By Matthew Spieler
When it comes to wood flooring this fall, what’s old is new as manufacturers continue to deliver goods that resemble time-worn classics in fresh, modern formats. That’s not to say rustic is the only style being introduced. Exotic species from around the world also continue to make their way to the U.S. And, don’t forget about technology. Today’s products are constructed in new ways and with new materials, allowing them to not only last longer and still look new, but also install easier and in areas once considered a no-no for wood.

A good example of a manufacturer bringing something different to the rustic segment is Natural Cork. Philippe Erramuzpe, COO, said the company is introducing a line of pine crafted in France with a natural oil finish. “Unique finishing techniques and surface treatments make these floors look antique. The colors are warm with earth tones. Our challenge is to educate our clientele with the proper maintenance of the oil finish system, which is something quite new for this market but has been very popular in Europe.”

Measuring 79 x 6.5 x 13/16 inches, Erramuzpe said the dimensions “are quite unique when compared with what is currently being offered in the pine flooring category.”

At Anderson, John Woolsey, vice president of marketing, said the company is expanding its handscraped offerings with the addition of Hickory Forge. Available in six colorations, each engineered plank “is handscraped by an individual artisan” for a more realistic distressed look.

Knowing the concern for over cutting wood from endangered areas, Woolsey pointed out Anderson’s new product is manufactured with domestic hickory from sustainable forests.

When it comes to sourcing the world for new and unique species, Armstrong’s New Global Exotics gathers wood from faraway lands into one collection featuring both engineered and solid constructions.

Dick Quinlan, general manager for Armstrong’s Bruce Hardwood Floors, said, “Species from around the globe have been gathered in different product structures—two solids plus engineered—and price points under one single brand name—Armstrong—to help dealers leverage the breadth of product line.”

While the Armstrong side traveled the globe for new products this fall, the Bruce side was busy constructing the Westchester 3/4-inch engineered plank. Quinlan said it offers the same thickness as a 3/4-inch solid but with a dimensional structure that can be confidently installed over subfloors with wide joist spacings to cover spans with low risk of movement.”

And, like a solid wood floor, Westchester can be sanded and refinished and even comes with a one-time sanding warranty.

On the commercial side, Armstrong is launching Premier Performance and Hardwood Parquet, each featuring an exclusive acrylic impregnation process.

Daniel Call, general manger of Armstrong Hardwood Floors, said, “They offer unprecedented indentation and wear resistance.” Along with the acrylic impregnation, which fills and supports wood’s open cells, they feature Armstrong’s Permion finish for easy maintenance and gloss retention.

Scandian Wood Floors’ Bacana line has been so well received the company has come out with a new glueless version, said John Patterson, vice president of sales and marketing. Utilizing a license from Unilin, the Uniclic locking system has been incorporated into the new Bacana Clic Collection.

Bacana Clic is a 3/8-inch thick by 4-inch wide product available in 4-foot lengths and will be available in seven species.