At New York City Wood Floors, our expert craftsmen specialize in creating a wide range of hand-applied surface textures—each carefully designed to bring a distinctive, timeworn character to your wood flooring. These artisan techniques aren’t just finishes; they are stories written in grain and groove, celebrating craftsmanship and character.
As wide plank flooring continues to evolve, the desire for a floor that tells a story—one that feels lived-in and authentic—has grown. One of the most sought-after features in the past few decades is texture. By incorporating textures that echo centuries of foot traffic and handwork, we transform freshly milled planks into heirloom-quality floors with soul.
We often start by selecting random widths and traditional grades to establish authenticity. From there, texture techniques breathe additional life into each board—mimicking the gentle imperfections and handmade details seen in floors from centuries past. Some of these techniques even employ tools and methods used by craftsmen over 200 years ago.
Inspired by centuries-old floors worn smooth by generations of footsteps, our Brushed Texture technique brings out the natural variation in wood grain with elegant subtlety.
This process involves brushing each plank multiple times with a custom-designed multi-layer bristle tool that follows the soft grain, leaving the denser grain raised. The result? A natural, gently worn look that reveals the character of each board. If the crisp, smooth surface of a newly milled plank feels too polished, Brushed is the perfect way to introduce texture without sacrificing refinement.
For those who appreciate true craftsmanship, our Handscraped Edge treatment adds a handmade look to every board—bringing back a tradition that dates back over two centuries.
Historically, hand-planing was used to even out boards of varying thickness when mills were less precise than they are today. Today, we use a small block plane to ease the sharp edges of each plank, carving deeper in some areas and lighter in others. This adds a subtly undulating edge that looks as if it were installed by hand generations ago.
This technique is perfect for anyone seeking a uniquely handcrafted floor with the visual charm and historic depth of centuries-old craftsmanship.
We offer a curated range of historical surface treatments, including:
Each option is designed to enhance the visual and tactile experience of your floor, lending authenticity and sophistication to any space.
Our team works with leading mills and artisans around the world to bring you custom flooring options, rare finishes, and one-of-a-kind treatments. Whether you’re designing a Tribeca loft, a pre-war Park Avenue apartment, or a modern penthouse, we’ll help you craft the perfect floor.
Speak with a wood flooring specialist today to begin your journey. From concept to completion, we make it simple to design, select, and plan for your new bespoke wide plank wood floors.
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