Wood Floor of The Year Instructions

 

 

The NWFA’s Wood Floor of the Year (WFOY) awards were developed to encourage and recognize innovative craftsmanship and design in wood flooring installations. Since the program began in 1990, more than 300 awards have been presented to NWFA member companies throughout the world.

 

Submissions for the 2026 Wood Floor of the Year are now open.

 

Submit NWFA Wood Floor of the Year Entries Here

 

Submit Non-Member NWFA Wood Floor of the Year Entries Here

 

All entries must be received by Monday, February 2, 2026, at 5 pm CT to be considered.

 

Winners will be announced during the 2026 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo in Orlando, Florida.

 

CATEGORIES

 

BEST IN COLORS, FINISHES, AND TEXTURED WOOD

Entries in this category include all types of jobsite applied applications of stains, oils, dyes, reactive conditioners, layered color systems, faux finishing, or other finishing systems. This category also includes textured wood flooring surfaces such as hand-scraped, wire-brushed, distressed, sculpted, or any surface that is not traditional flat. Details of the processes must be included in the description.

 

BEST IN CIRCLES/CURVES/BENT WOOD

Entries in this category include any non-linear, hand-cut, curved shape, pattern, or design within a flooring system. The flooring design should include elements such as circles, ovals, curves, radial patterns, arcs, or bent material. Details of the processes must be included in the description.

 

BEST IN PARQUETRY

Entries in this category include any wood flooring layout composed of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern installed into a flooring project. Details of the installation process must be included in the description. It must be identified clearly whether the pattern was hand-cut or manufactured into the pattern.

 

BEST IN MARQUETRY AND INLAYS

Entries in this category include any hand-cut marquetry/intarsia design installed into the floor, as a stand-alone feature/medallion, or throughout the entire project. Inlays may include anything laid into the floor. Details of the hand-cutting process must be included in the description.

 

BEST IN HISTORIC RESTORATION

Entries in this category include all types of restoration projects, replacements, or repairs, in either a residential or commercial application. Submissions cannot be a previous Wood Floor of the Year entry. For this category, an additional photo of the “before” floor is required for judging. Any known history of the floor also should be included.

 

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Entries in this category have installed floors utilizing advancements in technology (CNC, laser, etc). Details of the manufacturing and installation process should be included in the description.

 

MANUFACTURER SPOTLIGHT

This category gives manufacturers a category to submit any projects using their products. Projects may showcase the products that were used, as well as information about the companies involved in the project. Details of the project must be included in the description.

 

BEST STAIRCASE

Entries in this category include all types of staircase projects. Submissions may include new stair installations, or overlays, in either a residential or commercial application. Submissions cannot be a previous Wood Floor of the Year entry. For this category, NWFA has partnered with the Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association (SMA) to help judging for quality and craftsmanship.

 

MEMBERS’ CHOICE

Entry in this category is automatic. All floors entered into the contest will be eligible, which will include all types of floors in all categories.

 

Click here to read the official Wood Floor of the Year Rules.

 

Questions? Contact Us info@nwfa.org or (800) 422-4556.