--- title: "Avant Garde Wood Floors — Flooring Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/flooring-contractors/avant-garde-wood-floors-pfvwus-pf~92312397 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~92312397.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Avant Garde Wood Floors" category: ["Flooring Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5be35cad0db7725e_5238-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "8900 N Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332, United States" latitude: 47.3607 longitude: -122.6001 phone: "(253) 273-2636" website: http://www.avantgardefloors.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 17 followers: 21 last_updated: 2026-11-05 --- # Avant Garde Wood Floors Original Houzz profile: [Avant Garde Wood Floors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/flooring-contractors/avant-garde-wood-floors-pfvwus-pf~92312397) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Flooring Contractors - **Location:** Gig Harbor, WA - **Serves:** Whidbey Island, Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Federal Way, Kirkland, Auburn, Redmond, Lakewood, Olympia, Lacey, Parkland, University Place, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, Artondale, Poulsbo, Gig Harbor, Lakebay, Vashon, Klahanie, Waller, Fircrest, Wollochet, Maplewood, Wauna, Rosedale, Longbranch, Fox Island, Key Center, Canterwood, Burley, Home, Purdy, Ruston, Vaughn, Dash Point, Lake Tapps, Mt Vernon, Olalla, Queen Anne, South Seattle, Vashon Island, West Seattle - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (17 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - References available - Eco-friendly For consultation contact Shad Gates at shad@avantgardefloors.com. We specialize in premium hardwood flooring in a wide array of design styles including solid and engineered, wide plank, long length, prefinished and unfinished platforms to compliment your interior design. Avant Garde means "pressing the boundaries" of fashion and quality. We partner with builders and designers to set a foundational element for their finely finished interiors. Rustic or refined, casual or elegant, we have something special to enhance every style. ### Services Provided - Custom Flooring - Flooring Sales - Wood Flooring Sales ### Areas Served - Whidbey Island - Seattle - Tacoma - Bellevue - Federal Way - Kirkland - Auburn - Redmond - Lakewood - Olympia - Lacey - Parkland - University Place - Mercer Island - Bainbridge Island - Port Orchard - Artondale - Poulsbo - Gig Harbor - Lakebay - Vashon - Klahanie - Waller - Fircrest - Wollochet - Maplewood - Wauna - Rosedale - Longbranch - Fox Island - Key Center - Canterwood - Burley - Home - Purdy - Ruston - Vaughn - Dash Point - Lake Tapps - Mt Vernon - Olalla - Queen Anne - South Seattle - Vashon Island - West Seattle ### Typical Job Cost $8,000 - 35,000 Most of our floors range from $7-$10/sf and custom floors are generally $14+ per square foot. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Avant Garde Wood Floors | | Address | 8900 N Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332, United States | | Phone | (253) 273-2636 | | Website | http://www.avantgardefloors.com | | Followers on Houzz | 21 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/floorart/ - Blog — www.avantgardefloors.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Avant Garde Wood Floors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/flooring-contractors/avant-garde-wood-floors-pfvwus-pf~92312397) - **Website:** http://www.avantgardefloors.com - **Phone:** (253) 273-2636 ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 17 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Hannah Joy Interiors, ASID, May 2020** > So impressed with Avant Garde! Shad went above and beyond to help select colors for a project we were working on, and a couple follow up meetings to ensure we were making the right decision. He is always quick to respond and help when we need it, we love Avant Garde Wood Floors! **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Thank you for the kind words Hannah! We look forward to working with you on the next one. **★★★★ — Daniel Martin Construction Corp., April 2020** > We were building an exclusive home and looking for a stand out wood flooring product. When, by word of mouth, I heard of Avant Garde Wood Floors I decided to check them out. I met with Shad Gates, the owner, and really found an incredible source of both product knowledge and very unique products that I had never seen before in my 45 years of building. > We will definitely be doing business with him on future projects and I strongly suggest if you are looking for wood flooring check out Avant Garde Wood Floors. You will not be disappointed !! **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Hi Dan, Thank you for the review. It is an honor to work with a custom builder with your experience and level of craftsmanship. We look forward to many more together! **★★★★★ — Stefanie Brooks Interior Design, April 2020** > Shad and his team are a great local hardwood source for me, as an Interior Designer. The showroom is full of unique options and Shad is very knowledgeable on the various species and durability of each wood type. We have worked on several projects and the end results were beautiful. I highly recommend Shad and Avant Garde any time. **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Hi Stefanie, thank you for the nice review. Ultimately, it is the marriage between materials, design, color and decor that makes the natural elements of a premium hardwood floor, exude style and visual appeal. This is what we see you do so well on your projects, and what makes us so proud to be a part of your resource team. Keep'em coming! **★★★★★ — carylandrews, April 2020** > We have worked with Shad for two of our homes now and wouldn’t change a thing. I never had to ask twice or worry when there was an issue with a particular product or timing, etc. Shad made sure all was as expected, where other suppliers simply pointed fingers. His reputation precedes him. Then there’s his knowledge and product selection. Just as outstanding. I’m a picky buyer and the amount of resources he has to offer is wonderful, from stocked product to custom. There’s definitely something for every project. For our first project together we had a need to find a product that was first beautiful but also able to resist or hide the scratches our two dogs would surely leave on it. Shad suggested a hand scraped European Oak. Six years later the floor still looks amazing! So we hired him again for our second home in Idaho and we were again so pleased. Even from another state, Shad made the project seamless and perfect. The floors are amazing! Thank you Shad! **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Hi Caryl, your homes have both been absolutely stunning designs that we are so proud to have taken part in. Your eye for detail is something we cherish in a customer, because it elevates our value as a high end material supplier. On both of your homes we started with a concept that you described to us, and created a one-of-a-kind floor that will be a trademark of your home interiors, most likely for generations. It has absolutely been our pleasure to work with you and we thank you so much for the thoughtful review! **★★★★★ — DC Fine Homes Inc., April 2020** > As an interior design firm who is always seeking the latest and greatest the Hardwood floor industry has to offer Avant Garde Wood Floors is just what the doctor ordered...even if their location is in a different state from us! From the continued pursuit of finding innovative products to constantly tooling their knowledge on product trends across the country we've found Shad Gates and his team at Avant Garde Wood Floors to be the perfect partner for what we do. And, while the array of offerings, the range of pricings for our different projects and the service oriented spirit of this company makes our business relationship a great fit the quality of the humans at the helm is a great benefit, too! Highly recommended. **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Thank you for the review! > The DC crew is one of the best design-build teams in the business. Dan Cooper is talented leader with exacting standards and incredible vision. We are grateful and proud to be a part of their team. **★★★★★ — Integrity Floors LLC, April 2020** > Avante Garde develops products with trend setting designers and sources at the factory level to you have access to not just the best quality floors but also the best looking. There are 1000s of places to purchase floors but as a professional we rely on Avant Garde for great floors and great service to deliver the best floors for our clients. **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > We are honored to work with a team of professional craftsman who hold true to their name... Integrity Floors. Thank you Corey for the nice review. You've been holding out on us with these amazing project photos! HAHA. Gorgeous work. We are delighted to partner with your business! All the best to you and your team. **★★★★★ — Designs by Kian, April 2020** > Shad and I are in flooring business, there were times that I was his client and times that I provided him with my services. > What I always admire about Shad is his high demand of quality for his clients, coupled with his attention to detail, a super friendly personality made every project a pleasure to work with Avant Garde and Shad. **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > This review means a lot Kian. I have never met a more creative wood floor designer than Kian. Since his early days in interior design school, he tells me his apartment was full of paint and stain, bleach and natural tannin reactive chemicals like iron, copper, salts, ammonia to create naturally aged and internal color effects "within" the wood. What we all love about wood is its "natural" characteristics, but when you meet Kian you realize its not just wood... it's a designer's canvas created by God and crafted by man. How cool is that!? **★★★★★ — Jane Tollett, April 2020** > Shad and Leanne had a flooring selection of such breadth and quality that I could not find elsewhere. They were super knowledgeable about all their products, and amazingly patient as I ended up bringing home at least 20 different samples. They recommended an installer who did a beautiful job. The end result is so gorgeous and while under budget, far exceeded my expectations. **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Hi Jane! We couldn't be happier to hear that you are so pleased with your floor. It was truly a pleasure to work with you and see your project come together so beautifully. Love the black doors and beautiful brushed hardware. Great design combination! **★★★★★ — Robyn Anderson, April 2020** > Avant Garde is an amazing company! I recently built a custom home and the choices were overwhelming. As soon as I entered Avant Garde I had a great feeling and was incredibly impressed by the unique products and customer service. Shad went above and beyond throughout the entire process assisting with samples, product knowledge and design advice. I found the most beautiful European Oak floors with a gray stain and natural tones that was a solid base for my modern home. Installed it brings so much depth and warmth to my home and has truly been a decision that I was most confident in from first glance to now. Shad was wonderful to work with and still is so generous with his time with any questions on maintenance. I know I will enjoy these gorgeous floors for years to come and thank you for making this process seamless! **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Hi Robyn, thank you so much for the thoughtful review. It has been our pleasure to work with you and to participate as one element of your beautifully designed home. We are grateful for customers like you and wish you the very best in your new home! **★★★★★ — Touch of Beauty Carpeting, April 2020** > Shad and I have worked on multiple projects the past few years he is knowledgeable and prompt he follows the job order to finish. Highly recommend their services **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Hi Jim, it is a pleasure to work with you and your team on high end projects around the Chicago area. Without professional craftsman like yourself, we would not be able to do what we do. Thank you for the thoughtful review. **★★★★★ — Jason Warren, April 2020** > Shad was an absolute pleasure to work with. His knowledge of the hardwood landscape helped guide us toward a product that was super high end looking but didn’t break the bank. I would refer him to anyone looking at quality hardwood or engineered product. Don’t be fooled by the big box stores. **★★★★★ — Dannie McLaughlin, April 2020** > We were truly delighted with Avant Garde in their sales and design service as well as their flooring product. The owner and staff were wonderful to work with and their installer did a perfect job. We have had so many compliments on our flooring and have referred several folks to Avant Garde. We would definitely hire them again for any future wood flooring work. **Comment from Avant Garde Wood Floors:** > Hi Dannie, > The European oak floor you selected is one of our absolute favorites. What a beautiful home! Thank you for sharing your kind words and the beautiful photos. It was an absolute pleasure working with you. ## Selected projects - [Olympia Custom Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/olympia-custom-remodel-pj-vj~7486547) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Oregon Custom Home - European Oak Floors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oregon-custom-home-european-oak-floors-pj-vj~6509713) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Lake Tapps, WA Custom Flooring](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-tapps-wa-custom-flooring-pj-vj~6476021) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Olympic Peninsula Luxury - Custom Walnut](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/olympic-peninsula-luxury-custom-walnut-pj-vj~6436089) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Eugene, Oregon Dream Home - Coburg Hills Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eugene-oregon-dream-home-coburg-hills-estate-pj-vj~6355813) - Location: Eugene, OR - Photos: 6 - [Fox Island Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fox-island-beach-house-pj-vj~6139674) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Gig Harbor - Henderson Bay House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gig-harbor-henderson-bay-house-pj-vj~6139654) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Zendesk Office - San Francisco - White Ash Flooring](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zendesk-office-san-francisco-white-ash-flooring-pj-vj~5935999) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: Zendesk software company's San Francisco, CA based corporate office designed with a modern, Scandinavian design. The wood floors we created for this project are 7" wide select grade Ash with a white washed stain and matte water-based polyurethane finish. - [Denver Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/denver-loft-pj-vj~5928483) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Eugene, OR - Encore Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eugene-or-encore-home-pj-vj~5928495) - Location: Eugene, OR - Photos: 7 - [Cottonwood Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottonwood-barn-pj-vj~5935994) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Bend, Oregon - Elysian Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bend-oregon-elysian-home-pj-vj~5928506) - Location: Powell Butte, OR - Photos: 5 - [Gig Harbor - Custom Waterfront Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gig-harbor-custom-waterfront-home-pj-vj~5928528) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [Maple & Ash Restaurant-Chicago](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maple-and-ash-restaurant-chicago-pj-vj~5936006) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Maple & Ash is an innovative take on the traditional steakhouse – mixing a modern aesthetic with authentic service to deliver classic wood-fired dishes. Developer (design-build firm) Centaur Construction pulled off an exceptional restaurant space co-designing with Avant Garde Wood Floors an 8' long chevron plank floor to fit within the design flawlessly. We used a sawn texture, light smoking process and oil finishes to create a naturally aged look that will last under the wear and tear of a rest… - [Salt Spring Island, British Columbia Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/salt-spring-island-british-columbia-home-pj-vj~5935978) - Location: Salt Spring Island, BC - Photos: 11 [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/flooring-contractors/avant-garde-wood-floors-pfvwus-pf~92312397) ## Ideabooks - [Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137759129/list/inspiration) — 3 ideas - [shadgates's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2808440/list/shadgates-s-ideas) — 99 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/shadgates) ## Community Q&A **Q: What brand and color flooring** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking for white european engineered wood flooring. Have Garrison-walden and Nuvelle Colossus Linen, but feel they are too flat A: https://rewardflooring.com/collections/urbano/products/urbano-euro-oak-milano **Q: Floor** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please tell me the exact floor this is from your collection? Thank you so much! A: Hi @jeninvt This is a floor I would like to tell you more about via email. will you send me a quick note at shad@avantgardefloors.com? **Q: Shirley** *(in Photo Questions)* Are engineered hardwood floore better than laminate? A: Engineered hardwood floors are real wood veneers laminated to a plywood core. They have been perceived by many to be lower quality and in fact some are low quality but the reason they were created was to allow for a wider plank with good stability. When you have a wide plank solid wood floor it tends to move with relative humidity changes. Quality engineered hardwoods will have a thicker wear layer so the floor can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Laminate floors are plastic with a printed photo of wood on the surface. They can look nice and be quite durable but definitely not a real hardwood product. They are much cheaper and less "high end" then quality engineered wood floors. Shad Gates - Avant Garde Wood Floors, Gig Harbor, WA. **Q: What type of siding is used in this photo of the Mill River studio by Feldman Architecture? I love it.** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of siding is used in this photo of the Mill River studio by Feldman Architecture? I love it. A: Siding is Windswept new sustainable weathered wood distributed by Harvest Timber Specialty Products www.harvest-timber.com --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-05.*