The patent-pending process uses heat and pressure to densify hardwood to make it two times harder than traditional wood flooring, according to the company. The process does not change the grain of the wood, and the flooring can still be textured and accept stain, AHF President and CEO Brian Carson told WFB.
“Dogwood Densified Wood lets you enjoy real hardwood floors that are virtually worry-free,” Carson said in a statement. “This is more than a new product, it’s a whole new category of flooring.” Carson added that the technology opens up more possibilities for usage of softer woods as flooring.
Dogwood was installed and tested in a doggy daycare center and held up against scuffs, scratches and dents, AHF told WFB. In addition, the floors are water-, mold- and mildew-resistant.
The “100% natural” Dogwood technology is made at AHF’s Somerset, Ky., facility and is being introduced under the Bruce brand, with new lines also planned for other AHF flooring brands, including Hartco and Robbins.
“These are the perfect floors for busy and active homes, and anywhere where people—or pets—get together,” Carson added.
