PROCESS
From Forest to Floor
Sawn Wood
Forest
There are many elements that go into creating a unique hardwood floor. The region in which the tree grows, how the log is sawn, and how it is dried all come together to create a truly one of a kind floor. Our wood comes from northern forests, which with their cold winters slows the growth of the trees yielding tighter growth rings. This leads to better color consistency and a more sophisticated look than southern timber.
Tongue & Groove
Saw Mill & Kiln
Wood is debarked and then cut piece by piece to our specifications, Plain Sawn, Rift & Quartered, or Live Sawn. The wood is then graded and moved to the kiln to be dried.
At the kiln the wood is stacked on dryer sticks and left to air dry for a minimum of 4 weeks. The boards are then transferred into the kiln for 30 to 45 days. After the kiln the wood goes on to production.
Manufacturing
At the mill, each piece is individually inspected to determine which side will look the most unique as the face of the board and to determine any defects that should be cut out. Unlike larger companies who mass produce their wood, we are able to take a more hands on approach. Once the boards are completed, they are moved to stacking tables where the flooring is assembled into bundles and loaded on pallets.
Cross Finger Construction
Let’s talk construction methods. Cross finger (also known as cross block or lumber core) construction is the very best possible. It gives you the sand-ability of a solid and the stability of an engineered. Our veneers have a 5mm sawn face, not sliced or peeled, with a solid wood core and back. Other brands offer plywood construction with a 2mm to 4mm veneer.
Stanza Prefinish Machine
Off-Site Finish
A tremendous amount of care and precision goes into our UV Cured finishing. This allows us to achieve custom looks that cannot be replicated in the field. Based on your specifications, the boards are sanded, scrapped, wire-brushed, stained, and/or buffed (with oil and/or wax) by hand. When all finishing is complete the boards are carefully stacked, bundled, and finally loaded onto pallets.
Custom Finishing
NATURAL FINISH
A proprietary finish that we, at Hardwoods of Wisconsin have perfected over the last several years. The product still holds the natural beauty of unfinished wood, but it is protected by a finish. Available in poly urethane or natural oil.
BONA MATTE URETHANE
An industrial grade ultra-matte UV cured finish from Bona IC. Designed to withstand high levels of wear and scratch resistance. The urethane finish adheres to the wood and creates a barrier over the surface protecting the wood. Available in 12 standard colors. Custom colors available.
OSMO NATURAL OIL
An open-pored UV Cured finish that is 100% solids, no VOCs, self-sealing, and top coat. This finish works by using natural oil that penetrates deep inside the wood to strengthen the inner properties and create a barrier against dirt and wear. Available in 20 standard colors. Custom colors available.
WOCA NEUTRAL OIL
A neutral/invisible finish that gives the look of raw wood while still protecting the wood surface. Once applied, the finish is completely invisible but ensures a saturated and dirt resistant surface. This finish allows for the natural beauty of the wood to show through while still ensuring a long lasting product.
