Petit Chateau Collection: Quality Timber Flooring at a Reasonable Price

When it comes to quality timber flooring, nothing beats the natural elegance of European oak. Our Petit Chateau Collection is where timeless beauty meets modern craftsmanship, offering the best of oak flooring to elevate any space.

We designed Petit Chateau to offer New Zealanders timber flooring that embodies both fantastic quality and exceptional value. As wood flooring specialists, we’ve created a product that not only looks stunning but also meets the highest European standards. This range provides real value for money, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and durability of European oak without compromising on quality or our commitment to excellence.

Why Choose the Petit Chateau Collection?

The Petit Chateau range is crafted from premium European oak, known for its durability and striking grain patterns. We’ve meticulously designed this collection to provide luxury without the hefty price tag. Here’s what makes it stand out:

  • Thick, High-Quality Planks: Each plank is 15mm thick with a 4mm wear layer, ensuring longevity. This thickness allows for multiple refinishes, extending the life of your floor.
  • UV Lacquer Finish: The seven layers of German-made UV lacquer give a durable, smooth finish, which not only protects the floor but also brings out the natural beauty of the oak.
  • Value Without Compromise: We believe luxury doesn’t need to break the bank. By avoiding unnecessary processing, and focusing on quality over excessive grades, we deliver elegance and practicality.
  • European Charm: Each product is named after charming French towns, adding a touch of Europe to your home. Ever wondered why Lyon was chosen? It’s not just about the French aesthetic; it’s inspired by the town’s timeless elegance! 
European oak timber flooring dark brown thumbnail - Petite Chateau Nice
European oak flooring thumbnail light natural colour - Petite Chateau Bordeaux

Benefits of the Petit Chateau Collection

  1. Unmatched Durability: The robust 15mm thickness combined with the UV lacquer finish makes these floors built to last.
  2. Effortless Maintenance: Thanks to the lacquered surface, cleaning is simple. It’s perfect for busy homes and commercial spaces.
  3. Versatile Design: Whether you want a modern minimalist look or classic warmth, the natural grain patterns of European oak complement any style.
  4. Environmentally Conscious: The collection focuses on maximising the use of every piece of timber, reducing waste and making it a sustainable choice.
  5. Refinishable: With a 4mm wear layer, you can sand and refinish your floor several times, giving it a refreshed look whenever you desire.

 

Why You’ll Love It

Here’s a little-known fact: the Petit Chateau Collection’s name was inspired by the graceful architecture of French countryside estates. So, when you choose this range, you’re not just getting a floor; you’re adding a touch of European charm to your space!

Light Natural Oak Timber Flooring thumbnail - Lyon from Petit Chateau
Warm brown oak timber flooring thumbnail. Petite Chateau Oak Cannes

Looking For Quality Timber Flooring at a Reasonable Price?

The Petit Chateau Collection offers the beauty of European oak, real quality timber flooring, and unmatched value. Explore the range today and bring a slice of French elegance into your home.  Contact the team at Vienna Woods for samples and pricing information.

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Unique Elegance of Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Herringbone Timber Flooring - 44

At Vienna Woods, we are thrilled to introduce a truly exceptional range of aged and reclaimed timber flooring: Antique Floors from Luxembourg. These floors are not just visually captivating but also resonate with our values of sustainability and European craftsmanship.

 

Why Choose Antique Floors?

Authentic Reclaimed Wood:

Many of the Antique Floors products are made from upcycled materials.  In these cases, each plank tells a story and sometimes that story dates back 150 years. Antique Floors sources their reclaimed wood from historical structures, including century-old French train carriages and old barn rafters. This reclaimed timber offers a unique character, unmatched by new timber floors.

Sustainability:

By repurposing existing wood, Antique Floors significantly reduces the demand for new timber, aligning perfectly with our commitment to environmental responsibility. The use of recycled materials in these floors not only adds charm but also promotes sustainability in home design.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship:

Since 1982, Antique Floors has been handcrafting bespoke flooring. Reclaimed timber flooring and reclaimed wood in general is challenging to work with.  Their artisans are masters in their craft, meticulously selecting and processing each piece of wood to highlight its natural beauty and unique grain. This dedication ensures every floor is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Thermal treated oak flooring European made dark heavy texture timber

Product Highlights

Havane:

Unique, heat-treated planks with authentic end-grain inserts and interesting metal repairs. Available in a rich natural oak plank (300), a tobacco hue (301) and a dark charcoal colour (307).  Characterised by a structurally stable, colour-fast surface and natural imperfections of variations and beautiful repair work.  Perfect for both commercial and domestic projects due to their dimensional stability and high quality.

Le Bois Gouge Nature:

A luxurious timber flooring option made from sustainably sourced European oak. Each plank is hand-scraped by artisans in Luxembourg, featuring unique knots and grains that add rustic charm and durability. Engineered for stability and easy installation, this flooring suits various interior styles, from rustic to contemporary.

Wagon Boards:

Salvaged from old French train freight carriages, these boards add a rustic charm to interiors. Available in various finishes, they are a testament to the history and durability of reclaimed wood.  Repurposed wood flooring is cherished for the life it’s lived and the stories it could tell, but it also has to look amazing.  If you’re looking for the ultimate in reclaimed timber flooring, then Wagon Boards are the one.

Havane 301 Distressed Timber Flooring

Experience the Antique Floors Difference for Yourself

We invite you to experience the unique charm of Antique Floors firsthand. Visit our showroom for an exclusive viewing where you can see, feel, and appreciate the blend of history and quality craftsmanship. If a visit is not possible, our team is always available to provide more information and assist you in selecting the perfect floor for your project.  Click here to schedule a showroom consultation.

Availability

Each Antique Floors order is produced specifically to suit your space through our Special Order Program.  You can find our more about Vienna Woods Special Orders here.

Embrace the elegance of reclaimed wood flooring with Antique Floors from Luxembourg, available exclusively at Vienna Woods.

See the Antique Floors Collection

Oiled Timber Flooring in Christchurch Passive Home

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

In the picturesque coastal suburb of Sumner, Ōtautahi, a groundbreaking home is setting a new standard for sustainable, high-performance living with its oiled timber floor. Designed by Aaron Jones, director at Urbanfunction, this project, aptly named “Peak Performance,” demonstrates how energy-efficient principles can harmoniously coexist with architectural elegance. The home is a testament to the evolving vision of residential design in Christchurch, emphasising environmental responsibility without compromising on comfort or style.

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

Vision and Execution

The brief for was clear: create a near-passive house that serves as a warm, inviting family home. This was a personal project for Aaron, as the clients were his sister and her husband. Having designed their previous home, Aaron was determined to exceed expectations with this new build. The result is a meticulously crafted 300sqm residence that integrates durable, natural materials and cutting-edge energy efficiency.

One of the standout features of this home is its use of a naturally oiled European oak timber floor, supplied by Vienna Woods and crafted by Admonter in Austria. This high-quality engineered oak flooring is not only visually striking but also contributes significantly to the home’s sustainability and indoor air quality.  The homeowner was quite particular about avoiding harmful chemicals and an oiled timber floor was the obvious choice.  See another NZ home with Admonter oiled floors here.

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

The Role of Oiled Timber Flooring

An oiled timber floor plays a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the Peak Performance home. The choice of a naturally oiled finish over traditional lacquers aligns perfectly with the project’s emphasis on health, sustainability, and durability.

Oiled timber floors offer several benefits:

  • Natural Look and Feel: The oil penetrates the wood, highlighting its natural grain and texture, giving each plank a unique and organic appearance.
  • Durability: The oil finish provides a robust protective layer that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy family home while being easy to maintain and repair.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Unlike some finishes that can off-gas harmful chemicals, natural oils are non-toxic, supporting the home’s goal of low to no off-gassing.
  • Sustainability: The oil used in finishing the floors is derived from natural sources, aligning with the home’s overall eco-friendly ethos.

These benefits were particularly important for the homeowners, who desired an airtight home with low to no off-gassing. The natural oiled finish of the Vienna Woods European oak flooring ensured that the indoor environment remained healthy and sustainable.

Read more about the benefits of naturally oiled wooden flooring here.

Havane 301 Distressed Timber Flooring

Collaborative Excellence

The success of the Peak Performance project was the result of a collaborative effort involving several skilled professionals. Aaron Jones and the team at Urbanfunction worked closely with suppliers and craftsmen to ensure every detail met the high standards required for a super high-performance home.

  • Architect: Aaron Jones, Urbanfunction
  • Bespoke Cabinetry: Podocarp Cabinetry, responsible for the custom-made kitchen cabinetry and American oak joinery, which complemented the natural aesthetic of the oiled timber floors.
  • Photography: Stephen Entwisle of Right Angles Photography, capturing the beauty and functionality of the home with stunning visuals.

Sustainable Design Features

In addition to the oiled timber flooring, the Peak Performance home incorporates several innovative features aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability:

  • Twin-Skinned Timber Framing: Thicker than standard building code requirements, providing superior insulation.
  • Cross-Laminated Panel Flooring System: Enhances the structural integrity and thermal performance of the home.
  • Triple-Glazed Windows: Imported from Lithuania, these windows optimize natural light and solar gain while minimizing heat loss.
  • Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery System (MVHR): Ensures optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency by continuously exchanging indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

This home in Sumner stands as a beacon of what’s possible in sustainable residential design. With its naturally oiled European oak timber floors from Vienna Woods, it exemplifies the perfect blend of aesthetic beauty, durability, and environmental responsibility. As more homeowners seek to reduce their environmental footprint, the principles and practices demonstrated in this project will undoubtedly lead the way, showcasing the immense potential of super high-performance house design.

You may also be interested in these articles….

Sustainable and Compliant; Oiled Timber Flooring

The Different Finishes available for Engineered Timber Flooring

Oiled vs Lacquer Finish

Interested in how to care for an oiled floor?  You can see the care guide here.

See the Complete Timber Flooring Collection

Why Choose Oiled Timber Flooring?

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

Choosing the right finish for your timber flooring is a crucial decision. Among the various options available, oiled timber floors offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial spaces. Here are the top reasons to consider an oiled wood floor:

 

1. Natural Aesthetic Appeal

Oiled timber floors maintain the natural beauty and character of the wood. The oil enhances the grain and texture, providing a warm and inviting look. Unlike other finishes, it doesn’t form a layer on top but penetrates the wood, giving it a more natural appearance.

 

2. Easy to Repair Scratches

One of the significant advantages of an oiled hardwood floor is the ease of repairing scratches. Minor scratches and scuffs can be easily buffed out with a bit of oil, restoring the floor to its original condition without the need for sanding or refinishing.

 

3. No Need to Sand and Refinish

With an oiled finish, there’s no need to sand and refinish the entire floor to address wear and tear. Regular maintenance involves reapplying oil to high-traffic areas, which is a straightforward process compared to the intensive work required for lacquered or varnished floors.

 

4. Customisable Colours

Oiled floors offer the flexibility to adjust the colour of your wood floor. The oil can be tinted to match your desired hue, allowing for a customised look that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. This makes it an ideal choice for designers and homeowners looking to achieve a specific ambiance.

 

5. Environmental Benefits

Opting for an oiled timber floor is an environmentally friendly choice. The oils used are often derived from natural sources and are less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic finishes. Additionally, the maintenance process is gentler on the environment, requiring fewer harsh chemicals.

 

6. Better Humidity Regulation

Oiled wood floors have the unique ability to better regulate the humidity of a room. The oil allows the wood to breathe, which helps maintain a balanced indoor climate. This can be particularly beneficial in areas with varying humidity levels, reducing the risk of warping or cracking.

 

7. Enhanced Durability

The oil penetrates deep into the wood, providing enhanced durability and protection from within. This internal protection helps the floor withstand daily wear and tear, making it a long-lasting option for high-traffic areas.

 

8. Healthier Indoor Air Quality

Using natural oils for finishing timber flooring can contribute to healthier indoor air quality. These oils often have lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to synthetic finishes, reducing the emission of harmful substances into the air.

 

9. Low Maintenance

Maintaining an oiled timber floor is relatively easy. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp cloth are usually sufficient to keep the floor clean. Periodically reapplying the oil keeps the wood nourished and protected, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years.

 

10. Versatility in Application

Oiled finishes are versatile and can be applied to various types of wood, including engineered timber floors and natural wood flooring. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from traditional hardwood floors to modern engineered options.

 

11. The Timeless Elegance of Oiled Timber Flooring

Oiled wood floors offer a timeless elegance that complements any interior style. Whether you prefer a rustic, traditional look or a sleek, modern design, an oiled finish enhances the natural charm of the wood, adding value and beauty to your space.

 

Choosing an oiled timber floor brings numerous benefits, from easy maintenance and repair to environmental advantages and improved indoor air quality. Its natural, customisable finish and ability to regulate humidity make it a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for any home or commercial space. By opting for an oiled finish, you ensure a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly wood floor that will stand the test of time.

Havane 301 Distressed Timber Flooring

You may also be interested in these articles….

Sustainable and Compliant; Oiled Timber Flooring

The Different Finishes available for Engineered Timber Flooring

Oiled vs Lacquer Finish

Interested in how to care for an oiled floor?  You can see the care guide here.

See the Complete Timber Flooring Collection

The Timeless Craft of Hand-Scraped Custom Wood Flooring

The History of Hand-Scraped Custom Wood Flooring

Hand-scraped custom wood flooring dates back centuries, long before modern machinery was available. Historically, wood floors were scraped by hand to smooth out imperfections in the timber and to ensure an even surface. This labor-intensive process was essential for creating level floors in homes and buildings. Over time, this technique became more than just a necessity—hand-scraped floors gained a reputation for their rich texture and unique, rustic appeal. Today, the method is used to recreate this old-world craftsmanship, giving homeowners the charm of historical wood flooring in modern homes.

The Art of Hand-Scraping: Time-Honoured Technique

Hand-scraping is an artisanal technique that involves skilled craftsmen carefully working each plank of wood by hand. The process involves using specific tools to create a textured surface with grooves, marks, and indentations that highlight the wood’s natural grain. Every piece of hand-scraped custom wood flooring is unique, reflecting the artisan’s craftsmanship and the wood’s character.

The technique’s origins can be traced to early European and American homes, where floors were often scraped to smooth uneven boards. What began as a practical solution evolved into a design feature that added warmth and character to a space. Today, hand-scraped custom wood flooring remains popular for its timeless beauty and the way it captures the natural essence of wood.

Why Choose Hand-Scraped Custom Wood Flooring?

Custom wood flooring offers not only a bespoke design but also a connection to the past. Here’s why it’s a preferred choice:

  • Heritage Appeal: The hand-scraped texture evokes a sense of history and craftsmanship, making it perfect for traditional and modern homes alike.
  • Durability: The process creates a robust surface that stands up to daily wear and tear.
  • Unique Character: No two planks are the same, giving your home a one-of-a-kind floor.
  • Timeless Elegance: Hand-scraped floors have a classic look that never goes out of style.

Available Hand-Scraped Custom Wood Flooring at Vienna Woods

At Vienna Woods, we offer an exceptional selection of hand-scraped custom wood flooring, crafted to the highest standards. Our floors are made from premium-quality timber, ensuring that each plank showcases the wood’s natural beauty.  Le Bois Gouge Nature is a specialty hand-scraped product available through the Vienna Woods Special Order program.

Hand-scraped custom wood flooring combines the beauty of historic craftsmanship with modern durability. Available at Vienna Woods, these floors bring a timeless, rustic appeal that offers an incredible unique floor.

Learn more about the Vienna Woods Special Order program here.

See More Floors with Texture

Sustainable and Compliant Oiled Timber Flooring in Whitford

This recently completed a project in Whitford, showcases a rich dark oiled timber flooring, named Pina (after the infamous cocktail) finished with hard wax oil. This case study delves into the technical aspects, sustainability, and compliance features of this installation, which makes it a notable reference for architectural and interior design professionals.  Pina is an option from The Distilled Collection, a range of timber floor options produced in Europe from slow-grown, FSC-certified Lithuanian Oak, finished to the highest standard.  The Distilled Collection carries a number of subtle superiorities such as dense, hard-wearing oak, longer-than-usual board lengths and unique grain patterns.

Product Overview

The selected oak flooring for the Whitford project is treated with hard-wax oil, enhancing the natural beauty and durability of the wood. Hard wax oils penetrate the wood, providing robust protection against wear and moisture, while maintaining the wood’s breathability. This treatment ensures a longer lifespan and easier maintenance compared to traditional finishes.

Benefits of Oiled Timber Flooring

An oiled floor can offer a number of benefits over alternatives, but the main considerations for the client were:

  1. Option to “tint” the colour of the floor through the oil maintenance process.  If a darker hue is desired, a tint can be added to the maintenance oil.
  2. The enhanced natural beauty.  People generally sense the look and feel of naturally oiled timber if given the option.
  3. Improved durability and longevity.  With the correct maintenance, oiled floors are known to last…. well…. centuries, however most alternative require a sanding and refinishing coat to extend the life.
  4. Eco-friendly and safe.  Hard wax oils are derived from plant oils and in this case the oil carries a zero VOC certification.

Read about the differences between oiled and lacquered floors here.

 

vienna_woods_maea

E3 Compliance of Oiled Timber Flooring 

Contrary to common belief, oiled floors can comply with the E3 Building Standard, which focuses on interior moisture management and surface finishes. The Whitford project demonstrates that with the correct application and maintenance, oiled timber floors meet these standards effectively, offering an alternative to the more common lacquered finishes. The project used the Parabond Parquet 440 adhesive, which plays a crucial role in compliance by acting as a moisture vapour barrier when used with a suitable primer, even on damp substrates.

Technical Specifications of Parabond Parquet 440 Adhesive

Parabond Parquet 440 is a high-performance adhesive designed for wood floors, providing an excellent bond and flexibility that accommodates natural wood movement. Notable characteristics include:

  1. Composition: Solvent-free, isocyanate-free, and phthalate-free hybrid polymer.
  2. VOC Emissions: Rated EC1plus for very low emissions, ensuring indoor air quality and compliance with stringent environmental standards.
  3. Suitability as a Vapour Barrier: When applied correctly, it acts as an effective moisture barrier, crucial for installations over concrete or where moisture might be a concern.

Sustainability Considerations

Both the engineered oak flooring and the Parabond Parquet 440 adhesive contribute to the project’s sustainability profile:

  1. Engineered Oak Flooring: Features a no-added-formaldehyde construction and an FSC certification, ensuring the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
  2. Parabond Parquet 440 Adhesive: Carries a zero VOC rating and does not contain any carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances. It is compliant with GEV-EMICODE EC1 Plus, indicating the lowest possible emission levels.

The Whitford project by Vienna Woods exemplifies how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated with technical excellence in modern flooring installations. By using materials like the FSC-certified engineered oak and eco-friendly adhesives such as Parabond Parquet 440, Vienna Woods not only meets regulatory compliance but also addresses the growing demand for environmentally responsible building materials.

Images // Jo Currie

You may be interested in these articles….

Why Choose an Oiled Timber Floor?

Oiled vs Lacquer Finish

The Different Finishes Available for Engineered Timber Flooring

See the Complete Distilled Collection