The role of compliance documentation in ensuring the quality of engineered timber flooring

When shopping for engineered timber flooring, it is important to consider the quality of the product and whether it meets certain standards for performance and safety. One way to determine the quality of engineered timber flooring is by looking for compliance documentation, which is a set of documents that provide evidence that the product meets certain requirements or standards. 

There are several types of compliance documentation that are relevant to engineered timber flooring, including: 

 

  1. Product certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product has been tested and meets certain performance standards, such as strength, stability, and durability. This is typically provided by an independent testing organisation or a professional association. 
  2. Environmental certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product has been made in an environmentally responsible way, such as by using sustainable materials or energy-efficient manufacturing processes. This can be provided by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). 
  3. Health and safety certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product is safe for use in the home and does not contain any harmful substances. This can be provided by organisations such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or the European Union’s E1 Emissions Standard. 

By looking for these types of compliance documentation, you can ensure that the engineered timber flooring you are considering is of high quality and meets certain standards for performance, environmental responsibility, and health and safety. This can give you peace of mind and help you make an informed purchase decision. 

To review our compliance documents, you can view these under our downloads section here.

 

The history and evolution of engineered timber flooring

Engineered timber flooring is a relatively new type of flooring that has gained popularity in recent years. Here is a brief overview of the history and evolution of engineered timber flooring:

 

  1. Early history: The concept of engineered wood dates back to the 19th century, when it was first used in the construction of ships and airplanes. However, it was not until the 20th century that the idea of using engineered wood for flooring began to emerge.
  2. Introduction of plywood: In the 1930s, the first types of engineered wood flooring, known as plywood, were introduced. Plywood was made from thin layers of wood that were glued together in a cross-laminate configuration, which made it more stable than solid wood.
  3. Development of parquet flooring: In the 1950s and 1960s, parquet flooring, which was made from small pieces of wood arranged in a geometric pattern, became popular. Parquet flooring was often made from engineered wood, as it was more stable and easier to install than solid wood.
  4. Advancements in manufacturing: In the 1980s and 1990s, advancements in manufacturing technology led to the development of new types of engineered wood flooring, such as laminate flooring and floating wood floors. These products were made from a combination of wood and synthetic materials, which made them more affordable and easier to install than traditional wood flooring.
  5. Modern engineered timber flooring: Today, engineered timber flooring is made from layers of wood that are fused together using high-pressure techniques. This makes it more stable and durable than ever before, and it is available in a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes.

Overall, the history of engineered timber flooring has been one of continuous innovation and improvement, leading to the high-quality, versatile flooring products that are available on the market today.

The environmental benefits of engineered timber flooring

Engineered timber flooring can be a more environmentally-friendly flooring option compared to some other types of flooring. Here are some of the environmental benefits of choosing engineered timber flooring for your home:

 

  1. Sustainable sourcing: Many engineered timber flooring products are made from wood that is sourced from sustainably-managed forests, which helps to preserve natural forests and promote responsible forestry practices.
  2. Recycled materials: Some engineered timber flooring products are made from recycled materials, such as sawdust or recycled wood fibers, which reduces waste and conserves resources.
  3. Long lifespan: Engineered timber flooring is a durable and long-lasting flooring option, which means it can be used for many years before needing to be replaced. This reduces the amount of flooring material that needs to be produced, transported, and disposed of over time.
  4. Low VOC emissions: Many engineered timber flooring products have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which means they release fewer harmful chemicals into the air when installed. This can improve indoor air quality and contribute to a healthier home environment.
  5. Can be recycled: When it comes time to replace your engineered timber flooring, the wood can be recycled or repurposed, further reducing its environmental impact.

In summary, choosing engineered timber flooring for your home can offer a range of environmental benefits, including sustainable sourcing, the use of recycled materials, a long lifespan, low VOC emissions, and the ability to be recycled.

At Vienna Woods we committed to continually improving our commitment to sustainability. This is an ever evolving promise to source and work with suppliers who are committed to developing and delivering more sustainable products. We are proud to share some of the certificates our products have received as a part of this process.

The different finishes available for engineered timber flooring

One of the great things about engineered timber flooring is the variety of finishes available, which can help you achieve the desired look and feel for your home. Here are some of the different finishes available for engineered timber flooring:

 

  1. Matte finish: A matte finish has a smooth, non-reflective surface that gives the flooring a more natural, understated look. It is a good choice for areas with lower traffic or for homeowners who want a more subdued look.
  2. Satin finish: A satin finish has a slightly glossy appearance that adds a touch of shine to the flooring. It is a good choice for areas with moderate traffic, as it is more resistant to scratches and scuffs than a matte finish.
  3. Gloss finish: A gloss finish has a highly reflective surface that gives the flooring a shiny, polished appearance. It is a good choice for formal or elegant spaces, but may show scratches and scuffs more easily than other finishes.
  4. Hand-scraped finish: A hand-scraped finish is achieved by manually scraping the surface of the wood to give it a distressed, rustic appearance. It is a good choice for homes with a traditional or antique look.
  5. Wire-brushed finish: A wire-brushed finish is achieved by running a wire brush over the surface of the wood to create a textured, rough appearance. It is a good choice for a more rustic or casual look.
  6. Distressed finish: A distressed finish is achieved by creating artificial imperfections, such as dents or scratches, in the surface of the wood. It is a good choice for a shabby chic or vintage look.

By considering the different finishes available for engineered timber flooring, you can find a product that fits the style and aesthetic of your home.

The benefits of European-made engineered timber flooring

European-made engineered timber flooring is known for its high quality and attention to detail. Here are some of the benefits of choosing European-made engineered timber flooring for your home:

 

  1. Superior craftsmanship: European manufacturers are known for their attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality products. This is reflected in the craftsmanship of European-made engineered timber flooring, which is often superior to products made in other parts of the world.
  2. Strict manufacturing standards: European countries have strict manufacturing standards in place, which ensure that products are made to a high level of quality and safety. This is particularly important when it comes to flooring, as it is an integral part of your home and needs to be durable and long-lasting.
  3. Wide range of styles: European manufacturers offer a wide range of styles and finishes for engineered timber flooring, allowing you to choose a product that fits the look and feel of your home.
  4. Sustainable sourcing: Many European manufacturers source their wood from sustainably-managed forests, making their products more environmentally-friendly. You can read more about our product sustainability here.
  5. Long warranty periods: European-made engineered timber flooring often comes with longer warranty periods, giving you added peace of mind and protection against defects or issues with the flooring.  Check out our product warranties below.

In summary, choosing European-made engineered timber flooring for your home offers superior craftsmanship, strict manufacturing standards, a wide range of styles, sustainable sourcing, and long warranty periods. All of these factors contribute to the overall quality and value of the product.

Our Product Warranties