The story of Tyrone, Pa.-based Steller Floors and its innovative take on floating wood flooring is a story of American entrepreneurism. But it’s also a love story, as co-founders Evan Stover and Dr. Britta Teller filed their first patent the same weekend they got married. That patent, and partnership, led to Steller Floors, which offers specially milled floorboards that are designed to clip into PVC tracks that connect the boards together. Because of the clip system, the ¾-inch-thick boards can be easily installed or removed via suction cup, says Steller Floors’ Chief Revenue Officer Greg Russak. The founders, who have a background in wood consulting, developed the idea while consulting with hardwood flooring companies and learning about common issues. “You can pop out a plank if it gets damaged, or even if you don’t like the look of where that plank is anymore,” Russak says. The floors work on all subfloors and also feature UV-cured finish and paraffin wax on the bottom and edges for additional moisture protection. Steller Floors currently sells the flooring directly to consumers. As they continue to get the word out about the product, the company hopes to spread the love, with an eye on distribution partnerships down the road. “We will be able to produce 1 million square feet per month by the end of next year,” Russak says.
