How Hudson Yards condo owners replace builder flooring with wide plank or herringbone wood made for concrete slabs and tower living.
Upgrading floors in a new Hudson Yards condo? Call Joe Avila at (908) 232-6600 or book a virtual consultation.
The towers of Hudson Yards and West Chelsea deliver river views, floor-to-ceiling glass and amenity floors. What they often do not deliver is a floor that matches the view. Many owners close on a new apartment and then decide to replace the developer’s standard flooring with something more personal: an extra-wide plank that makes a long living room feel calmer, or a herringbone that gives the entry and dining area real presence. Here is how we approach that upgrade in a new tower.
Built for Concrete Slabs
New towers are built on concrete slabs, which is why engineered wood is usually the right starting point. Our herringbone collection includes engineered options made for modern builds, including installation over concrete and radiant heat. Before any wood is ordered, the slab’s moisture is evaluated, and on concrete that can include in-situ relative humidity testing under ASTM F2170. A new building’s slab may still be releasing moisture, so testing matters even when the apartment looks finished.
Extra-Wide Engineered Planks
In a long, open living room with a wall of glass, wide boards read as calm and expensive. The Nova Collection offers engineered planks 8-5/8″ or 9-1/2″ wide, in random lengths of 2 to 7 feet, with a 4 millimeter wear layer and light or full wire-brushing. Most are European oak, with American walnut options for a darker, richer apartment. Explore more in our wide plank collection.
European Oak Herringbone
Herringbone brings an old-world touch to a modern glass tower, and it handles open plans well, since the pattern flows from room to room without a clear direction. Our European Oak Herringbone can be finished pale and Scandinavian or warm and classic. Herringbone suits the entry gallery, the dining area and a library, while wide plank can run through bedrooms for a quieter feel.
Want to compare wide plank and herringbone samples in your apartment? Book a virtual consultation with Joe Avila.
Rift and Quartersawn White Oak for a Crisp Pattern
For a cleaner, more architectural look, rift and quartersawn white oak herringbone shows straight, even grain on every piece. Rift and quartersawn oak also tends to move more predictably across its width than plainsawn oak, which helps where large windows bring strong sun and seasonal humidity swings. It pairs well with minimal millwork and stone.
Working Within a New Condo Building
New condo buildings have their own rules for work hours, elevator bookings, insurance certificates and approval of the flooring assembly. We prepare the documentation, plan deliveries around the building’s schedule, and protect new kitchens, glass and millwork during the work. If the developer’s floor must come out, removal and disposal are planned with building management. Our dustless sanding keeps a finished apartment clean when site finishing is needed.
Ready to make your new apartment’s floors your own? Speak with Joe Avila.
Quick Answers
Can wood floors go over a concrete slab in a new tower?
Yes. Engineered options are made for installation over concrete, after the slab’s moisture is tested.
How wide can the planks be?
The Nova Collection offers engineered planks 8-5/8″ or 9-1/2″ wide in lengths up to 7 feet.
Should I choose herringbone or wide plank?
Many owners use herringbone in the entry and dining areas and wide plank in bedrooms for a quieter feel.
Why choose rift and quartersawn oak?
It shows straight, even grain and tends to move more predictably across its width than plainsawn oak.
Begin Your Hudson Yards 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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