Unrivaled Quality: Behind the Scenes at Carlisle Wide Plank Floors

At Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, every board we craft carries a promise—a commitment to unmatched quality, precision, and care. From raw material selection to final delivery, our dedication to excellence is woven into every step of our floor making process. It’s a philosophy that begins long before a single plank leaves our mill and extends far beyond installation, ensuring that our clients receive a product that meets—and exceeds—their highest expectations.

What sets Carlisle apart is not just the beauty of our floors, but the rigorous process behind them. It’s a combination of careful sourcing, expert craftsmanship, and innovative quality control that reflects a level of artistry few in the industry can match. Our team is devoted to delivering nothing short of perfection—one plank at a time.

The Carlisle Quality Process: From Forest to Floor

Carlisle’s dedication to quality begins at the source. Before a single plank is milled, we work closely with trusted sawyers to set clear expectations for Carlisle-quality lumber. This early collaboration ensures that only the best materials make it into our hands.

Karen Robinson, Carlisle’s Senior Material Manager, describes it this way: “Our quality process starts before we even procure the raw materials by working with our sawyers to set our expectations for Carlisle quality lumber. Then, we train our craftsmen at each step of the production process, ensuring that every decision maintains our exacting standards.”

Once the lumber arrives, the work of our craftsmen begins. Each board is inspected, graded, and refined through a hands-on process that relies on human expertise, not automation. Unlike high-speed mills that prioritize quantity over quality, Carlisle operates at a deliberate pace, allowing for detailed inspections of every linear foot of wood.

From there, quality checks continue at multiple stages. Tools like the Edit Board, a visual guide developed to identify imperfections, help newer craftsmen learn the ropes while maintaining the precision our clients expect.

The People Behind the Process

At the heart of Carlisle’s process are our craftsmen, engineers, and quality leaders—individuals whose dedication ensures every board meets the highest standards. One of those individuals is Steve Lamoureux, a veteran Quality Engineer with over two decades of experience at Carlisle.

For Steve, quality isn’t just a box to check; it’s a mindset. “A craftsman has to have the ability to read the wood they’re working with and ensure it’s a good fit for the project,” Steve explains. “It’s not about just passing wood through machines. Every decision we make ensures that the final product meets the client’s vision.”

Steve’s role bridges craftsmanship with innovation. He works closely with the mill team, refining processes, identifying areas for improvement, and mentoring the next generation of craftsmen. “I love seeing coworkers gain confidence,” Steve says. “It’s rewarding to watch someone new learn the ropes and eventually develop their own eye for quality.”
 

While Steve plays a key role in maintaining Carlisle’s reputation, he’s part of a much larger system—a network of people who share his commitment to quality.

Hands-On Craftsmanship: A Difference You Can See

What makes Carlisle’s quality process so unique is our commitment to human touch. Every floor we produce is handled, inspected, and evaluated multiple times throughout production. Depending on the product, as many as 15 individuals will touch a single floor, ensuring every board reflects Carlisle’s legacy of craftsmanship.

“Automation might be faster, but it can’t replicate the care and decision-making our team brings to every board,” Steve notes. “That’s the level of attention our customers expect, and it’s what makes us different.”

This hands-on approach continues beyond the initial phases of Carlisle’s dedicated process. From shipment to installation, we provide guidance that guarantees our floors perform beautifully for generations.

As Karen Robinson explains, “Our quality process doesn’t stop when our floors ship. We also work extensively with our logistics partners on best practices for handling and delivering our floors and provide guidance to the end user on the best way to install and care for our floors.”

Commitment to Innovation: Always Raising the Bar

Carlisle’s pursuit of quality extends beyond tradition; it also embraces innovation. When Carlisle introduced its engineered flooring line in 2008, it was a bold move that redefined how we approached production. Spearheaded by a team that included Steve Lamoureux, the shift required rethinking processes and pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

“We had to think outside the box, collaborate, and transform our production systems,” Steve recalls. The result was a product line that offers the same beauty and quality of solid wood while addressing the needs of modern clients.

Innovations like these are driven by Carlisle’s belief that quality and flexibility go hand in hand. Whether a client seeks wide planks, custom finishes, or intricate patterns, Carlisle’s craftsmen and engineers are prepared to deliver.

A Legacy of Quality, Built to Last

Carlisle’s process is more than a set of steps—it’s a reflection of our values. By combining thoughtful material selection, expert craftsmanship, and continuous innovation, we ensure that every floor we produce meets the standards of our most discerning clients.

“Our commitment to quality, and the scope of our quality program, is what sets our craftsmanship apart from others in the industry,” says Karen Robinson. “From sourcing to installation, we’re involved at every step to ensure an exceptional experience.”

It’s a promise our team takes to heart. For Steve Lamoureux and the rest of Carlisle’s team, every board is an opportunity to create something extraordinary. “At the end of the day, we’re not just making floors,” Steve says. “We’re creating stories, spaces, and legacies that will last for generations.”

Experience the Difference

At Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, quality isn’t just a goal—it’s our standard. From the forest to the floor, every step of our process is designed to deliver exceptional results that stand the test of time.
Discover how our commitment to quality can bring your vision to life.