About
In the contemporary landscape of building materials, the selection of flooring for high-specification projects requires a delicate balance between aesthetic intent and structural performance. Craft Hardwood Floors (CRAFT) has positioned itself as a premier provider for architects, interior designers, and facility managers by bridging the gap between traditional artisanal woodworking and advanced material science. Founded in 2002, CRAFT has evolved from a specialized studio into a comprehensive manufacturer that prioritizes the health of the indoor environment alongside the durability of the installation.
The brand’s mission is centered on the concept of "Artisan Wood Floors," a philosophy that rejects the uniformity of mass production in favor of highlighting the organic, idiosyncratic nature of real timber. For the professional specifier, this means access to a material that offers the visual depth of reclaimed or hand-worked wood, backed by the predictable performance of a highly engineered system. This article provides a technical overview of CRAFT’s product offerings, their unique DACS III core technology, and their industry-leading sustainability credentials.
CRAFT’s product catalog is structured to provide designers with a diverse palette of species, textures, and formats suitable for a wide range of applications, from boutique hospitality and corporate headquarters to luxury multi-family developments. The core of their offering is built around several key wood species, each selected for its mechanical properties and visual versatility:
Beyond species selection, CRAFT differentiates its systems through format and texture. The LongCRAFT series is particularly relevant for large-scale commercial projects, offering planks up to 10 feet in length. These extended lengths significantly reduce the number of end-joints in a floor, creating a more cohesive and expansive visual field that minimizes "visual noise" in open-concept designs. Furthermore, every floor in the CRAFT portfolio is available in Herringbone and Chevron patterns, allowing for seamless integration into classically inspired or architecturally complex interiors.
At the heart of every CRAFT floor is the DACS III (Design for Advanced Core Stability) system. This is a third-generation engineered platform specifically designed to mitigate the natural movement of wood in response to fluctuating humidity and temperature. The system consists of a 5/8” (15mm) total thickness, featuring a 3.0mm solid-sawn wear layer. Unlike rotary-peeled or sliced veneers, a solid-sawn wear layer retains the same grain structure and structural integrity as solid wood planks, allowing for the floor to be refinished 2 to 3 times over its lifespan.
The core of the plank is constructed from structural-grade Canadian Spruce, which is hand-assembled to ensure optimal grain orientation. This multi-layered approach provides superior dimensional stability, making CRAFT floors suitable for installation over radiant heating systems and in environments where moisture levels may vary, such as coastal regions or high-rise buildings with controlled climates.
For interior designers, the visual characteristics of a material are as critical as its technical specs. CRAFT utilizes a proprietary VintageCRAFT process to achieve its signature textures. This process involves artisanal hand-working techniques—such as wire-brushing, hand-scraping, and specialized staining—that emphasize the natural grain, knots, and mineral streaks of the wood. This approach supports contemporary design trends that favor biophilic elements, where the goal is to foster a connection between the building’s occupants and the natural world.
The DuRa Finish™ system further enhances this aesthetic by providing a protective layer that does not mask the wood's natural beauty. Available in Ultra Matte and Commercial grades, these finishes offer an "oil-look" appearance with the maintenance ease of a high-performance polyurethane. The Ultra Matte finish is particularly popular in modern design, as it eliminates glare and highlights the tactile quality of the wood, making it an ideal choice for minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
For architects and facility managers, the environmental impact and indoor air quality (IAQ) of a flooring material are paramount. CRAFT has established itself as an industry leader in this regard, moving beyond basic compliance to achieve some of the most rigorous certifications in the building industry.
From a facility management perspective, the long-term maintenance and durability of CRAFT flooring provide significant value. The 3.0mm wear layer ensures that the floor can withstand the rigors of commercial foot traffic, while the stable Spruce core prevents common issues such as cupping, crowning, or gapping. When specified for commercial environments, the Commercial Grade DuRa Finish™ provides enhanced scratch and scuff resistance, extending the time between maintenance cycles and reducing the total cost of ownership.
While specific case studies vary by region, CRAFT Hardwood Floors are frequently specified in the following scenarios:
1. Luxury Hospitality: The combination of 10-foot planks and custom textures allows designers to create a sense of exclusivity and warmth in hotel lobbies and guest suites. The DACS III stability is crucial here, as it handles the heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning typical of the hospitality sector.
2. Corporate Offices: In the modern workplace, designers are increasingly using natural materials to improve employee well-being. CRAFT’s GREENGUARD Gold certification and sophisticated matte finishes make it a preferred choice for high-end corporate interiors that prioritize both health and brand image.
3. High-End Multi-Family: Developers specify CRAFT for its "buy-it-once" durability. The ability to refinish the solid-sawn wear layer multiple times provides a significant advantage for property managers looking to maintain the value of their units over several decades.
Craft Hardwood Floors represents a sophisticated synthesis of artisanal quality and industrial reliability. By focusing on advanced core stability, exceptional plank dimensions, and rigorous environmental standards, CRAFT provides a flooring system that meets the complex needs of today’s design and construction professionals. Whether the project requires the historical depth of reclaimed pine or the modern performance of stabilized white oak, CRAFT offers a solution that is both design-forward and performance-driven.
Next Step: Architects and designers are encouraged to visit the official CRAFT website to explore the full range of collections, download technical data sheets, and request physical samples for project submittals. Contacting a dedicated specification representative can provide additional support for custom requirements or large-scale commercial bids.
