardwood Federation focuses on politics to make your job easier.

Join us for the HARDWOOD FEDERATION FLY-IN May 13 - 15 Washington, D.C.

The Hardwood Federation team is proud to represent the industry in Washington, but we can’t and don’t do it by ourselves. The Hardwood Federation Fly-In to D.C. has always been a highlight of our advocacy program. The second Trump Administration is moving at a blistering pace, making decisions and initiating policies that could have long-term, significant impacts on the U.S. hardwood industry. The noise in D.C. is loud and unending, but we continue to raise our voices over the din. We urge you to join us in May. Meet your federally elected officials. Tell your story.

Government Affairs (Continued)

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) meets with Wil Maxwell of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring (right) and Andrew Maxwell (center) during the 2024 Hardwood Federation Fly-In.

Alex Staalner of Brookhuis America (third from left) and other Hardwood Federation advocates met with Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) during the 2024 Hardwood Federation Fly-In.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NWFA

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) chats with Bill Joyce of Middle Tennessee Lumber (fourth from left) and other industry advocates during the 2024 Hardwood Federation Fly-In.

Network with your peers. Help us make the case for policies that work FOR the hardwood industry, not against it. The Fly-In is an excellent opportunity for members of the hardwood industry to educate members of Congress about the U.S. hardwood industry and let their members of Congress know just how businesses and employees are affected by the decisions being made on Capitol Hill. The impacts of Trump trade policies and tariffs on our sector will almost certainly be our top priority issue. A close second will be restoring important tax cuts that support our hardwood Industry leaders met with Marc Molinaro (R-NY) during the 2024 Hardwood Federation Fly-In. Lawrence Skutelsky (PID Floors), Jeff Meyer (Baillie Lumber Company), Ethan Natkin (Rowan University), Dan Natkin (Essex Finishing), Congressman Molinaro, Matthew Gutchess (Gutchess Lumber Company), and Steven Skutelsky (PID Floors).

businesses. Regulatory and transportation issues also could rise to the top. In this fast-paced environment it is difficult to say for sure, but we are confident the most current concerns will be at the top of the list. From past experience, we know that direct communication with knowledgeable industry members is key to establishing and growing legislative contacts and their awareness of the hardwood industry. Your participation is important and very much valued. Please reach out to us if you have questions or thoughts. Dana Lee Cole is the executive director at the Hardwood Federation, a Washington, D.C.-based hardwood industry trade association that represents thousands of hardwood businesses in every state in the United States and acts as the industry advocacy voice on Capitol Hill. She can be reached at dana.cole@hardwoodfederation.com.

You can find out more about the Hardwood Federation, our priority issues, and the Fly-In at hardwoodfederation.com or by visiting this story on HARDWOODFLOORSMAG.COM

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By Steven Skutelsky

Along with all-things-wood-floors, we also happen to love pets. We have always been a pet-friendly showroom, encouraging clients to shop with their dogs. We love it and our clients love it. You often will be greeted by my wheaten terrier, Mylo, or our business development executive’s (also known as my brother, Lawrence) dog, Brady. Last year, while hosting an event for the American Institute of Architects, New York Chapter (AIANY) at our

In the wood flooring industry, sometimes we try to avoid conversations about certain things that are harder topics to discuss, such as pets. Pets are probably on par with moisture for fear factor. It's a little scary to talk about wood and moisture and pets. However, our job is to educate our clients. To not avoid those harder conversations and to make sure that the proper steps are taken so that their floors can be maintained.

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Design Trends (Continued)

new flagship showroom in New York City, we were approached about the idea to co-host another event with them, specifically regarding the topic of pet-friendly design. We are seeing now, more than ever, that pet-friendly and pet-centric design has been a huge trend for homeowners as well as the architecture and design (A&D) community. We jumped at this opportunity to spend an evening in discussion with incredible architects and designers while also having the PID Floors flagship filled with puppies. Honestly, what could possibly be better? This is where and how “AIANY’s Party & Workshop” was born. Last November, AIANY Committee on Residential Architecture and the AIANY Design for Aging Committee co-hosted a cocktail party and conversational workshop at our PID Floors showroom to allow dog-loving designers to share knowledge and experience gained from successfully creating dog-friendly spaces. Puppy Talk & Pimm’s Cup: A Dog-loving Designer Cocktail

Panelists included dog-loving designers Elaine Santos, principal from Elaine Santos Design; Christopher Gardner, principal TUNA Architecture; and Namita Modi, principal of Modi Architecture of Design and co-chair of the Committee on Residential Architecture (CORA). Modi opened the event sharing, “We thought it would be fun to have an event that talks about designing for your pets. We get very specific requirements, especially in custom residential work.” That evening, Ilya Meltser, our VP of sales operations, shared some of the technical aspects regarding wood floors and pets. In the wood flooring industry, sometimes we try to avoid conversations about certain things that are harder topics to discuss, such as pets. Pets are probably on par with moisture for fear factor. It’s a little scary to talk about wood and moisture and pets. However, our job is to educate our clients. To not avoid those harder conversations and to make sure that the proper steps are taken so that their floors can be maintained. Not every space, not every client, not every job is the same, which is so important when we are interacting with our clients and finding out what floors will best suit their homes, lifestyles, and needs. More often than not, people who come to us to buy wood floors care about sustainability. And we firmly believe there is not a more sustainable option for a pet-friendly surface than wood floors. Life is messy and things happen – especially on a wood floor. That is why lifestyle and approach to maintenance are so important. This is why we ask clients, “How often do you want to do maintenance on your floors?” A UV coating will allow for more time to react after accidents. While oil finishes may stain more quickly initially, they overall will be easier to repair in the future than UV coated floors. Harder species of woods can be chosen to help with preventing scratches and dents as can commercial grade floors that have been created specifically to take more wear and tear. Lighter colors, more matte finishes, and leaning into the big trend of returning to a more natural look and feel with movement and grain will all help with the inevitable scratches and dents that happen with our beloved pets. We also would make lifestyle suggestions for pets and wood floors such as having a mat at the door for wiping paws and keeping our pets’ claws trimmed. Steven Skutelsky is managing partner at PID Floors in New York City, New York. He serves on the NWFA’s board of directors and is an NWFA Certified Sales Advisor. To learn more about PID Floors’ event and see additional puppy photos visit pidfloors.com/blogs/news/aiany-puppy-talk.

As AIANY wrote: “When it comes to designing residential and live/ workspaces for clients who share their place in the world with dogs, it is obvious that the design team would need a good handle on what allows for creating practical, attractive, and enduring dog friendly spaces. However,

unlike other aspects of the design professions, there are few sources – and opportunities to share in conversations – regarding how best to do so… The goal of this dog-loving designer event is to raise awareness about the best techniques and materials that are available for creating dog-friendly residential architecture, finishes, and furnishings.”

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LEGAL BUSINESS BEST PRACTICES

PREVAILING PARTY ATTORNEY’S FEES With much focus on provisions such as services, fees, and cancellation, you may be bleary-eyed by the time you reach the end of a contract. Yet often at the end of the contract are the “boilerplate” provisions which could be very costly. As such, it is critical to watch out for these clauses and know which issues to flag and to address in contract negotiations. COSTLY "BOILERPLATE" PROVISIONS IN CONTRACTS THERE IS NOTHING FINE ABOUT FINE PRINT: 1

ALL PHOTOS ADOBESTOCK ©

In the United States, the general rule is that each party pays for its own attorney’s fees unless they agree otherwise in a contract. In contracts, the other party often will include language addressing the payment of attorney’s fees such as the following: “In the event of any dispute involving this Agreement, the prevailing party is entitled to recover its attorney’s fees and costs from the non prevailing party.”

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By Barbara F. Dunn

2 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

While this language may seem innocuous, its effect is anything but innocuous. The provision, though softly worded, has a significant impact: the losing party pays the winning party’s attorney’s fees and costs in addition to paying its own attorney’s fees and costs. This provision often rears its head in settlement negotiations with the other side saying that they will be the winner and therefore if a settlement is not reached, the other side will be paying double the amount of attorneys.

The contract is the contract and there’s nothing else you can be bound to – correct? That statement may in fact be false if there are provisions in a contract that incorporate other documents merely by referring to such

documents by reference. Often, the language will be included as follows: “The terms of this Contract, together with the policies and procedures of the Facility, shall constitute the parties’ entire agreement.” Again, while this provision may appear innocuous on the surface, its impact can be costly. When I see this type of provision, I frequently will ask my client whether they have received a copy of the Facility’s policies and procedures. If they have not, I recommend they do so and ensure that they agree with all terms included in the document because simply by referring to the policies and procedures as indicated above, the client will be bound to its terms. If the client agrees with the terms, then the language can remain in the contract; however, they will want to modify the provision to state “the policies and procedures of the Facility as attached” so as to ensure they will not be bound to modifications to the provision.

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