Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/354800
W When classic looks meet practical application processes, homeowners and businesses are the winners with hard- wood �looring options. Torlys, a global � looring company that specializes in beaut if ul, env ironment ally-responsible � looring , has revamped its line of eco-friendly hardwood �loors. "This year Torlys smart �loors product line will include the new Artisan Elite and Artisan Premier," says Brian Gencher, VP of mar- keting. "These beautiful character �loors have matte-�inish, handscraped and wirebrushing techniques to bring out old- world charm. Torlys has also recreated its line of Everest Elite, Everest Premier, Summit Elite and Summit Premier lines to include trend-forward styling and sophistication." Torlys smart �loors use the patented Uniclic joint to cre- ate an extensive selection of reuseable �loors. Most hardwood collections have CorkPlus attached cork backing for sound absorption and comfort, and offer Microban antimicrobial protection inhibiting growth of mould and mildew. New to the Torlys family of products is Marquee Floors by Torlys – a collection of superior-engineered SuperSolid hard- wood �loors available in three-inch, �ive-inch and seven-inch widths and up to six-foot lengths. "This brand new collection of �loors is 100 per cent hardwood and utilizes a specialized E-Lock Hardwood Core technology that provides unparal- leled strength and stability, creating hardwood �looring that looks like solid �looring, but doesn't gap, cup, or dent like tra- ditional solid �loors," says Gencher. "Marquee SuperSolid can be installed in all �loors of the home, including basements, and can be �loated, nailed, or glued and installed over radiant heat. This �looring will be available late summer, 2014." Canadian manufacturer Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring announced the launch of two unique, natural, eco- friendly, air-purifying hardwood �looring lines for 2014. The Organik Series and Authentik Series replicate the beauty of the original sources of wood. "In every facet of home décor, we're seeing a resurgence of all things natural and nostalgic as people look to return to their roots in our increasingly techno- logical world," says Priscilla Bergeron, communication man- ager for Lauzon. "Ironically, new technologies are enabling the creation of stunning, authentic hardwood �looring that mim- ics the magni�icence of a simpler time." Bergeron says some of the latest trends in hardwood �loor- ing include the rustic look, matte �inish, oversized planks and lighter colours. "One of today's popular wood �looring is rich with history and character with a true rustic look. Its �laws make it �lawless. On a more modern side, matte �inish, or low- gloss surfaces are popular, especially those that have been scraped with a soft wire brush, revealing the true character of the grain." Oversized planks are also a sought after product. "Big- ger is better when it comes to wood planks. Larger and lon- ger boards add visual interest to a room, as does combining multi-widths in one space," adds Bergeron. "On another front, the movement towards natural, light and soft wood colours is growing, as neutral tones tend to reveal more of the grain pattern and create a welcoming feel in a room." Both the Organik and Authentik Series are infused with Lauzon's Pure Genius smart technology – a �irst-of-its-kind innovation in hardwood �looring that makes homes healthier. When activated by natural or arti�icial light and by the move- ment of air, the �looring breaks down airborne toxins and sig- ni�icantly improves indoor air quality. TRC Flooring brings a classic look with oil-�inished prod- ucts from Appalachian Flooring and Teragren. "Appalachian Flooring has expanded its Era Design offering with bolder colour tones in black walnut, white oak and hard maple," says Terry O'Neil, president. "The Era Design �loor has a way of drawing you into the room with its organic texture and luxu- rious beauty. The wood has a rich appearance created by an innovative oil process that preserves and protects the wood, yet the appearance of the wood is not obscured." For those who prefer the combination of extremely hard �loors and renewable oil �inishes, Teragren has introduced oil-�inished products in the Visions and Vantage II lines. "Ter- agren incorporates a great deal of time, skill and commitment to bring out the richest nuances of bamboo's colour and grain," says O'Neil. The company uses Optimum 5.5 Moso bamboo sustainably harvested at maturity, when it is most dense, and oversees all aspects of its manufacture, from harvest to dis- tribution. The Synergy and Portfolio Strand bamboo �looring average 160 per cent harder than red oak. The Traditional bamboo �looring averages 40 per cent harder than red oak and 12 per cent harder than North American maple. Adding to the Teragren selection, the durable Xcora � looring combined with a high-performance oil �inish Stand Your Ground HARDWOOD FLOORING BRINGS NATURE INDOORS by Laurie Jones Above: Teragren Visions in Slate Grey. Left: Vantage in Chestnut from Teragren/TRC Flooring. AUGUST 2014 /33 Hardwood Flooring