About
For architects, interior designers, and facility managers, the selection of flooring is a critical decision that balances aesthetic intent with long-term structural performance. Graf Custom Hardwood, headquartered in Portsmouth, Ohio, has established itself as a premier manufacturer of Appalachian hardwood flooring by maintaining a vertically integrated supply chain. By sourcing raw timber from within a 400-mile radius of their manufacturing facility, the company ensures a consistent supply of high-quality White Oak, Red Oak, Walnut, and Hickory. This localized sourcing strategy not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with logistics but also allows for stringent quality control from the forest floor to the final finish.
The brand is particularly recognized for its expertise in non-traditional milling techniques, specifically Rift and Quartered lumber. While many commodity manufacturers prioritize yield through plain sawing, Graf focuses on grain orientation to provide specification-ready flooring systems that meet the rigorous demands of high-traffic commercial environments and luxury residential applications. This dedication to technical excellence positions Graf as a key resource for professionals seeking durable, sustainable, and design-forward interior materials.
The product portfolio at Graf Custom Hardwood is divided into three primary categories, each engineered to address specific project requirements regarding site conditions, installation methods, and maintenance cycles.
Graf’s solid hardwood collection represents the traditional gold standard of the industry. These 3/4" thick planks are end-matched and precision-milled to ensure a seamless fit. For design professionals, the primary advantage lies in the available widths and cuts. While standard offerings often stop at 5", Graf’s capabilities extend to expansive widths of up to 11 1/2".
One of the most significant innovations from the brand is the GRAFCORE™ engineered flooring system. Unlike standard engineered products that utilize thin veneers over a plywood substrate, GRAFCORE™ employs a "solid-on-solid" construction. This method features a 4mm thick Appalachian hardwood wear layer bonded to a solid lumber core, typically comprised of poplar or pine, with a balancing bottom veneer.
This three-layer lumber core configuration provides several technical advantages for facility managers and installers:
To support fast-track construction schedules, Graf offers a comprehensive prefinished line. These products are treated in a controlled factory environment with Bona® High Durability Finishes. These UV-cured coatings provide superior resistance to abrasion and chemical stains compared to site-applied finishes. The prefinished collection often utilizes a 5/8" thickness with a 9-ply Baltic Birch core, ensuring world-class stability and a specification-ready finish from the moment of delivery.
As interior design trends shift toward biophilic principles—incorporating natural elements to improve occupant well-being—Graf Custom Hardwood provides the necessary material palette to achieve these goals. The visual characteristics of Appalachian timber are distinctive, offering tighter growth rings and more consistent color tones than timber sourced from other regions.
Designers can leverage various textures and patterns to define a space:
From a technical standpoint, Graf products are engineered to meet the demands of the modern built environment. For architects focusing on LEED certification or other green building standards, the brand’s sustainability story is a significant asset.
Dimensional Stability and Performance: Rift and Quartered White Oak, a Graf specialty, has a significantly lower shrinkage coefficient compared to plain-sawn lumber. This reduces the risk of gapping or cupping, even in large-scale installations where humidity control might be inconsistent. The Janka hardness ratings for their primary species—Hickory (1820), White Oak (1360), and Walnut (1010)—provide a range of durability options based on the anticipated foot traffic of the facility.
Environmental Responsibility: The Appalachian forest is a model of sustainable harvesting. According to data from the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. (AHMI), the region’s timber is growing at a rate far exceeding its harvest. Graf’s vertical integration ensures that every part of the log is utilized, and the use of low-VOC finishes in their prefinished line supports healthy indoor air quality, making these products suitable for education and healthcare sectors.
When specifying Graf Custom Hardwood, professionals should consider the specific demands of the project type:
Graf Custom Hardwood Flooring represents a synergy between traditional Appalachian craftsmanship and modern wood science. For architects, interior designers, and facility managers, the brand offers more than just a flooring material; it provides a specification-ready system capable of meeting the most demanding technical and aesthetic requirements. By prioritizing Rift and Quartered milling, innovating with GRAFCORE™ technology, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainable vertical integration, Graf ensures that every installation provides long-term value, durability, and design flexibility.
To further explore these solutions, professionals are encouraged to review detailed technical data sheets, request physical samples for palette matching, or contact a specification representative to discuss custom configurations for upcoming projects.
