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What Is Provence Natural Hardwood Made Of?

Provence is genuine European White Oak, a 3–4 mm sawn veneer on a eucalyptus plywood core that's more dimensionally stable than solid wood.

Construction at a Glance
  • Wear Layer: Provence 7.5": 3 mm sawn European White Oak veneer. Provence 10.25": 4 mm sawn European White Oak veneer.
  • Protective Finish: UV Lacquer with Aluminum Oxide (both)
  • Core: Eucalyptus plywood (both)
  • Backing: Eucalyptus (both)
  • Plank Width: Provence 7.5": 7.5" (190 mm). Provence 10.25": 10.25" (260 mm).
  • Plank Length: Provence 7.5": 24" to 74.8" (varied). Provence 10.25": 24" to 86.6" (varied), 50% longs.
  • Total Thickness: Provence 7.5": 9/16" (14.30 mm). Provence 10.25": 5/8" (15.88 mm).
  • Bevels: Micro bevels (both)
  • Sourced In: Europe (both)
  • Certifications: FloorScore (both)
  • Residential Warranty: Limited Lifetime (both)
  • Commercial Warranty: 10-Year Limited Light Commercial (both)
Download the Provence Spec Sheet or check out the Provence Collection.
Layer by Layer
  • Sawn European White Oak veneer. At 3–4 mm, thick enough to carry the full grain character of the oak and enough depth to be sanded and refinished.
  • UV Lacquer finish with aluminum oxide. Factory-applied. Harder and more scratch-resistant than oil finishes. No site-finishing required.
  • Wire brush texture. Opens the grain and, combined with pigment staining, gives Provence its depth and dimension.
  • Eucalyptus plywood core. Alternating grain layers reduce seasonal movement and resist cupping better than solid wood.
  • Eucalyptus backing. Equalizes tension across both surfaces and keeps the plank flat.
  • Tongue and groove joint. Must be nailed or glued to the subfloor, not floatable. 
What "Sawn Veneer" Means

Many engineered floors use rotary-peeled veneer, a thin sheet from the log. Sawn veneer is cut like solid wood and comes in a thicker 3–4 mm layer, creating the natural grain, variation, and oak character that define Provence.

Installation and Climate Requirements
  • Professional installation required. Nail or glue down by an NWFA or CFI-certified installer. Cannot be floated. DIY installation voids the warranty.
  • Climate control. Maintain 65°F–80°F and 35–55% RH year-round.
  • No radiant heat. Provence is not compatible with radiant heat systems. Installing over radiant heat voids the warranty.
  • 72-hour acclimation. Allow planks to acclimate in the installation environment for a full 72 hours before installation begins. 

 

Common Questions

Is Provence solid hardwood or engineered?

Provence is engineered hardwood — and the engineering is the advantage. The wear surface is the same sawn European White Oak as a solid plank, at 3–4 mm thick. Underneath, an eucalyptus plywood core with alternating grain layers resists seasonal expansion and contraction better than solid wood, making it suitable for a wider range of climates and subfloor conditions.

What's the difference between the 7.5" and 10.25"?

The two Provence sizes differ in width, total thickness, veneer depth, and maximum plank length. The 10.25" plank is 5/8" thick overall (vs. 9/16") and has a 4 mm wear veneer (vs. 3 mm). The longer maximum length — 86.6" vs. 74.8", with 50% long planks — creates a more dramatic, continuous look. Both sizes use the same European White Oak, eucalyptus plywood core, UV lacquer finish, and nail/glue-down installation method.

Can Provence be refinished?

Yes, Provence can be refinished. The 3–4 mm sawn veneer is thick enough to withstand professional sanding — typically 2–3 times over the floor's lifetime — unlike standard engineered floors with 0.5–2 mm veneers.

How does Provence compare to Silvan?

Both are real hardwood. Silvan has a 0.6 mm veneer, clicks in without a professional, and tolerates wider humidity swings. Provence has a 3–4 mm sawn veneer, requires nail or glue-down by a certified installer, and is refinishable.

Why is professional installation required?

Tongue and groove doesn't self-lock. The floor must be nailed or glued down for a stable installation. Floating causes planks to shift and separate. Certified professional installation is required to ensure the floors perform at their best for years and years.