Wood Mosaics: Turning Scraps into Functional Art
About a decade ago, Hallowell partnered with a small furniture manufacturer in Thailand and started using teak and rosewood scraps to create mosaic designs. "We reclaim our rosewood and teak from sustainably harvested and plantation grown lumber too small to be used in fine furniture making," he said. "I am proud that our innovative process takes materials that used to be thrown away and burned, and transforms it into functional art."
Wood is tricky to use as a mosaic though because it expands and contracts with changes in ambient temperature and humidity. Seeking a solution, Hallowell invented a unique grout system that does not crack as the wood expands and contracts. "The invention of this special grout process was a key breakthrough for us and it sets our wood mosaics apart from the competition," notes Hallowell.
Fortis Arbor wood mosaics are made in two intervals, 1"x1" and 1"x2". Each tile is cut and finished by hand, so every installation is unique. The teak tonality ranges from soft light beige to deep coffee-colored brown. Rosewood (Pterocarpus spp.), known in Thailand as pradu or padauk, ranges in color from lush, vibrant red to chocolate brown. Bamboo adds a light yellowish-tan color that offsets the deeper hues.
The result is a stunning palette of colors, patterns and textures that is both visually and tactilely appealing. "The custom blending of types of wood and patterns is limited only by the designer's imagination," Hallowell said. "People love the warm beauty of the wood, and they also really like that wood tiles are soft underfoot. When you walk barefoot across a wood tile floor, it massages your feet," Hallowell says.
"People are waking up to the possibilities of wood mosaics. The trend is moving away from solid tile surfaces and towards greater use of non-traditional tile materials such as wood, leather, glass, steel and bronze as well as traditional ceramic and porcelain tiles." — Darrin Hallowell, Owner, Flux Studios
Frequently asked questions
What are Fortis Arbor wood mosaics made from?+
They are made from reclaimed teak and rosewood scraps sourced from sustainably harvested and plantation-grown lumber that is too small to be used in fine furniture making. Bamboo is also incorporated to add lighter tones.
How did Flux Studios solve the problem of wood expanding and contracting in mosaics?+
Owner Darrin Hallowell invented a unique grout system that does not crack as the wood expands and contracts with changes in ambient temperature and humidity. This proprietary grout process sets their wood mosaics apart from competitors.
What sizes are Fortis Arbor wood mosaic tiles available in?+
The wood mosaics are made in two intervals: 1"x1" and 1"x2". Each tile is cut and finished by hand, making every installation unique.
What colors are available in Fortis Arbor wood mosaics?+
Teak tones range from soft light beige to deep coffee-colored brown, while rosewood (known in Thailand as pradu or padauk) ranges from vibrant red to chocolate brown. Bamboo contributes a light yellowish-tan color that offsets the deeper hues.
Where are Fortis Arbor wood mosaics manufactured?+
About a decade ago, Hallowell partnered with a small furniture manufacturer in Thailand, where the mosaics are produced using teak and rosewood scraps.
Why are wood mosaic tiles comfortable for flooring?+
Wood tiles are soft underfoot, and when walked on barefoot, they provide a massaging sensation. Customers also appreciate the warm visual and tactile beauty of the wood.