End block floors contain
hardwood that is cut from the end of larger
pieces of lumber. It's up to anyone's
imagination. One can use actual logs, or
products cut from 4 x 4's and the like.
Installation can be very time
consuming but rewarding. Typically rough cut
lumber is laid in a urethane based adhesive,
allowed to cure, grouted (filled), and finally
sanded and finished.
Metal Insets, Inlays
Brass is the most common
metal used with hardwood designs. They can help
define areas or changes in hardwood direction or
species within a defined area. These design
elements are usually thin material about 1/4
inch in thickness.
With the right
professional other metals have been used in
recent years including aluminum. These items can
be found in metal fabricating shops in your home
town. Installation, sanding, and finishing
requires some knowledge in the way metals can
react caused by friction in the sanding process.
Focal Points
Focal points are often
smaller prefabricated designs that can be used
virtually anywhere including the staircase
shown. Oshkosh Designs out of Wisconsin recently
introduced a number of these designs ranging in
size from 4 to twelve inch. Patterns include
compasses, starbursts, and botanical designs.
These designs come with directions, a template
for installation and are affordable to those
that cannot afford much larger medallions.
Our opinion is expect more
of these smaller designs in years to come. For
those with finer woodworking skills, simple
focal points could easily be a reality.
Fabricated or Job Site
Corners
These are designs that can
be purchased or created on the jobsite with the
same material being used. Jobsite designs will
require a lot of pre-planning and precision.
Some designs include Greek key borders or simple
basket weave corners.
Stenciling
Stenciled ideas can be
accomplished by anyone. However a basic
knowledge of when should be given top
consideration.
 For
unfinished floors a sealer coat should be
applied after the initial rough and finer
sanding is done. This will insure paints or dye
will not leach into adjacent areas.
Stone Medallions,
Mosaics
Manufacturers that offer
hardwood medallions can also track down other
designs possibilities. Included are granite,
ceramic, and travertine designs. Some higher end
designs actually contain stained glass.
Parquetry
Not so common are unique
parquet designs, except standard finger block
that has been popular in the past, found in the
big home improvement centers. Finer more
decorative parquet patterns can be customized
with practically any hardwood species. Some of
the more popular design names include
Canterbury, Marseille, Fontainebleau, and
Chateau.
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