Le Luxe Sol Collection
The Luxury Floor Collection is an exclusive line of French Oak Flooring from the legendary forests of Northern France. Old growth forests are thoughtfully managed through the practice of Silviculture. Select trees are sustainably sourced at maturity of around 150 years. The growth, health, composition, and quality of the forests align to meet a variety of needs and values that are an important part of forestry and define Silviculture. Forest Stewardship Council chain of custody certification is available.
French Oak trees, Quercus Petraea and Quercus Robur, are slow growing, denser, and contain a higher concentration of tannins than American species. Tannins provide the mechanism for color reaction without traditional stains. All of the colors are achieved through a complex process of introducing reactives to the tannins which promote oxidation. Oxidation is the gain of oxygen and the loss of hydrogen. This complex process has been developed over many years. The results are earthy colors, organic in appearance, and a pleasant texture that feels amazing under foot.
The collection has three distinct categories: Manoir, Champagne, and Old Factory. Each category is handcrafted in a method rarely seen in today’s world. All are available in a solid or engineered platform.
OLD FACTORY – GRADE A, B, C, D
This floor has the most character and personality of the categories. Crafted by hand the edges are rounded. Cracks, water and oil stains are visible, providing a convincing design element. Some saw marks are visible. The planks have a modest undulation and are heavily brushed. Steel plates are optional. The texture is created with a nod to the past, employing the modern-day method of Shou Sugi Ban.
Shou Sugi Ban is a technique of carbonizing, or charring the planks in order to protect the wood against harsh elements and insects. Originating in the 18th century in Japan, Shou Sugi Ban is an ancient art that has been modernized. What began as a practical solution to an age-old issue is now used to shape sophisticated design.
CHAMPAGNE – GRADE A, B, C
MANOIR – GRADE A, B
PARQUETRY
Parquetry patterns are documented in design dating to the Roman Civilization. The Romans designed and hand-built over 250,000 miles of roads in various patterns. Herringbone was one of the most utilized patterns in Ancient Rome.
In the 16th century, Herringbone and Chevron wood floors were a symbol of affluence, made fashionable by the Palace of Versailles and Château de Fontainebleau. Parquetry was used extensively in Versailles and gained a prestigious parquetry pattern as its namesake. Not only beautiful, but substantially more stable, parquet wood floors have stood the test of time and are an attractive way to elevate a space.
