Fumed Oak

Fumed oak is a distress made to mimic the beauty of nature and time working their magic to enhance the appearance of wood. When wood is exposed to ammonia, the ammonia reacts with the wood's tannins (compounds also found in coffee, tea, and wine), causing the wood to develop a new color pattern that is unique to this chemical reaction. No stain or color treatment can replicate this one-of-a-kind artwork of nature, except to imitate the treatment itself by exposing kiln-dried wood to ammonia and waiting for it to turn to the desired color. While most wood can be fumed, oak is the most coveted wood species to use for this process due to its high level of tannins, which create the richest of color.

Fumed oak hardwood flooring has its roots in one of our favorite things - old barns. The trace amounts of ammonia naturally released in horse barns and livestock barns due to the inhabitation of the animals fumes the wood over time. Thanks to being able to limit space and control the intensity of ammonia exposure when fuming on purpose, we don't have to wait years for the wood to turn colors, and we can replicate the aged look for a floor in just a matter of days. Coloring can vary from soft and light to rich and dark depending on the length of exposure time, but no matter what, the result is still a cozy and unique look that is perfect for those who love the combination of beauty and tradition of the past with a present-day elegance.

Fuming causes a chemical reaction in the wood's tannins, but sapwood doesn't have enough tannin content to make a dramatic change. Heartwood, on the other hand, fumes much darker and richer because of its tannin concentration. The result is a gorgeous natural masterpiece that highlights the wood grain and pattern unlike any other hardwood flooring distress can do.

Slight color variance in wood is normal when it comes to hardwood flooring, but fuming can cause anything from a subtle difference to an extreme - yet desirable - contrast. With a little bit of sapwood flair, your fumed hardwood floor (and better yet, with matching stair treads!) can quickly become an exquisite centerpiece of your home.

However, if you love the fumed look, but prefer a more consistent color, it's no problem! We'll just work with a more select grade for you that has little to no sapwood, and therefore, little to no color variance.