About
For decades, architects and interior designers have faced a rigid dichotomy in material selection: specify the unmatched warmth and prestige of genuine hardwood, or capitulate to the utilitarian durability of synthetic alternatives in high-moisture zones. Hartco, a brand with a century-long legacy in American flooring, has effectively dismantled this barrier with HydroBlok™ Waterproof Engineered Hardwood. By fusing a hyper-dense waterproof core with authentic timber veneers, Hartco offers a solution that satisfies the aesthetic demands of high-end design while meeting the rigorous performance standards required by facility managers.
With roots stretching back to 1946 and a history of manufacturing excellence in the United States, Hartco has long been synonymous with quality craftsmanship. The company’s mission extends beyond simple manufacturing; they aim to act as a "Customer Driven Manufacturer," empowering stakeholders to create spaces that inspire. HydroBlok™ represents the pinnacle of this ethos—a direct response to the market's need for a wood floor that acts like a waterproof surface without sacrificing the organic beauty that only nature can provide.
HydroBlok™ is not a wood-look simulation; it is a composite engineering marvel topped with genuine sliced or rotary-peeled hardwood. This collection is specifically engineered to perform in environments where traditional solid wood would catastrophically fail, such as commercial bathrooms, break rooms, and below-grade basements.
For the design professional, HydroBlok™ offers a critical advantage: visual continuity. Historically, designers had to transition from hardwood in a lobby to tile or vinyl in a wet area, disrupting the visual flow of a space. HydroBlok™ allows for a singular, cohesive flooring language throughout a project.
The collection features varied textures—from the subtle sophistication of Wire-Brushed finishes to the rustic character of Hand-Scraped surfaces. Colors range from the airy, Scandinavian-inspired "Abundance of Light" to the grounding, deep tones of "Forager Brown." This versatility allows the product to anchor diverse design narratives, from biophilic corporate offices to luxury hospitality suites, without the "plastic" sheen often associated with WPC or SPC alternatives.
Facility managers and specifiers will appreciate the robust engineering underpinning the HydroBlok™ system. It is built to withstand heavy foot traffic and rigorous cleaning protocols.
The surface is fortified with HartGuard® Ultrashield, which includes Cleantivity™ Antimicrobial Protection. This integrated technology inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew—a vital feature for maintaining healthy indoor environments in shared commercial spaces. Additionally, the flooring boasts a Janka hardness rating of up to 2,500, significantly outperforming standard White Oak (1,360), making it exceptionally resistant to indentation from static loads or impact.
Hartco demonstrates its commitment to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) through FloorScore® Certification (SCS-FS-05601), ensuring the product meets strict low-VOC emission standards favorable for LEED and WELL building projects. Furthermore, every plank includes an attached 1.5mm IXPE pad. This integrated underlayment not only simplifies installation (floating or glue-down) but also provides superior acoustic dampening—a key metric for noise control in multi-story developments.
The confidence Hartco places in HydroBlok™ is reflected in its warranty structure. The product carries a 50-Year Limited Residential Warranty and a substantial 15-Year Limited Commercial Warranty. This level of coverage provides long-term peace of mind for commercial investments, ensuring that the floor will maintain its structural integrity and finish under the stress of daily operations.
Note: While specific named case studies are proprietary to client privacy, HydroBlok™ is widely specified in sectors requiring "resimercial" design—such as boutique hotels, senior living facilities, and corporate headquarters—where the warmth of home meets the rigors of public use.
Hartco HydroBlok™ Waterproof Flooring represents a paradigm shift in material specification. It liberates architects and designers from the constraints of moisture management, allowing genuine hardwood to reclaim spaces previously lost to synthetics. For the facility manager, it delivers the low-maintenance, high-durability profile of a rigid core floor with the undeniable value of real timber.
Next Step: To view the full range of textures and finishes, or to request architectural samples for your next project, visit the Hartco Official Website or contact your local commercial flooring representative.
