Wood block flooring has been around for centuries. It was originally used because the tough end-grain surface could withstand the pounding of hammers without splintering. End grain flooring is used in factories for its durability and tolerance for chemical spills. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, end-grain wooden blocks were first used in the USA for paving streets. Some of these streets still exist today in places such as Florida.

PlybooSquared. Designed by Smith & Fong.

Smith & Fong is known for its Plyboo product line, which is a collection of renewable bamboo flooring and wood panel materials that are as beautiful as they are environmentally friendly. PlybooSquared is an end grain material that provides an unexpected look due to its construction method. Traditional strips of bamboo are turned on their end, creating a mosaic-like pattern that comes in plywood, flooring and veneer. In addition to its aesthetic value, Plyboo can gain LEED points for a project.

Bamboo is an iconic sustainable material that has been largely introduced to the US market by Smith & Fong. Smith & Fong’s bamboo products are made from Moso bamboo harvested from a forest that requires no irrigation, fertilizers or pesticides. To ensure the health of the ecosystem and preserve the forest canopy, only 20 percent of the plantation’s bamboo is cut each year. The company works closely with its bamboo farmers and its two manufacturing facilities to ensure quality and peerless environmental practices.