Hardwood Floors February/March 2025

Wood Stock

By Burt Bollinger TERMINAL TRIUMPH A

When Chris Haight of Pure Floors Inc. first learned about renovations at the Portland International Airport, he had no idea of the scope of the project. The plan involved more than 70,000 square feet of custom wood flooring and a vision to make the airport an ode to the Pacific Northwest. For Haight, a second-generation hardwood flooring professional, this was not just another job – it was a chance to work on one of the most innovative airport designs in the country. “All the wood for the flooring needed to be locally sourced, FSC-certified, and sustainably harvested within a 100-mile

radius,” explains Haight. “This wasn’t just about creating a beautiful space; it was about reflecting the identity of Oregon and its relationship with the natural world.” The locally sourced white oak came from Zena Forest Products, a family-owned mill committed to sustainable forestry. The wood was milled into edge-grain (quartersawn) tiles, each measuring 7 1/2” by 15”. The edge-grain design not only offered enhanced stability in the face of Portland’s fluctuating climate, but also aligned with the airport’s seismic engineering requirements. “Edge-grain

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRIS HAIGHT | PURE FLOORS INC.

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