What is Zena EdgeGrain™ Hardwood Flooring?
Introducing an FSC® Certified, Tribally sourced Myrtlewood and Tanoak hardwood flooring tile collection, grown, milled, and crafted right in Oregon. Available through Sustainable Northwest Wood, this flooring is more than just beautiful—it’s a statement in sustainability. Zena EdgeGrain™ hardwood flooring is designed to last for decades, combining durability with eco-conscious innovation. By using small pieces and offcuts from plank-style flooring production, this product makes the most out of every tree, dramatically cutting down wood waste. It’s solid wood, made without adhesives, perfect for high-traffic commercial spaces, and also stunning as wall or ceiling cladding. Plus, it fits perfectly with LEED and Living Building Challenge projects.
Main Benefits of Zena EdgeGrain™ Flooring
Here’s what makes this flooring stand out:
- Kiln dried hardwood ensuring stability and longevity
- Tiles sized at 7 ½” x 15″ x 10mm thick, made up of ¾” wide individual strips with two thin embedded wire backings underneath
- Solid 7 mm wear layer that can be refinished 6-8 times—meaning decades of use and enjoyment
- Crafted without glue, which prevents gapping and allows for natural seasonal movement
- Easy to maintain and repair, keeping it looking fresh over time
- Unfinished, giving flexibility for custom finishes
Where Does the Wood Come From?
The Myrtlewood and Tanoak hardwoods are sourced from tribal land stewards along the southern Oregon Coast. These forests are managed under the strict standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®), ensuring responsible and sustainable forestry practices. This connection to Indigenous peoples who care deeply for the forest adds a meaningful layer to the product’s story. The wood is then milled locally in small, family-owned mills before heading to Zena Forest Products in the Willamette Valley, where the flooring is manufactured. It’s a true Pacific Northwest product, supporting local economies and rural communities.
Unique Features and Applications
Zena EdgeGrain™ flooring isn’t your typical hardwood floor. Its unique construction from small strips and offcuts means it’s not only sustainable but also incredibly versatile. It’s tough enough for commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic but also elegant enough for residential use. Beyond floors, it’s often used as wall and ceiling cladding, adding warmth and character to interiors. The absence of adhesives means it can naturally expand and contract with the seasons, reducing the risk of gaps or damage. And because it’s unfinished, it offers endless possibilities for customization.
Other Northwest Species Available
While Myrtlewood and Tanoak take center stage, Sustainable Northwest Wood also offers a variety of other responsibly sourced species from the region. These include Oregon White Oak, Pacific Madrone, Oregon Ash, Black Walnut, Bigleaf Maple, Western Larch, Western Juniper, Douglas Fir, and Blue Pine. Each species brings its own unique grain, color, and character, all harvested with the same commitment to sustainability and quality.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Supporting Local Communities and Forest Resilience
This project goes beyond just flooring. It’s about supporting Indigenous peoples who steward the forests, empowering small local mills that keep traditional craftsmanship alive, and backing family-owned businesses like Zena Forest Products. Together, they contribute to the resilience of Pacific Northwest forests and the vitality of rural economies. It’s a holistic approach that respects the land, the people, and the future—making every plank of Zena EdgeGrain™ flooring a piece of a bigger story.
