Fresno, CA July 5, 2007—Over the last several decades, engineered flooring has brought a combination of hardwood floor elegance and much-needed durability to homebuilding. But aesthetic quality in mass-produced product has left much to be desired, especially for customers seeking truly unique character and elegance. Now, however, Renaissance Old World, Inc., has applied time-honored European handcrafting to the modern technology of engineered flooring—with breathtaking results.
The company’s dedication to quality artistry begins with the veneer. While industry-standard thickness ranges from 1/16” to 1/8”—even from those boasting “high quality”—the hardwood veneer utilized by Renaissance Old World measures 3/16”, a full fifty percent thicker than the heaviest standard mass-produced varieties.
Building on this thicker veneer, the company’s craftsmen then utilize the unique character of the knots and character marks of the wood itself to create a look like no other. With subtle tool marks, added distressing and aged patina, the result is a floor that makes a quiet but startlingly beautiful statement. Skilled artisans work with the same European woodworking tools and techniques that have been in use for over 300 years, and each plank is signed by its craftsman.
Due to its design, the floor is also nearly maintenance free; the design hides wear rather than highlighting it. Because of this, refinishing the floors isn’t necessary and they are re-coatable for years to come.
Unlike mass-produced engineered flooring manufacturers, Renaissance Old World produces no “stock items”—each floor is custom-made to order. This allows a full choice of options in terms of wood species, texture, colors, and finish. Unique combinations are also available—for example, a darker walnut tone can be placed on a traditionally lighter maple grain.
The company’s craftsmen are also adept at matching existing flooring. For example, a home might have a hundred-year-old hardwood floor, which can be seamlessly matched with “new” flooring from Renaissance Old World. Or in new construction, a builder might recommend an engineered floor for one section of the home and a traditional hardwood floor for another due to part of the home being on a concrete slab. The engineered floor would be indistinguishable from the traditional floor.
Founded in Salinas, California in 1987, Renaissance Old World, Inc., produces all aspects of handcrafted Old World interiors, from flooring and cabinetry to doors and millwork. Demand for the company’s products spurred the company’s relocation, in 2000, to larger quarters in Fresno, California.
The company has a growing network of dealers around the country, and prospective customers can learn more about Renaissance Old World custom floors by visiting the company’s web site at www.carving.com.
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