Blueprint to Breakthrough

The seed of Quietleaf was planted during the construction of Architect Lord Foster's private Manhattan residence. Amidst the challenge of meeting New York City's stringent acoustic codes, Cary Paik, the project's Architect of Record and General Contractor, identified a critical gap in the market. The complex, labor-intensive process of installing acoustic underlayment and wood flooring sparked an idea: a revolutionary flooring solution that would streamline installation, reduce labor costs, and guarantee both beauty and durability.

To breathe life into this vision, Cary patented the idea and forged a well vetted partnership with a manufacturer boasting five generations of expertise in responsible forestry and woodcraft. This collaboration led to Quietleaf - a seamless integration of beauty, quiet, and quality. From selective harvesting to kiln drying, every step in transforming raw logs into exquisitely finished flooring adheres to the highest standards of craftsmanship, innovation and natural resource stewardship.

Cary Paik with photo credit by Rob Howard

Photo Credit: Rob Howard

The Visionary

Cary Paik stands at the helm of Quietleaf, bringing a wealth of experience as an architect, general contractor, and developer specializing in the highest end luxury projects across New York City. His impressive portfolio features collaborations with architectural luminaries such as Lord Norman Foster, Santiago Calatrava, Rafael Viñoly, Peter Marino and John Pawson, cementing his position at the pinnacle of high-end design.

Cary's unique roles as architect, general contractor and developer on numerous projects has afforded him an unparalleled holistic perspective on construction challenges and in this case particularly in flooring installations. This insight, coupled with his passion for innovation, drove the creation of Quietleaf - a testament to his commitment to streamlining complex processes while maintaining exceptional quality.

Stepping Lightly:

Our Path to Sustainability

Our commitment to sustainability resonates as deeply as our commitment to quality. Our mission is to create wood floors that harmonize whisper-soft silence, exquisite beauty, and environmental consciousness. With Quietleaf, you're not just choosing a floor; you're investing in a sustainable future and a calming peaceful existence.

Responsible Forestry

Our journey begins in our carefully managed 16,000-acre forest with a ten year rotation schedule. We practice selective harvesting, an approach that maintains the health and vitality of our woodlands. By choosing only mature trees and allowing younger ones to thrive, we ensure the forest's longevity for generations to come.

Zero Waste Production

At our state-of-the-art mill, we are committed to zero waste production by making the most of every part of the tree. Premium cuts are used to create our luxurious flooring, while remnants are repurposed into our innovative flooring structural core. Even sawdust is utilized in our production process to generate power for our kilns. This holistic approach not only minimizes waste but also maximizes the value of each harvested tree, ensuring sustainable and respectful responsible use of natural resources.

Eco-Friendly Materials

We are dedicated to crafting a product that is as eco-friendly as it is effective. Our stains and coatings are zero VOC, flooring is CDPH certified, and in our single acoustic layer flooring, for every 21 square feet of flooring installed (for our double layer every 11 sf installed), we remove one tire from landfills, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Quietleaf Flooring contributes to three categories of LEED points, supporting architects and developers in creating more sustainable buildings. By integrating our products, you enhance your project's environmental performance and gain recognition for sustainable practices.

American-Made

By manufacturing in the USA, we reduce our carbon footprint associated with transportation and support a local market’s labor core. Our local production also ensures strict quality control and supports American craftsmanship, reinforcing our commitment to superior products and sustainable, responsible business practices.