Four light European hardwoods for Darien and New Canaan homes, from mid-century moderns to Colonials: maple, beech, acacia and chestnut.
Choosing floors for a Darien or New Canaan home? Call Joe Avila at (908) 232-6600 or book a virtual consultation.
New Canaan is famous for its mid-century modern glass houses, and Darien for its shingled Colonials near the Sound. Both reward a floor that is light, calm and a little unexpected. Oak is the default, but four European hardwoods in our Listone range offer a different character: maple, beech, acacia and chestnut. Each is solid wood, supplied unfinished or prefinished in UV oil or natural oil.
European White Maple
European white maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) is offered in a Superior selection, 20 millimeters thick in 141 and 181 millimeter widths, with random lengths from 300 to 2000 millimeters or more. Its pale, even surface suits a minimalist glass house where the floor should almost disappear and let the landscape lead. Maple is also made in a 90 millimeter herringbone. See how maple pairs with wenge in our parquet Model #2.
Steamed European Beech
Steamed European beech (Fagus sylvatica) comes in a Superior selection, in widths of 141 to 146 millimeters and 181 to 186 millimeters, with random lengths from 500 to 2000 millimeters or more. Steaming gives beech a soft, warm tone that sits between maple and oak. It has a fine, tight grain that looks refined in a study or a dining room. Like maple, it is made in a 90 millimeter herringbone for a patterned entry.
Steamed European Acacia
Steamed European acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) is offered in a Natural selection, in 141 and 181 millimeter widths with random lengths from 500 to 2000 millimeters or more. The Natural selection keeps more of the wood’s variation, giving a livelier floor than maple or beech. In a Darien family room or a kitchen that opens to the garden, that character hides everyday wear. It also comes in a 90 millimeter herringbone.
Want samples of these European species? Book a virtual consultation with Joe Avila.
European Chestnut
European chestnut (Castanea sativa) is the most versatile of the four, offered in Superior, Natural and Rustic selections and in straight widths from 141 to 201 millimeters. Its herringbone is 90 millimeters wide in 700 millimeter Italian, 620 millimeter French and 660 millimeter Hungarian lengths. Chestnut has an open grain similar to oak, which suits a Colonial or farmhouse. Compare it with reclaimed chestnut on our reclaimed wood page.
Finishing Light Hardwoods
Light species need a finish that keeps them light. Natural oils from Woca and Rubio Monocoat give a matte surface without the amber cast of many traditional coatings. For an even paler result, our white color effects use low-VOC lyes and white oils. Water-based finishes such as Loba are clear and non-yellowing. Stain samples are always laid on the floor before a choice is made. See our finishing packages.
Ready to choose your European hardwood? Speak with Joe Avila.
Quick Answers
Which light European species do you offer?
European white maple, steamed European beech, steamed European acacia and European chestnut.
Are these floors solid wood?
Yes. Each is solid wood, supplied unfinished or prefinished in UV oil or natural oil.
Can I get them in herringbone?
Yes. All four are offered in a 90 millimeter herringbone.
Which is the most versatile?
European chestnut, offered in Superior, Natural and Rustic selections and widths up to 201 millimeters.
Begin Your European Hardwood Floor With Joe Avila
Call (908) 232-6600, email joe@hugginsflooring.com, or book a virtual consultation. Explore herringbone, chevron, wide plank and parquet floors, or our sanding and refinishing and NWFA inspection services.
About The Author
Joe Avila is the founder of Huggins Wood Floor Specialist and leads New York City Wood Floors, a Huggins Wood Floor Specialist brand. He brings 26 years in wood flooring, is NWFA certified (CSI, CI, CWFI, CFS), and teaches AIA, IDCEC and ASID continuing-education courses. See his certifications.
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Contact New York City Wood Floors
Email: joe@hugginsflooring.com
Phone Number: 908-232-6600
Address: 406B West Broad Street, Westfield, NJ, 07090
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