SIMPLY OAK™ is your unmatched source for premium, bespoke, pre-finished European White Oak wood flooring and more.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About SIMPLY OAK™ 5 A Practical Advantage of Engineered Floors 7
The Fuming of Oak 11
Reactive Stains 17
Which Floor Matches Your Vision? 20
eGenesis Case Study 32
Finish Options 34
Edging Options 38
Private Residence Case Study 40
FSC and PEFC™ Certifications 43
Let SIMPLY OAK™ Enhance Your Designs 56 ®
Biophilic Design 44
Notable Facts 47
Our Core Values 49
1 Hotel Case Study 52
Our Founder, Victoria Player 55
SIMPLY OAK™ provides the highest quality European wood products for upscale residences and commercial ventures globally. Drawing from our tradition of outstanding craftsmanship and quality, we now present a carefully chosen range of products that extends beyond flooring — featuring custom wall panels, artisanal stair parts, patio decking options, and ceiling enhancements. Our timber is certified by either FSC® or PEFC™, and we apply low VOC, non-toxic hard wax oils to pre-finish our floors in Europe.
SIMPLY OAK™ provides a range of finishes, from modern to vintage. All of our wood options come in 3/4", 5/8", and 12mm platforms.
A PRACTICAL ADVANTAGE OF ENGINEERED FLOORS
Engineered hardwood floorboards consist of multiple layers of wood fused together to create a robust board. Our engineered options come with either a complete 6mm or a full 4mm wear layer. This upper layer is adhered to a base made of Baltic birch multiplex. The outcome is a strong and stable floorboard. One significant benefit of this reliable product is its compatibility with underfloor heating and cooling systems.
The intricate design of engineered floorboards ensures they remain stable, making them less susceptible to seasonal changes in size. This characteristic renders them more suitable for underfloor heating and cooling compared to solid wood planks.
Every piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, sustainability, and timeless aesthetics, which has established SIMPLY OAK™ as a reputable choice among discerning architects, designers, and builders.
Whether you are aiming for a unified interior look or enhancing outdoor living areas, our products infuse lasting beauty, warmth, and elegance into every surface.
With a commitment to sustainable practices, unparalleled expertise, and a passion for customer satisfaction, we set the standard for excellence in our industry.
A PRACTICAL ADVANTAGE OF ENGINEERED FLOORS
Driven by a dedication to quality, we combine sustainable methods, outstanding knowledge, and meticulous craftsmanship to provide the finest materials and service in the design and architecture fields. Our offerings range from European White Oak and Elm to Ash, Douglas, and Black Walnut, with our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction establishing the benchmark in premium wood sourcing.
Our vast selection of European White Oak and more guarantees that each project is tailored and customized to meet our clients' unique preferences.
Whether it’s a home, office, or commercial environment, SIMPLY OAK™ ensures that the flooring enhances the overall aesthetic and delivers an extraordinary experience.
LET SIMPLY OAK™ ENHANCE YOUR DESIGNS
Our team's knowledge of the distinctive properties of wood empowers architects, interior designers, builders, and their clients to bring their visions to life.
DEVELOPING AND ENHANCING THE NATURAL COLORS OF OAK
THE FUMING OF OAK
European White Oak, and Douglas Fir are often subjected to fuming or smoking to deepen the wood's color and highlight its grain pattern. This technique entails placing the wood in a sealed chamber where a small quantity of ammonia gas is introduced. As the wood is exposed, the ammonia interacts with the tannins found in the wood, resulting in a darker hue.
European White Oak, and Douglas Fir are favored for the fuming process due to the naturally high tannins found in these species. Tannins are organic compounds that many plants produce to deter herbivores. Fumed materials are also referred to as “Smoked” products.
THE FUMING OF OAK
Natural color variations are expected since each wood piece is distinct. Some pieces may have a higher concentration of tannins near the surface, causing them to darken more quickly. Additionally, the longer the boards remain in the chamber, the darker they will get, ranging from deep brown to nearly black shades. The chamber's temperature also plays a role in the final color; higher temperatures tend to bring out red hues, while cooler conditions yield green tones. This variability allows for greater creativity in the fuming process.
Fuming is a colorfast method that preserves the wood's grain pattern, although it lacks precision. If you seek color consistency while still wanting the depth of fumed wood, SIMPLY OAK™ provides fumed products that are sorted by color.
THE FUMING OF OAK
SINGLE SMOKED — The single smoked process gives the oak flooring a light brown color. Single smoking adds extra character to your oak flooring.
DOUBLE SMOKED — Double smoking gives the oak flooring a dark brown finish. It will look like it has naturally aged.
As with all fumed/smoked floors, the color at delivery is often a little darker than expected. The floors will lighten naturally to their final color in about 60 days.
CUSTOM
COLOR
FUMING / SMOKING
The discovery of smoking or fuming occurred by chance in England (a happy accidental discovery we like to call it) when oak boards were kept in a cattle barn, darkened by the ammonia vapors from urine of the cattle. This fortunate incident evolved into a traditional method that has been practiced for centuries throughout Europe. Consumers in this region are familiar with the stunning variations, which can astonish those who are not acquainted with the technique.
Western European oak, particularly from France and Germany, contains a higher tannin content compared to oak from eastern Europe or the Russian Far East. Additionally, wood sourced from further north along the same longitude also exhibits a greater tannin content than wood from regions further south.
REACTIVE STAINS
Like fuming/smoking and carbonization, reactive stains (sometimes called ‘active stains’) take advantage of the naturally occurring compounds in the wood to create new colors. Rather than relying on pigments like traditional stains, reactive stains employ carefully selected chemicals that interact with the tannins, extractives and sugars in the wood to change the color from within. Reactive stains are an excellent way of creating an aged look in new wood, as they can replicate the oxidative processes that occur in wood when it is exposed to the elements.
Tannin and sugar differences between boards result in color differences with all of these reactive processes, but with reactive stains, the grain direction also matters. The degree of reaction depends in large part on how much reactive stain is applied and absorbed into the wood. Depending on the grain structure, some areas absorb more than others. As a result, reactive stains can create significant variation even within the same plank. Rather than being a problem, this phenomenon actually serves to enhance the perception that the wood was colored by nature. The color follows the grain, and the variation within individual boards helps blend all of the boards together.
Which floor matches your vision?
ASH
Ash is a sought-after wood species, distinguished for its clean lines and natural affinity with minimalist and Scandinavian interiors. With a distinctive grain pattern and a hardness comparable to oak, it offers both beauty and durability. Responsibly sourced from Baltic forests.
BLACK WALNUT
Black Walnut is renowned for its warm, luxurious character—an ideal choice for contemporary high-end interiors. Slightly softer than Oak or Ash and sensitive to high heels, it remains a timeless favorite. Available in three natural, refined tones.
DOUGLAS
Douglas is one of Europe’s largest tree species, allowing us to craft exceptionally wide and long planks from premium, large-diameter logs. As a softwood, it is more susceptible to scratches and dents; however, we offer band-sawn surfaces for added texture and resilience.
Each piece is made with the same attention to detail, sustainability, and timeless design that has made SIMPLY OAK™ a trusted name among discerning architects, designers, and builders.
ELM
Elm is cherished for its striking grain and rich, varied tones. A true statement from nature, an elm floor brings preserved character and timeless appeal that never fades.
OAK
European Oak has long been the preferred wood for flooring, prized for its elegant grain, rich color, and natural tannins that allow for a wide range of finishes.
All of our products are certified to FSC® and PEFC™ standards.
PATTERN OPTIONS
Wood flooring patterns bring depth, artistry, and timeless character into a space, transforming floors into design statements. From the elegance of Herringbone and Chevron to the sophistication of Mansion Weave, or the boldness of Trapezium and Cube patterns, each style tells its own story. Whether subtle or striking, these patterns elevate interiors with both traditionand innovation.
HERRINGBONE
Herringbone floors are timeless, elegant, and playful. They can easily complement any interior design. Arranging the dimensions and proportions of the width and length of the floor planks allows you to customize your herringbone into a bold statement or a memorable, classy design.
CHEVRON
The Chevron pattern is similar to Herringbone, but cleaner. Instead of square ends as in the Herringbone pattern, the panels are mitered to form a sharp "V" or arrow motif when laid end to end. This creates a straight seam between planks as opposed to the zippered look of Herringbone. This results in a fluid zigzag across your floor.
PARQUET
Parquet (from the French “a small compartment”) is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for a decorative effect in flooring.
Parquet patterns are often entirely geometric and angular—squares, triangles, lozenges—but can contain curves.
The term parquet (pronounced par-KAY) comes from a longstanding convention, which was to place wooden planks under thrones and other seats of honor, to demarcate the area from the rest of the room visually and to elevate it, literally and symbolically, above the floor.
CUBE
The resurgence of geometric design has revived the timeless charm of the classic Art Deco Cube pattern. Made from elegant wood, our 3D cube flooring pattern becomes a strong focal point, making it an ideal option to create a bold first impression in any foyer.
TRAPEZIUM
Looking for a bold design statement for your project?
Our Trapezium floors offer an impressive solution. Choose between two distinctive patterns: Semi-Trapezium and Full Trapezium for a look that's sophisticated and unique.
CREATIVE
The Creative pattern is a great option for designing your own custom geometrical wood floor. It consists of 4 different elements of fixed lengths. Each length represents a multitude of the width of the board. A pre-defined number of each component is assembled into one packing unit. To emphasize the pattern, each component is given a shadow bevel of 2 mm.
QUADRO
The Quadro wood squares come with a tiny bevel on all sides to create a subtle yet intelligent floor design. To emphasize the pattern, larger elements can also be given a square bevel of 2x2 mm deep on all sides.
MANSION WEAVE
Mansion Weave dates back to the 17th Century France and takes its name from its origins in palaces and other grand mansions, as well as its resemblance to the traditional weave pattern used in textile production.
A Mansion Weave is often chosen only for a more prominent area in the home to give a luxury feel, alongside boards in the same color for the rest of the house. It’s arguably a more sophisticated pattern than Herringbone and Chevron, as the grain runs in three different directions.
MANSION WEAVE COLOR: SHANNON
eGenesis
Cambridge, MA
Notable Features
Workplace Project Type
SIMPLY OAK™ manufactured a custom hardwood floor for the lobby and workstations throughout the facility. The flooring boasts a classic 3/4" (20mm) thickness and a durable 6mm wear layer.
The facility can host up to 160 workstations, featuring 17 private offices.
The newly constructed facility can host up to 160 workstations, featuring 17 private offices, along with several conference rooms of different sizes and seating configurations to enhance collaboration. The laboratory is designed to accommodate 100 bench spaces and includes up to 50 biosafety cabinets for tissue culture. Additional amenities consist of a spacious café area and a smaller break room located on a different floor.
This state-of-the-art facility is instrumental in supporting the essential work that eGenesis is undertaking to enhance patient outcomes and save lives.
SIMPLY OAK™ had the honor of collaborating with a globally recognized architectural firm on the eGenesis Scientific Workplace Fit-Out in Cambridge, MA. Our task was designing a custom hardwood floor for the lobby and workstations throughout the facility. The design team had a specific color in mind. A variety of samples were produced, and thorough discussions took place until the ideal shade was finalized.
FINISH OPTIONS
There is something special about walking on a quality wooden floor withbare feet; it just feels so enjoyable and comforting. It's a real sensorytreat. SIMPLY OAK™ offers several finishes which add texture to the floorboards. We offer an array of expertly crafted flooring finishes, designed to evoke distinct aesthetics and character.
DISTRESSED
This finish uses a hand-cut bevel and sort-surface scarring which results in an aged, lived-in appearance. A specialist applies random imperfections that would otherwise take many years to accumulate naturally from use. This gives the floor an aged character that contrasts beautifully with modern furnishings or complements a rustic interior. That’s the power of distressed flooring.
FINESAWN & BRUSHED
The finesawn & brushed option combines natural richness and grain with a velvety surface that feels truly delightful underfoot. Beautiful knots and dramatic marks give the floor real depth, texture, and character.
With its distinctive bandsaw-treated surface, this option features a finely irregular structure and coarse-looking stripes that create a tough, true-grit appearance.
HAND BURNT
Each individual floorboard is hand burnt and then wire-brushed to accentuate the wood’s natural grain and texture. The idea is to create a floor that appears incredibly old, as if worn down by foot traffic until each floorboard has a soft, undulating character. This unique, weathered look is the result of an intense process that involves no fewer than 17 different treatments.
MICRO BEVEL
Sometimes called an eased edge or kissed edge, a micro bevel is a 45-degree cut that produces a small groove along the edges of installed floorboards. When two micro-bevel floorboards meet, these micro-bevels create an almost imperceptible “V” shape. Micro-beveling camouflages small imperfections in the wood, such as pin knots, and “over-wood.” This occurs when one floorboard must be laid slightly higher than adjacent boards. Thus, creates a smoother transition from the higher floorboard to its neighbors, giving the appearance of a flatter floor.
WIRE BRUSHED
The wire bushing removes soft fibers of the wood, accentuating the harder grains, the result is a gently worn antiqued texture.
Our “Brushed” floors combine the natural richness and grain with a velvety surface that feels truly delightful underfoot. A special bruising process accentuates the grain and structure of the planks while making them feel soft to the touch.
The character of the wood bursts into life to create a floor of real depth, texture, and character.
SQUARE EDGE
Square Edge floorboards fit flush on all the sides. This results in a sleek transition that appears almost seamless. The finished look is exceptionally uniform and appealing to the eye.
Because square-edge wood flooring is less common than beveled or micro-beveled flooring, it gives an exclusive look and feel to your floors. This edging is appropriate for modern or formal room settings. Without beveled edges, the almost seamless joints produce a floor that appears as if it were made from a single piece of wood.
SMOOTH
Elegant simplicity, timeless charm, and a classic beauty that never goes out of style. This understated yet sophisticated aesthetic brings a sense of refinement and sophistication to any space. With its effortless elegance, it's the perfect choice for those who value tradition and simplicity.
FINISH OPTIONS
EDGE OPTIONS
Wood floorboards have two long edges and two short ends. Picking the best style for your edges is crucial to your satisfaction. So, at SIMPLY OAK™, we offer several choices.
Micro Bevel Sometimes called an eased edge or kissed edge, a micro bevel is a 45-degree cut that produces a small groove along the edges of installed floorboards. When two micro-bevel floorboards meet, these micro-bevels create an almost imperceptible "V" shape. Micro-beveling camouflages small imperfections in the wood, such as pin knots, and a common problem called "over-wood." Over-wood occurs when one floorboard must be laid slightly higher than adjacent boards. The micro-beveled edge creates a smoother transition from the higher floorboard to its neighbors, giving the appearance of a flatter floor.
EDGE OPTIONS
Full Bevel Edge — Full bevel edge floors feature a larger, more pronounced groove, with the individual floorboards becoming clearly delineated. A full bevel edge is often combined with sculpted or hand- scraped effects. This combination results in a stunning, time-worn appearance.
Square Edge Floorboards — Square Edge floorboards fit flush on all the sides. This results in a sleek transition that appears almost seamless. The finished look is exceptionally uniform and appealing to the eye. Because square edge wood flooring is less common than beveled or micro-beveled flooring, it gives an exclusive look and feel to your floors. This edging is appropriate for modern or formal room settings. Without beveled edges, the almost seamless joints produce a floor that appears as if it were made from a single piece of wood.
Private Residence, Lake Tahoe, NV
Notable Features
This mountain modern masterpiece showcases innovative design elements and sleek contemporary finishes.
Residential Project Type
The flooring boasts a classic thickness of 3/4" (20mm) and is enhanced with a durable 6mm wear layer, elegantly smoked and finished with a traditional hardwax oil.
The abode is harmoniously nestled among granite formations. A cutting-edge funicular tram transports you to a 110' crystal cove and a deep-water shared pier, complete with a boatlift and buoy. The estate is embellished with an abundance of glass, infinity doors, and striking design contrasts. It features a distinctive panorama room and a master wing, both linked by a glass sky bridge. Five lake view suites are included in the offering, along with an in-law wing positioned above a three-car garage.
The residence comprises 5 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, encompassing an impressive 7,850 square feet.
BE INSPIRED
SIMPLY OAK™ has been honored with an invitation to collaborate with a prestigious architecture and design firm on a project featuring a "Spec" Home in the stunning Lake Tahoe.
This residence epitomizes luxury: A brand-new, lavish home at Crystal Bay, gracefully situated above a picturesque cove. This mountain modern masterpiece showcases innovative design elements and sleek contemporary finishes.
At SIMPLY OAK™, we use only the highest quality materials, sourced from responsibly managed forests. All products are FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
certified. FSC® and PEFC™
certifications ensure that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Biophilic Design is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature.
Biophilic designed buildings incorporate things like natural lighting, ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements. By consciously including nature in interior or architectural design, we are unconsciously reconnecting, bringing the great outdoors into our constructed world.
Today’s green-building efforts include occupant health and well-being alongside environmental sustainability. Wood’s association with positive environmental and human health impacts makes it an economical and advantageous building material selection.
Don’t just think floors… think WALLS and CEILINGS too…
SIMPLY OAK™ can provide material for all.
We offer most of our material on three different platforms:
3/4” (20mm) (with a full 6mm wear layer)
5/8” (15mm) (with a full 4mm wear layer)
12mm (with a full 3mm wear layer)
How can SIMPLY OAK™ enhance your designs and connect the occupants more closely to nature?
NOTABLE FACTS
• 100% family owned and operated.
• All materials are custom made per order by master craftsmen at our facility in Europe.
• Our products, for the most, part, are finished by hand.
• Flooring is fully produced, from raw lumber to finished boards.
• Available in many colors, patterns and finish options.
• Offered in 3/4” solid, 3/4’ engineered, 5/8”, and 12 mm thicknesses.
• Installed in residential and commercial, and hospitality spaces across the globe.
• Awarded Best European White Oak Supplier USA, BUILD Architecture Awards 2021.
• Awarded Best Luxury Home Oak Flooring Company, BUILD Home Builder Awards 2022.
• Awarded Leading Suppliers of White Oak Flooring Products, BUILD Architecture Awards 2022.
• Awarded Best Luxury Home Oak Flooring Company, BUILD Home Builder Awards 2023.
We at SIMPLY OAK™ go to extraordinary lengths to give our wooden flooring a unique look. We are perfectionists when it comes to selecting the raw materials for our floors and to employing traditional craftsmanship in production. We challenge conventional thinking as we present our products to clients worldwide. Architects and designers specifically demand our flooring for use in commercial projects such as hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, offices, and more.
SIMPLY OAK™ wooden floors are made in the most sustainable manner possible. There is a continuous evaluation of the production process from A to Z, and 100% green energy is generated by the clean waste material.
IT IS ALL IN THE INGREDIENTS...
• We source wood exclusively from forests that are managed responsibility, and FSC ® , or PEFC™ cer tified.
•We utilize solvent free, water based, natural finishes that meet current en vironmental regulations.
•All storage, drying, profiling, finishing and packaging oc cur at a single f acility, minimizing unnecessary transpor tation.
•The energy required for production is derived from clean tiber waste generated during the milling process. It is 100% recycled “Green” energy.
•We firmly believe in openness and transparency.
•Clients and visitors are welcome to come to our mill and meet our skilled team.
1 Hotel Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii
Project Type
Hospitality
Notable Features
The flooring, featuring a traditional 3/4" (20mm) thickness and a robust 6mm wear layer, is a testament to artisanal craftsmanship, with each board hand-burned as a true labor of love.
The Spa reflects the highest tenet of 1 Hotel’s wellness sanctuary at Hanalei Bay.
The design team had a precise color in mind, leading to nearly two years of meticulous work to finalize the material. Numerous samples were crafted, and extensive discussions ensued until the perfect hue was achieved.
“This collection of floors draws inspiration from the raw beauty of life. Their distinctive weathered appearance results from an intricate color process involving no fewer than 17 treatments, highlighting the wood's natural grain and texture. The outcome is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Barry Sternlicht, visionary founder and chairman of 1 Hotels
BE INSPIRED
1 Hotel has elegantly reimagined and refurbished the St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai, Hawaii, investing a remarkable $300 million to transform it into the exquisite 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
In collaboration with a distinguished interior designer, SIMPLY OAK™ was commissioned to create a bespoke hardwood floor for the Presidential suites and Spa.
OUR FOUNDER
As the President and proprietor of SIMPLY OAK™, Victoria Katherine Player is dedicated to sourcing the most exquisite products available while delivering unparalleled, meticulous service to builders, designers, architects, and end-users alike. Victoria skillfully navigates her clients through a selection process that elucidates the various qualities and specifications of different woods. The outcome? A stunning, top-tier product that will elevate any home, office, or business.
With over 21 years of experience in the luxury high-end market, Victoria started her career in the private jet industry. For the last 17 years, she has specialized in exporting White Oak flooring from Europe, and recently she has expanded her brand by offering sought-after wood species to deliver these exceptional products to clients worldwide. She firmly believes that her company upholds her rigorous standards for quality and sustainability.
When she is not engaged with her clients, one can find her exploring new destinations or indulging in aquatic adventures, where she delights in paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing.
