Perspective Rays

exotic wood composition

In 2018, we were contacted by a client with a challenging dilemma. They had a unique wood floor arrangement in the foyer of their Midtown apartment that had become visibly worn and damaged over the years. Composed of specifically oriented planks of Yellowheart (Amarillo), Padauk, and Wenge, the resulting contrasting rays and unifying band were tied to the geometry of the room and offered a unique forced-perspective decor that the client wanted desperately to preserve, but the existing planks proved to be too chipped and damaged to warrant a thorough restoration.

So, we agreed to create a refined replica of the existing design - reinforced for longevity with a new plywood sub-floor, cutting edge flooring adhesives with moisture protection, and invisible fasteners for added stability.

In order to ensure the smoothest installation and to avoid the traditional discomfort associated with a lengthy remodeling project, we agreed to organize the majority of the production stage of this project off-site. Additionally, the existing moldings could not be removed to accommodate our replacement of the wood floors so our new segments had to be particularly precise in order to fit together within the confines of the foyer.

We began by taking careful measurements of all sides of the perimeter of the working area, then recording all points of intersection of each species, and finally specifying the angle of each segment as local coordinates of its intersection point with the internal rounded section. Using this information, we were able to mill precise prototypes of each segment of the design out of thin plywood. We then deliver it on-site for a quick quality check and fitting, and note any areas that may need slight adjustments.

After verifying the accuracy of our template segments, we begin organizing production of each section using the finish materials - yellowheart, padauk, and wenge. Since proper grain direction is key to creating the desired effect, each plywood template was marked with a line - indicating the line parallel to which the planks had to be adhered to create the given segment. Each section was then carpet-taped to a yellowheart or padauk blank and trimmed flush.

The larger segments were more difficult to handle but were completed according to much the same principle.

After creating all segments with their appropriate plank directions, we scheduled the removal of the existing wood flooring, followed by the installation of a new plywood sub-floor, and finally, the installation of the replica arrangement. The process of installing the floors proved similar to arranging a jigsaw puzzle with the additional step of having to build each piece of the puzzle out of planks before it could be secured into place.

After installation, the entire area is carefully and methodically sanded according to the standards established by the National Wood Flooring Association. The floor is inspected and touched-up where necessary in between every grit of sanding.

After thorough cleaning and vacuuming, the floors were ready to be treated with a tannin blocker in preparation for the finish - in this case, a European hardening oil.