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. Not covered under warranty.
- 72-hour acclimation. Essential to acclimate to the installation environment.
Common Questions
Is Provence solid hardwood or engineered?
Engineered, and the engineering is the advantage. The surface is the same sawn oak as a solid plank. The eucalyptus plywood core is more dimensionally stable than solid wood across humidity swings.
What's the difference between the 7.5" and 10.25"?
Width, thickness, and veneer depth. The 10.25" is thicker overall (5/8" vs. 9/16") with a 4 mm veneer vs. 3 mm. Both use identical materials and installation method. The wider plank shows more grain per board and runs longer (max 86.6" vs. 74.8").
Can Provence be refinished?
Yes. The 3–4 mm veneer carries enough depth for professional sanding and refinishing.
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.
Questions? Email support@flooret.com or call 1-800-700-8122.